YuMi® robots join human co-workers to make ABB’s newest electrical socket
Ede, The Netherlands, June 8, 2017 - ABB, the pioneering technology leader, today announced the installation of three YuMi robots on a new production line at its electrification products plant in Ede, the Netherlands.
Designed for use in small parts assembly, the three YuMi robots will assemble a new cavity wall socket dubbed HW52-F. Thanks to its inherently safe design, the collaborative dual arm robot solution will ensure the safety of those around it and elevate the nature of work at the plant by performing repetitive tasks to perfection.
"Digitalization and automation have a big impact on many industries. Not only in the production of equipment, but also in assembly. Increasingly we will see that parts of buildings are already assembled and delivered to the building site, improving productivity and quality,” said Uneto-VNI President Doekle Terpstra. Uneto-VNI is the Netherlands’ leading association of technology installers and component part retailers. “At the same time, increasing use of robots will shift the focus of our workers from dull, repetitive jobs to more rewarding, higher-skilled and higher-paying positions. It is a win-win situation for our local manufacturing base that will lead to continued growth.”
Many industries today have shifted from making large volumes of the same products for a long time to making smaller lots of greater variety, and for shorter product cycles. Many manufacturers are finding that older, fixed production lines are no longer flexible enough to quickly and efficiently adapt production. Collaborative robots such as YuMi allow manufacturers to react with agility to new growth opportunities and shorter product cycles.
The installation follows the successful implementation of a collaborative automation solution with YuMi at ABB’s factory in the Czech Republic. ABB has boosted the productivity and flexibility of its electrical socket assembly by allowing people and robots to work together on shared tasks.
About the HW52-F cavity wall socket
The new HW52-F cavity wall socket was launched on April 1, 2017. A cavity wall socket is used to connect wires with other wires and with switches and sockets. The new HW52-F is easily connected, installed, and can be placed flush to the wall. A new production and mechanization line had to be established for this product. The socket can be made airtight and soundproof with an insert. A fire-resistant version is also available.
ABB Electrification Products Ede
ABB Electrification Products Ede, located in the center of the Netherlands manufacturers plastic products for the installation industry including sockets and consumer units. The business’ expertise is in injection-moulding techniques that have been developed and nurtured in-house, with a reputation within our markets for being in the vanguard of research and development. ABB is market leader for consumer units in the Netherlands.
For more information, please contact:
Division Communications
Lynette Jackson, Electrification Products division
Tel: +41 793839510
lynette.jackson@ch.abb.com
ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zurich
Switzerland
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing more than a 125-year history of innovation, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 132,000 employees. www.abb.com
