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Collaborative robot family with higher payload and speed
ABB Robotics introduces PoWa cobots with industrial-grade performance, enabling high-speed, high-payload automation for flexible manufacturing applications.
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ABB Robotics has launched the PoWa cobot series, a new family of collaborative robots designed to meet industrial-grade performance standards while maintaining the safety and flexibility of human-robot collaboration. This launch addresses the requirements of a global market projected to grow by 20% annually through 2028. The series provides six payload categories, ranging from 7 kg to 30 kg, specifically engineered for high-throughput environments such as arc welding, palletizing, and high-speed machine tending.
Industrial-Grade Performance and Kinematics
The PoWa family is designed to eliminate the performance limitations typically associated with collaborative robotics, such as restricted velocity and low load capacity. Technical benchmarks for the series include:
- Velocity and Reach: The robots achieve a best-in-class top speed of up to 5.8 m/s. Combined with the industry’s longest reach in its class, this allows for the automation of larger workspaces without the footprint of traditional industrial cages.
- Payload Versatility: With a maximum payload of 30 kg and the highest arm load capacity currently on the market, the PoWa series enables the handling of heavier parts previously reserved for dedicated industrial robots.
- Motion Control: Powered by the ABB OmniCore controller, the system delivers high-precision motion control and sub-millimeter repeatability, essential for complex tasks like precision screwdriving.
AI Integration and Simplified Deployment
The software architecture of the PoWa series focuses on reducing the technical barrier to entry for complex automation. The robots are compatible with ABB’s automotive data ecosystem, utilizing AI-powered software suites to enhance autonomy.
Key integration features include:
The software architecture of the PoWa series focuses on reducing the technical barrier to entry for complex automation. The robots are compatible with ABB’s automotive data ecosystem, utilizing AI-powered software suites to enhance autonomy.
Key integration features include:
- Rapid Commissioning: Through plug-and-play connectivity and an extensive third-party accessory ecosystem, units can be operational within one hour of unboxing.
- Intuitive Programming: The system utilizes Wizard Easy Programming and RobotStudio®, allowing for no-code setup and programmable buttons on the arm-side interface.
- Adaptive Intelligence: As part of ABB’s Autonomous and Versatile Robotics (AVR) vision, the PoWa family is designed to learn and plan independently, increasing its ability to handle variable tasks in dynamic environments.
Technical Application and System Versatility
The compact footprint of the PoWa family allows for deployment in space-constrained facilities where traditional guarding is not feasible. By combining industrial-grade connectivity with collaborative safety features, manufacturers can automate heavier processes at higher speeds. This capability supports the transition toward more autonomous production lines, where multi-skilled robots can be quickly redeployed across different stages of the digital supply chain as production demands shift.
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
The compact footprint of the PoWa family allows for deployment in space-constrained facilities where traditional guarding is not feasible. By combining industrial-grade connectivity with collaborative safety features, manufacturers can automate heavier processes at higher speeds. This capability supports the transition toward more autonomous production lines, where multi-skilled robots can be quickly redeployed across different stages of the digital supply chain as production demands shift.
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
