ABB provides a complete range of robots for high-tech kitchen factory

ABB Robotics has been selected by Nobia – a leading kitchen specialist in Europe – to supply robotic automation solutions for their new factory in Jönköping, Sweden.

“ABB's contribution to Nobia’s new state-of-the-art factory clearly illustrates how we are helping companies unlock flexible automation to transform their business, supporting with unique global industry expertise and innovative, tailormade products,” said Andrea Cassoni, managing director for general industry at ABB Robotics. “Working with Nobia, our robotics solutions will enable fast mass-production of customised kitchens, meeting consumers’ increased demand for tailored and personalized product choices.”

The supply of ABB robots will enable Nobia to achieve its vision for more flexible and more automated manufacturing that’s capable of producing customised products at scale. By taking on the dull, dirty and sometimes dangerous tasks, the range of robots will enable Nobia’s workers to take on safer, more rewarding work.

The robots included are IRB 7600, ideal for heavy applications, IRB 4600, a general-purpose robot that increases production capacity and improves productivity, and IRB 6700, which ABB claims is the highest-performance robot in the 150–300-kilogram class, taking on average about 2.5 tons per day off the shoulders of an employee. The robots will enable the factory to produce customized cabinets with 75-80% higher efficiency (time) in comparison to non-automated processes.

Combining ABB’s technological leadership in automation with Nobia’s segment insights and knowledge of their customers’ needs, the relationship will lead to more flexible and digitalised manufacturing processes. Together, the companies strengthen the competence development within automation for the region around Jönköping. In the local area, ABB Robotics will support and educate Nobia’s existing and future employees as well as students at Jönköping University and neighbouring Linköping University. The training will be held in ABB Robotics’ recently opened training centre in Jönköping.

“We are very excited about this partnership with ABB,” said Jon Sintorn, CEO, Nobia. “We are building a future-proof, high-capacity factory that will support our leading position. It is a real game changer for the whole industry. The factory will manufacture customised, made-to-order kitchens at the highest speed and at the same time highest possible quality.

“The unique combination of technique solutions combined with our expertise will enable us to offer kitchens with leading design, and sustainability performance to customers in the Nordic region. To achieve this we will utilise ABB’s market leading technology for highly automated and flexible processes, and extensive logistics consolidation.”