About the ABB GoFa
ABB GoFa is a collaborative robot family engineered to deliver genuine industrial speed and precision while working safely beside people. With payload options of 5, 10, and 12 kilograms and class-leading reach, GoFa handles demanding applications like machine tending, palletizing, assembly, and material handling at cycle times that outpace typical cobots. Torque sensors in every joint provide sensitive collision detection, allowing the robot to share workspace with operators without fencing in appropriately assessed applications, while integrated safety functions meet stringent collaborative standards. GoFa inherits ABB’s decades of industrial robot expertise, including the OmniCore controller, RobotStudio offline programming, and the global service network that supports ABB’s massive installed base. Lead-through programming and the intuitive Wizard easy programming tool make deployment accessible to non-specialists, while full RAPID programming serves advanced integration. For manufacturers who want one robot family that combines the flexibility of collaboration with the throughput and durability of traditional industrial automation, GoFa delivers both without compromise.
Key Specifications
- Payloads of 5, 10, and 12 kg
- Industrial-class speed and repeatability
- Joint torque sensors throughout
- Fence-free collaborative operation
- OmniCore controller platform
- RobotStudio offline programming
- Wizard easy programming tool
- Global ABB service network
High-Speed Machine Tending Cells
Factories use GoFa to tend CNC machines and presses where its industrial speed keeps pace with fast cycle times that slower cobots cannot match. The robot loads raw parts and unloads finished pieces continuously, with torque sensing ensuring safety when operators approach. ABB’s application software simplifies multi-machine layouts, maximizing spindle utilization across shifts.
Collaborative Assembly Workstations
Electronics and consumer goods manufacturers deploy GoFa alongside workers in assembly cells, where the robot handles repetitive, precise, or ergonomically taxing steps while people manage judgment-intensive tasks. The fence-free design allows shared benches and easy task handover. Force-limited motion protects operators, and quick teaching lets cells adapt to frequent product changes.
End-Of-Line Palletizing Solutions
Food and logistics operations use the 10 and 12 kilogram GoFa models to stack cases and cartons at end of line. Class-leading reach covers full pallet heights, and collaborative operation means the palletizer installs beside conveyors without safety cages consuming floor space. Operators clear full pallets safely while the robot pauses and resumes automatically.
Laboratory And Testing Automation
Testing laboratories and quality departments use GoFa to load instruments, handle samples, and execute repetitive test sequences with industrial reliability. Precise, repeatable motion improves measurement consistency, and safe collaboration lets technicians work beside the robot in busy labs. RobotStudio simulation validates programs offline before deployment, minimizing disruption to validated processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payloads does GoFa offer?
GoFa is available in 5, 10, and 12 kilogram payload variants with reaches suited to applications from assembly to palletizing. This range lets manufacturers standardize on one collaborative platform across multiple processes, simplifying training, spares, and programming knowledge.
How fast is GoFa compared to cobots?
GoFa achieves significantly higher speeds than most collaborative robots, with industrial-class motion performance. This makes it suitable for cycle-time-sensitive applications like machine tending and palletizing where typical cobots would become the production bottleneck.
Does it require safety fencing?
GoFa’s joint torque sensors and certified safety functions enable fence-free operation in appropriately risk-assessed applications. The robot stops safely on unexpected contact, allowing shared workspaces, though each installation requires assessment of tooling, parts, and environment.
How is GoFa programmed?
Users can program GoFa through lead-through hand guidance, the Wizard graphical tool for simple tasks, or ABB’s full RAPID language for advanced applications. RobotStudio enables offline programming and simulation, so programs are developed and tested without stopping production.
What controller does it use?
GoFa runs on ABB’s OmniCore controller platform, shared across ABB’s robot range. This provides high-performance motion control, extensive connectivity, and a migration path to larger ABB robots, while keeping the programming environment consistent for multi-robot facilities.
Can it integrate with vision systems?
Yes, GoFa integrates with ABB’s vision solutions and third-party systems for guided picking, inspection, and assembly verification. Standardized interfaces and ABB’s application software reduce vision integration effort, enabling robust handling of parts presented with positional variation.
What support network is available?
ABB’s global service network supports GoFa with local technicians, spare parts, training, and application engineering in most industrial regions. This infrastructure, built around ABB’s enormous installed base, provides long-term security for production-critical deployments.
Is GoFa suitable for small businesses?
Yes, GoFa’s easy programming tools and collaborative design suit small manufacturers automating their first processes, while its speed and ABB heritage satisfy demanding industrial users. Application kits for common tasks further reduce the expertise needed to deploy successfully.
