Sheridan unveils the first ABB YuMi robot in Canada

Dec. 15, 2015 – Sheridan College’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Design Technologies (CAMDT) is the first facility in Canada to acquire ABB’s YuMi robot. A special event to unveil and showcase YuMi’s capabilities was held yesterday at Sheridan’s Brampton, Ont., campus.

YuMi, according to ABB, is the world’s first “truly collaborative robot” and is designed for small parts assembly, able to work side-by-side on the same tasks as humans while ensuring the safety of those around it. ABB says YuMi represents a major gain in advanced manufacturing, showcasing how the robot’s abilities can combine with human intelligence and adaptability to create a more effective manufacturing process. YuMi includes flexible hands, parts feeding systems, camera-based part location and state-of-the-art robot control.

“This acquisition expands the capabilities of our state-of-the-art ABB Robotics Centre, and will provide our students with hands-on experience that will greatly enhance the value and contributions they bring to their future employers,” said Dr. Farzad Rayegani, director of CAMDT and associate dean of the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology. “It is also an important asset in our ongoing work with SME’s on industry projects and applied research.”

The acquisition of YuMi is part of Sheridan’s ongoing educational collaboration with ABB, says the college. YuMi will be integrated into Sheridan’s Engineering curriculum as a “game-changing new tool” to teach students, industry and community SME partners about human-robot interaction. Working closely with ABB, students will interact with YuMi as part of their research and capstone projects with industry partners.

“Robotic automation is the key to transform Canada’s manufacturing industry, a cornerstone of our economy,” said Nathalie Pilon, CEO of ABB in Canada. “Technology innovation is in the DNA of ABB and we are proud to partner with Sheridan College to support the development of a new generation of talent entering the workforce, prepared to take on the next level of productivity in advanced manufacturing.”

The event was attended by a number of Sheridan’s industry partners and local dignitaries, including Brampton mayor Linda Jeffrey.

After touring CAMDT and viewing the demo of YuMi, she said, “By working together, ABB and Sheridan have established a competitive edge for Sheridan graduates, which will help develop a new generation of thought leaders and innovators who can claim Canada’s place as leaders in the global market.”