ABB Robotics to showcase advanced automation at MACH 2026, including collaborative cells for arc welding and machine tending and Flexloader™ FP800, a compact pallet-based 3D vision-enabled industrial solution for picking of stacked parts
Visitors can also discover RobotStudio® digital tools and ABB Robotics’ modernization services for upgrading and optimizing existing automation systems
ABB Robotics will be demonstrating a range of advanced automation technologies at MACH 2026, highlighting how manufacturers can boost productivity, improve flexibility and accelerate digital transformation through more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVR™). On stand 18-640 in Hall 18, visitors will experience the latest developments in collaborative robots, industrial automation cells, digital engineering tools and lifecycle service and support offerings for metals fabrication applications.
“Demand for automation in metal fabrication is accelerating, especially for welding applications where 29 percent of manufacturers have identified automation as a major priority to help them meet a shortfall in skilled manual workers [1],” said Alan Conn, Managing Director – ABB Robotics UK & Ireland. “This trend reflects a growing need for the industry to embrace robotic automation to improve productivity and address ongoing skilled labour shortages.”
Exhibits will include examples of ABB’s OmniVance collaborative Arc Welding and Machine Tending application cells. The arc welding cell will show how welding operations can be automated quickly and easily using a collaborative robot. Designed for high-mix, low-volume production environments, the cell enables operators to program welding sequences in minutes using an intuitive Easy Teach Device, reducing programming time and making robotic welding accessible even to first-time users.
The collaborative machine tending solution will demonstrate how cobots can automate repetitive loading and unloading tasks. Based on standardized hardware and intuitive interfaces, the cell simulates a typical machine tending process, enabling operators to manage production through a simple teach-and-run approach.
Alongside the OmniVance cells will be ABB Robotics’ FlexLoader™ FP800 high-performance robotic cell, highlighting how manufacturers can automate complex material handling tasks while maintaining flexibility and high productivity. Using advanced 3D vision technology, the cell demonstrates a semi-structured bin picking application, showing robots identifying and picking randomly oriented components.
The stand will also showcase ABB Robotics’ digital capabilities, with demonstrations of RobotStudio®, the industry-leading offline simulation and programming software tool. RobotStudio enables manufacturers to design, program and optimize robotic systems in a virtual environment before deployment, reducing commissioning time and improving production efficiency.
Supplementing these demonstrations will be a focus on ABB Robotics’ Modernization Services showing how ABB Robotics can help manufacturers to combine robotics, digital engineering tools and lifecycle services, including upgrades and optimization, to build smarter, more flexible factories and remain competitive in an increasingly automated manufacturing landscape.
Source: FMA survey reveals robust demand for metal fabrication automation
