Keep your production running at peak performance

Designed for continuous, uninterrupted production, machine tending applications seamlessly transfer workpieces from one process  the next. By automating loading, unloading and part handling across production equipment, machine tending transforms individual machines into connected production steps, enabling manufacturers to scale efficiency without added complexity.

Solving production challenges

Overcoming labor and skills shortages

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Improving productivity and machine utilization

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Integrating seamlessly across legacy and modern machinery

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Space-efficient solutions for a variety of shop floors

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Enhancing safety and collaboration

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Supporting flexible production environments

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An all-in-one cell for maximum collaboration

The OmniVance™ Collaborative Machine Tending Cell is a compact, all‑in‑one automation solution designed to streamline machine tending operations. Combining GoFa ™  collaborative robot with an integrated tray system, safety components and intuitive software, OmniVance™ delivers a flexible, ready‑to‑use setup. It enables fast deployment with minimal installation effort and no need for advanced robotics expertise

Configuration options include:

  1. GoFa™ collaborative robot

    Collaborative robot ideal for fenceless applications where safety and collaboration are key.

  2. RobotStudio®

    Software suite that enables the simulation of complete machine tending applications from scratch. It allows users to develop, deploy and test up to 95% of the application in a digital environment, even without having the physical robot.

  3. Ecosystem components

    Integrated and proven ecosystem components combine gripper technology, safety systems and application know‑how into one complete system.

Flexible system for customized and heavy-duty applications

The FlexLoader™ Feeding Functional Module is a modular, standardized platform for flexible part feeding and handling. It supports pallet, bin and conveyor-based operations, enabling reliable pick‑and‑place of a wide range of parts — including heavier and more complex components. With its configurable design and dual feeding options, it allows manufacturers and system integrators to tailor automation setups to specific application requirements.

Designed primarily for system integrators, delivering a pre‑tested, validated and standardized feeding system based on over 20 years of machine tending experience. It includes all essential hardware and software required for reliable feeding operations — while allowing full flexibility to design and customize the complete machine tending application.

Tailor your setup

  1. Robot

    Choose the robot that best fits your needs — industrial, powered by the V250XT controller, or collaborative. Optimize productivity, flexibility and performance for your application.

  2. Feeding system

    Choose conveyor, pallet or a mix to match your production flow. Dual feeding options enable continuous operation and maximize productivity.

  3. Vision systems

    Pre-engineered control and vision system ensuring reliable operation and seamless robot guidance. Delivered as a compliant, ready‑to‑deploy unit (CE or UL).

  4. FlexLoader Vision

    Optional vision capabilities for precise detection and picking of parts. Available in 2D or 3D configurations to match application complexity.

  5. Periphery

    Select additional components such as grippers, dress packs and calibration tools. Ensures precise handling and compatibility with different applications.

Why choose ABB Robotics for machine tending

<p>ABB Robotics combines proven technology, application expertise and global support to deliver reliable and scalable machine tending solutions. From design and simulation to deployment and lifecycle services, ABB helps reduce risk, accelerate time to market and ensure long-term performance across your production.</p>

Proven machine tending expertise

<p>Built on 50+ years of robotics expertise and 20+ years of application experience, integrated across ABB robots, software, and solutions.</p>

Global service and support

<p>Local service, spare parts availability and application support to ensure continuous operation.</p>

Faster time to market

<p>Design, simulate and validate applications with RobotStudio®, reducing engineering time and deployment risk.</p>

Machine tending in action

Example Use Cases

CNC Machines (Computer Numerical Control), Casting Machines (Die Casting, Sand Casting, etc.), Injection Molding Machines, Assembly Machines, Robotic Welding Stations, Packaging Machines, 3D Printers (Additive Manufacturing), Laser Cutting Machines

Frequently asked questions

Machine tending is ideal for automating repetitive loading and unloading tasks, improving productivity and ensuring consistent output. It is especially suitable for SMEs and high-mix, changing production environments where flexibility and efficient use of resources are key.

Machine tending reduces idle time and enables continuous operation, significantly improving machine utilization and overall throughput. By selecting the right robot and setup, cycle times can be optimized to match the required production speed and output.

Return on investment is typically achieved within 18 to 24 months, depending on the application. Improvements in productivity, uptime and reduced manual effort drive consistent and measurable results.

The choice depends on your application requirements, particularly part size, payload and safety conditions. Collaborative robots such as PoWa™ and GoFa™ are ideal for applications where operators work close to the system and fenceless operation is required. The process involves hazards — such as cutting or grinding — or requires handling heavier parts beyond collaborative capabilities, an industrial robot powered by the OmniCore™ V250XT controller is recommended. In enclosed cells, this can also be a more cost‑effective option.

In most cases, operators can be trained within one day to safely and efficiently use the system. This enables fast adoption and smooth integration into daily production.

Machine tending supports a wide range of parts, from 50 g up to 150 kg, depending on the selected robot and configuration. It can handle materials such as steel, aluminum, cast iron, plastic, brass and magnesium, as well as different surface finishes

Yes, machine tending systems are designed with scalability in mind. The application can be reconfigured to support additional machines, and future expansion can also be planned already during the initial system design.

A machine tending system is not limited to a fixed number of machines. The setup is always designed based on your production requirements, meaning it can be configured to tend a single machine or multiple machines within one system.

For pre-configured parts, changeovers can typically be completed within minutes. This allows fast switching between products while maintaining continuous production and minimizing downtime.

Both options are available. Systems can be implemented with safety fencing for hazardous processes, or as collaborative setups where safety scanners and ABB SafeMove ensure safe interaction between operators and the robot.