ABB Robotics has launched its new PoWa collaborative robot family, expanding its cobot portfolio with higher payloads, greater speed, and a stronger focus on industrial production environments.
The PoWa range covers payloads from 7kg to 30kg and reaches top speeds of up to 5.8 m/s on selected models. ABB said the range is intended for applications including machine tending, palletising, screwdriving, and arc welding, where conventional cobots can struggle to deliver the speed or payload required.
Andrea Cassoni, Head of Collaborative Robots at ABB Robotics, said: “These customers are seeking higher speeds and payloads, but also greater ease of use, and compact designs.”
The company said PoWa combines collaborative operation with industrial-grade performance, aiming to narrow the gap between lighter-duty cobots and conventional industrial robots. The range is designed for both smaller manufacturers introducing automation and larger companies looking to automate heavier, faster cycle tasks without adopting a more rigid cell architecture than the application requires.
PoWa is built on ABB’s OmniCore controller platform and integrates with the company’s software portfolio, including RobotStudio and Wizard Easy Programming. ABB said the robots support no-code programming, arm-side programmable buttons, and compatibility with a wide range of third-party accessories. The company added that the systems can be unboxed and operational within an hour.
The launch comes as manufacturers continue to look for automation platforms that can be deployed more quickly and adapted more easily across multiple tasks. Higher payload collaborative robots have become a more active part of that discussion, particularly where labour availability, floor space, and changeover time remain constraints.
ABB said the new family forms part of its wider push toward more autonomous and versatile robotics, with a focus on faster deployment, broader application coverage, and improved usability across production settings.
