Human collaboration with robots is not the future, but today’s reality. On 8 June, ABB Electrification Products in Ede, the Netherlands, started using YuMi robots (designed by ABB) for the assembly of cavity wall sockets. No less than three YuMis are operating there in close partnership with human co-workers.
ABB’s YuMi can be employed for a variety of small parts assembly tasks in conjunction with humans. This compact robot works at a slow speed and has a low payload, but its dual arm design ensures double capacity. For safety reasons, its two arms have no pinching points. This eliminates any danger of the robot injuring its human co-workers’ arms or hands.
Not only does the YuMi present great opportunities for human-robot collaboration, it also allays fears that people will be replaced by robots. “In every industry, whether it’s healthcare, construction or anything else, technology is the decisive factor,” said former labor union leader Doekle Terpstra at the opening ceremony for the ABB wall sockets production line.
“Success or failure is no longer determined by the structure, but by the technical installations that are built in,” added Terpstra, who currently represents Uneto VNI, the Dutch trade association of plumbers, electricians and central heating installers. Terpstra was joined by outgoing Ede mayor Cees van der Knaap at the opening ceremony at ABB Electrification Products.
