ABB UNVEILS COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION TO AUTOMATE MACHINE TENDING PROCESSES

ABB has introduced its new OmniVance™ Collaborative Machine Tending solution, aimed at optimizing and simplifying the automation of CNC machine tending. This development is part of the company's broader strategy to make automation more accessible, safe, and adaptable, particularly in the metalworking and machine tool industries.

The solution features a pre-configured, portable system that integrates the GoFa™ 12 collaborative robot, tray handling system, gripper, and intuitive software. Notably, the unit can be fully installed and operational within one day, making it ideal for flexible manufacturing environments where machines and workflows may frequently change.

ABB states that implementation of this system can reduce machine tending time by up to 60%, allowing operators to focus on higher-value tasks. This translates into significant productivity gains in repetitive but precision-demanding operations.

The core of the system, the GoFa 12 cobot, provides a 1.27-meter reach, a 12 kg payload, and features an IP67 rating, making it suitable for harsh industrial environments. Its advanced power and force limitation functions allow it to work safely side by side with humans, without traditional safety barriers.

The system is designed for ease of use, incorporating ABB’s Wizard Easy Programming—a no-code, block-based tool that enables even untrained users to quickly create and adapt programs. Additionally, ABB’s dedicated WebApp supports self-guided learning, removing the need for professional training in robotics.

Beyond technical functionality, this solution is designed to minimize cost overruns in automation projects. With global service availability, fast spare parts delivery, and continuous updates, ABB ensures that the system remains reliable and up to date over its lifecycle.