Members of the Sutherland Shire business community got to shake hands with the future this week when they met the YuMi industrial robot.
They were given one of Australia’s first demonstrations of the “collaborative” robot that has been designed to work side-by-side with humans.
The small industrial robot has dual arms, flexible hands, camera-based recognition and state-of-the-art precise motion control.
The Southern Strength Agile Manufacturing Network secured a loan of the YuMi robot for practical demonstration at Club Central Menai on Tuesday.
About 50 people attended the demonstration including representatives of the Department of Industry, ANSTO and local manufacturers.
The were shown at the era of the robotic co-worker is here.
The YuMi robot was designed by German company ABB. The company claims its robot will change the way that humans and robot interact.
It backs this up with research that shows that by 2025 the adoption of advanced robots will boost productivity by up to 30 per cent in many industries and lower labor costs by 18 percent or more.
While designed for the electronics industry, the company sees could be used in any small parts assembly environment.
Southern Strength Agile Manufacturing Network spokesman Steve Atherton said those attending were fascinated by the robot and many stayed beyond the demonstration session to get more information.
“It was one of the first times the robot has been shown in the Australia and a coup for the shire to get it,’’ he said.
“It is what the company calls a collaborative robot that works with people. It can’t hurt them. If they put more than a couple of kilos on it, the robot stops.
“They can work side-by-side with the robot without any fear.”
