December 17, 2015 – Sheridan College’s Centre for Advanced Manufacturing & Design Technologies (CAMDT) says its has become the first facility in Canada to acquire ABB’s YuMi robot, which was shown off recently at a special event at the Brampton, Ont., Campus.

“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 & Electrical Engineering Technology.

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Sheridan says YuMi is the world’s first truly collaborative robot; it is designed for small parts assembly and able to work side-by-side on the same tasks as humans while ensuring the safety of those around it. YuMi represents a major gain in advanced manufacturing, Sheridan continues, 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.

“Robotic automation is the key to transform Canada’s manufacturing industry, a cornerstone of our economy,” explained 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 acquisition of YuMi is part of Sheridan’s ongoing educational collaboration with ABB. 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.

PHOTO (left to right): Casey DiBattista, general manager ABB Canada, and Jeff Zabudsky, president of Sheridan College. Photo courtesy Sheridan College.

• Anthony Capkun, Editor • acapkun@annexweb.com •