ABB Expands Collaborative Robotics With High-Speed PoWa Family Launch

• The PoWa cobot line introduces six payload options from 7 kg to 30 kg, with a top speed of 5.8 m/s, extended reach, and increased arm load capacity.
• The system is designed for rapid setup and ease of use, featuring no-code programming, arm-mounted controls, and integration with ABB’s OmniCore platform and software suite.

ABB Robotics has launched its PoWa cobot family, positioning it within a fast-growing collaborative robot segment the company expects to expand at a 20 percent annual rate through 2028. The release responds to demand from both small and mid-sized businesses and larger manufacturers seeking higher speed, payload, and usability in automation systems.

The new range is built to address limitations in existing collaborative robots, particularly around speed and load capacity, while avoiding the complexity of traditional industrial robots. With six payload classes between 7 kg and 30 kg, the robots combine high-speed operation with compact form factors, supporting applications such as machine tending, palletizing, screwdriving, and arc welding in constrained environments.

PoWa runs on ABB’s OmniCore controller platform and connects with tools including Robot Studio and Wizard Easy Programming. The system supports button-based operation directly on the robot arm, no-code setup, and compatibility with third-party accessories. Units can be unboxed and operational within an hour, with plug-and-play integration designed to support fast deployment and continuous operation.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

ABB is positioning PoWa as a middle ground between cobots and industrial robots, focusing on higher speed and payload without adding system complexity. The emphasis on fast setup and no-code use highlights a push to make heavier automation tasks accessible across a wider range of manufacturers.

Source: ABB