ABB cobots occupy a distinctive position in the UK collaborative robot market: technically accomplished, backed by one of the world's largest industrial automation companies, yet often overlooked by first-time buyers who default to Universal Robots on name recognition alone. That gap creates opportunity. Used ABB GoFa and YuMi units circulate at significant discounts, and buyers who understand the ecosystem can access genuinely capable hardware at prices that undercut equivalent UR models on the used market.
This guide covers every ABB collaborative robot available to UK buyers in 2026, from the dual-arm YuMi through the mid-range GoFa to the faster SWIFTI. It includes new and used pricing, what to inspect before buying, how ABB's ecosystem compares to Universal Robots and KUKA, and where to find used units in the UK.
> Quick answer: The ABB GoFa (CRB 15000) is the strongest choice for most UK industrial buyers considering an ABB cobot, with 5 kg payload and a mature RobotStudio software environment. New prices run from £28,000 to £35,000; used units sell for £18,000 to £32,000. For small parts assembly requiring two-handed manipulation, the YuMi (IRB 14000) is unmatched at its price point on the used market, where units sell for £12,000 to £22,000 despite original list prices of £60,000 to £75,000.
The ABB Cobot Range: What Exists and What It Does
ABB's collaborative robot portfolio consists of three distinct products aimed at different task profiles. Understanding what each is designed to do is the first step towards identifying which, if any, fits your application.
ABB GoFa (CRB 15000)
The GoFa is ABB's mainstream collaborative robot and its direct competitor to the Universal Robots UR5e. Launched in 2021, it was designed to bridge the gap between ABB's legacy YuMi (optimised for tiny payloads) and its full industrial range (not certified for collaborative operation).
Key specifications:
- Payload: 5 kg
- Reach: 950 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
- Maximum TCP speed: 2.2 m/s
- IP rating: IP54 (standard), IP67 available
- Collaborative safety: ISO/TS 15066 certified, power and force limiting
The GoFa's 2.2 m/s TCP speed is notably faster than the UR5e (1.0 m/s), which matters for cycle time in machine tending and pick-and-place applications. The repeatability of ±0.05 mm is tighter than most cobots at this payload class, making it suitable for light assembly tasks with tolerances below 0.1 mm.
The controller (OmniCore C30) is compact and integrates with ABB's RobotStudio simulation software, which allows offline programming and virtual commissioning before the physical robot arrives on site. For buyers already using RobotStudio for ABB industrial robots, this is a genuine advantage: programming conventions, tool libraries, and simulation workflows are consistent across the GoFa and ABB's wider range.
UK pricing: New GoFa units are quoted by ABB UK and authorised distributors at approximately £28,000 to £35,000 depending on variant, end-of-arm tooling requirements, and service agreement. Used units on the UK market are currently priced at £18,000 to £32,000, with the range reflecting age, operating hours, and whether the unit comes with controller and teach pendant.
Best for: UK SMEs in electronics assembly, food and beverage, medical device manufacturing, and machine tending. Also strong for buyers already running ABB industrial systems who want cobot capability without switching ecosystems.
ABB YuMi (IRB 14000)
The YuMi is the original ABB cobot and one of the most distinctive robots in the industry. Introduced in 2015, it remains the only widely available dual-arm collaborative robot with genuine market depth on the used side.
Key specifications:
- Configuration: Dual arm, 7 axes per arm
- Payload per arm: 0.5 kg
- Reach per arm: 559 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.02 mm
- Maximum TCP speed: 1.5 m/s per arm
- Collaborative safety: Force sensing in all joints, no external safety fencing required for designed applications
The YuMi's 0.5 kg per arm payload sounds restrictive, but it defines the application rather than limiting it. The dual-arm configuration is the product: two arms that can coordinate to hold a component with one hand and assemble it with the other, eliminating the need for fixtures and jigs that add tooling cost and increase changeover time. It was designed for small electronics assembly, watch and instrument manufacturing, and pharmaceutical packaging, and it performs those tasks in a way that a single-arm cobot simply cannot replicate without extensive fixturing.
The ±0.02 mm repeatability is exceptional and is part of what made the YuMi the default choice for high-precision small parts assembly in tier-one electronics manufacturing through the late 2010s and early 2020s.
UK pricing: New YuMi units are quoted at approximately £60,000 to £75,000 new. This is where the used market becomes compelling. As large electronics manufacturers have refreshed or restructured production lines, a significant number of YuMi units have reached the secondary market. Used UK prices are currently £12,000 to £22,000, representing a 65 to 80 per cent reduction from new list. The condition range is wide: lower-priced units often have high operating hours or incomplete documentation, while well-maintained units with full controller and service history command prices towards the top of the range.
Best for: Electronics assembly, watch and instrument manufacture, pharmaceutical packaging, and any application requiring coordinated two-handed manipulation of components under 500 g. Not suitable for payloads above 0.5 kg per arm or reach beyond 559 mm.
ABB SWIFTI (CRB 1100)
The SWIFTI occupies a different position in ABB's cobot portfolio. Where the GoFa and YuMi are fully collaborative by design, the SWIFTI is a collaborative-capable industrial robot that blurs the line between cobots and traditional small industrial arms.
Key specifications:
- Payload: 4 kg
- Reach: 475 mm or 580 mm
- Repeatability: ±0.01 mm
- Maximum TCP speed: 8.0 m/s
- Collaborative safety: Integrated laser scanner for zone monitoring, power and force limiting
The SWIFTI's 8.0 m/s TCP speed is substantially faster than any other robot in ABB's cobot range and faster than most small industrial robots. This speed, combined with ±0.01 mm repeatability, positions it for high-throughput applications where both speed and precision matter: electronics testing, quality inspection, and fast assembly lines.
The collaborative safety model differs from the GoFa and YuMi. The SWIFTI uses an integrated laser scanner to monitor zones around the robot. When a person enters the monitored zone, the robot reduces speed; when they enter the closer safety zone, it stops. This is SafeMove zone monitoring rather than power and force limiting throughout all axes. The practical implication: the SWIFTI can run at full industrial speed when the workspace is clear, and slow to collaborative speeds when a person is present. For applications that split time between unattended operation and human interaction, this hybrid approach delivers better throughput than a purely power-and-force-limited cobot.
UK pricing: The SWIFTI is less commonly seen on the UK used market than the GoFa or YuMi, partly because it is newer. New pricing is approximately £22,000 to £28,000. Used units, when available, typically sell for £14,000 to £20,000.
Best for: High-speed, high-precision applications with mixed attended and unattended operation. Buyers who need faster cycle times than the GoFa can deliver, or who want industrial precision in a collaborative-capable format.
ABB Cobot Price Comparison Table
| Model | Configuration | Payload | Reach | New UK Price | Used UK Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YuMi (IRB 14000) | Dual arm, 7-axis each | 0.5 kg per arm | 559 mm per arm | £60,000 to £75,000 | £12,000 to £22,000 |
| SWIFTI (CRB 1100) | Single arm, 6-axis | 4 kg | 475/580 mm | £22,000 to £28,000 | £14,000 to £20,000 |
| GoFa (CRB 15000) | Single arm, 6-axis | 5 kg | 950 mm | £28,000 to £35,000 | £18,000 to £32,000 |
Prices are indicative based on UK market data as of Q4 2026 and include the robot arm, controller, and teach pendant where noted by sellers. End-of-arm tooling, integration, and safety assessment are additional costs in all cases.
Used ABB Cobots in the UK: Where They Come From and What to Expect
The UK used ABB cobot market is fed by two main sources. The first is decommissioned units from UK manufacturers, primarily in electronics, automotive components, and pharmaceutical production, where ABB robots were common in tier-one deployments from 2015 onwards. The second is lease-return and demonstration units that ABB UK and authorised distributors cycle through periodically.
YuMi units are the most frequently seen on the UK secondary market, partly because of their age (units from 2016 to 2020 are now mature) and partly because the electronics manufacturing sector has seen significant consolidation and offshoring that released previously captive assets. Condition is variable. Units from well-documented production environments with service records are uncommon but do appear; more frequently, units come without complete documentation, which increases inspection requirements and typically means negotiating on price.
GoFa units are appearing with increasing frequency as early adopters refresh or reconfigure their automation. Because the GoFa was introduced in 2021, used units on the market are relatively young, and condition tends to be better than older YuMi stock.
Browse current used ABB listings alongside the rest of the UK cobot market in the robot database.
What to Check When Buying a Used ABB Cobot
The inspection process for a used ABB cobot differs from a used Universal Robots unit primarily because of ABB's RobotStudio software environment. RobotStudio allows detailed access to controller logs that are not easily accessible through the teach pendant alone.
Controller log via RobotStudio: Request that the seller connects the controller to RobotStudio and exports the system log before purchase. The log reveals total power-on hours, total motion starts (cycle count), and the fault history including any axis errors, collision events, or safety stops. A controller with a clean fault history and cycle count consistent with the seller's claimed usage is a strong positive signal. Unexplained gaps in the log, or a log that has been cleared, warrant careful questioning.
Joint inspection: With the robot powered, run each axis through its full range of motion at slow speed. Listen for grinding, irregular movement, or vibration at any joint. Check the joint covers for physical damage, which can indicate a collision event. The GoFa and YuMi both have integrated joint torque sensors; any axis that shows irregular torque readings in RobotStudio diagnostics should be investigated before agreeing a price.
SafeMove configuration: ABB's SafeMove safety software package is certified to PLd/Cat. 3 under EN ISO 13849. When a used ABB cobot was installed under a UKCA or CE machine safety assessment, the SafeMove configuration is part of that assessment. Ask the seller whether the current SafeMove configuration is certified for the previous installation and whether the certification documentation is available. If you are installing the robot in a different application, you will need a new risk assessment and potentially a new SafeMove configuration. This is not unusual, but it adds cost and time, and buyers should factor it in.
Software licences: ABB RobotWare is licensed to the controller serial number. When you purchase a used ABB cobot, you are also acquiring the RobotWare licence for the installed controller. Confirm the installed RobotWare version (6.x for GoFa and SWIFTI, 5.x for most YuMi units) and whether any additional software options are installed. Options such as RobotWare Assembly, Conveyor Tracking, or Collision Detection are licensed separately. Transfer of these options to a new owner requires engagement with ABB or an authorised distributor, and some options carry a transfer fee. Request the full licence documentation and verify each option before completing the purchase.
Teach pendant condition: The FlexPendant used with ABB cobots is a costly component to replace. Check the screen for dead pixels, scratches, and touch response across the full surface. Test all physical buttons. A teach pendant in poor condition can add £1,500 to £3,000 in replacement cost.
For a complete framework for used robot inspections across all brands, see the used cobot and industrial robot UK buyers guide.
How ABB Cobots Compare to Universal Robots and KUKA
Understanding where ABB cobots sit relative to the two other major players in the UK collaborative robot market helps clarify when they are the right choice and when they are not.
ABB GoFa versus Universal Robots UR5e
These two robots compete directly at similar payload and price points. The UR5e is the bestselling cobot in the UK, which creates a specific set of advantages and disadvantages.
The UR5e advantage is ecosystem breadth. There are more trained UR integrators in the UK than for any other cobot brand, more third-party end-effectors certified for the UR mounting interface, and a larger used market. If you are deploying your first cobot and have no existing robot infrastructure, the UR5e carries lower integration risk.
The GoFa advantage is technical specification and software integration. The GoFa's 2.2 m/s TCP speed is more than double the UR5e's 1.0 m/s, which is material for cycle time in high-throughput applications. RobotStudio's offline programming and simulation capabilities are more mature than URSim. For buyers already running ABB industrial robots, programming conventions and tool libraries are consistent across the full ABB range, which reduces the learning curve and integration time significantly.
On pricing, the GoFa and UR5e are closely matched new. On the used market, the UR5e's deeper supply generally means lower prices for comparable condition units, but well-specified GoFa units with full documentation can represent better value for buyers with specific technical requirements.
ABB GoFa versus KUKA LBR iisy
The KUKA LBR iisy is KUKA's entry-level collaborative robot, competing with the GoFa at similar payload (11 kg maximum) and price points. The LBR iisy offers higher payload options than the GoFa at its upper range, which suits applications involving heavier components or tooling.
The GoFa has a more established used market in the UK than the LBR iisy, which is relevant for buyers who want future resale flexibility. KUKA's UK integrator network is strong but generally oriented towards larger industrial deployments rather than SME cobot applications. For larger payload collaborative applications, the LBR iisy is worth evaluating alongside the GoFa.
If you are already committed to KUKA's ecosystem, see our used KUKA robots for sale UK buyers guide for KUKA-specific inspection and pricing information.
YuMi versus the single-arm cobot market
The YuMi does not have a direct competitor. No other widely available collaborative robot offers dual-arm, 7-axis coordinated manipulation at sub-kilogram payloads. If your application genuinely requires two-handed operation, the YuMi is effectively the only option at this payload scale in the current market, and its used pricing makes it compelling for buyers who can use its capabilities.
If your application only superficially resembles two-handed assembly (for example, you need to hold a part but a fixture would serve equally well), a single-arm UR5e or GoFa with a suitable fixture is typically cheaper and easier to integrate than a YuMi.
ABB's UK Presence and Support Network
ABB Robotics has a direct UK presence headquartered in Milton Keynes, with regional offices and service engineers covering the major industrial regions. ABB UK offers full sales, commissioning, training, and service directly, and also operates through a network of authorised distributors and system integrators.
For buyers considering a used ABB cobot, the authorised distributor network is relevant for two specific reasons: RobotWare licence transfers and SafeMove recertification. Both require engagement with ABB or an authorised party; they cannot be handled by a third-party integrator without ABB involvement. ABB UK's response times for used-unit support and licence transfers vary, and buyers should factor in a lead time of one to four weeks for licence transfer processing when planning a deployment timeline.
ABB's training offering in the UK includes RobotStudio courses, SafeMove configuration training, and application-specific courses for assembly and machine tending. For UK buyers new to ABB systems, the RobotStudio fundamentals course is the most time-efficient way to become competent with offline programming and controller diagnostics.
ABB's full collaborative robot range, specifications, and UK contact information are available on the ABB Robotics manufacturer page.
Choosing Between the GoFa, YuMi, and SWIFTI
For most UK buyers, the choice comes down to the application before anything else.
If your application involves components under 500 g and genuine two-handed assembly, the YuMi is the starting point. Its used price of £12,000 to £22,000 is exceptional for the capability it provides. The constraint is payload: if your components or tooling exceed 500 g per arm, the YuMi is disqualified regardless of other merits.
If your application involves components or tooling up to 5 kg, standard single-arm collaborative operation, and reach requirements up to 950 mm, the GoFa is the ABB recommendation and the natural comparison point against the UR5e. Choose the GoFa over the UR5e if you are already in the ABB ecosystem or if the 2.2 m/s TCP speed delivers meaningful cycle time advantage in your specific application. Choose the UR5e if you are buying your first cobot with no existing ABB infrastructure and want the lowest integration risk.
If your application involves high-speed, high-precision work with mixed attended and unattended operation, and your reach requirements fit within 580 mm, the SWIFTI's 8 m/s capability justifies the more complex safety setup.
For UK buyers comparing across all cobot brands, the best cobots for UK small businesses 2026 guide covers the full field including Techman, Dobot, and the Universal Robots range alongside ABB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABB GoFa and who is it for?
The ABB GoFa (CRB 15000) is a 5 kg payload collaborative robot with 950 mm reach, designed for small to medium manufacturing tasks including assembly, machine tending, and quality inspection. It is ABB's answer to the Universal Robots UR5e, targeting UK SMEs in electronics, food processing, and light industrial assembly. New price is approximately £28,000 to £35,000 in the UK; used units sell for £18,000 to £32,000.
What is the ABB YuMi and why is it dual-arm?
The ABB YuMi (IRB 14000) is a dual-arm collaborative robot with 0.5 kg payload per arm, designed for small parts assembly tasks that require two-handed manipulation such as screw insertion, component placement, and packaging. The dual-arm configuration allows it to hold and assemble simultaneously without fixtures, which reduces tooling cost. It is used in electronics manufacturing, watch assembly, and pharmaceutical packaging. New price is approximately £60,000 to £75,000; used units sell for £12,000 to £22,000.
How do ABB cobots compare to Universal Robots?
ABB GoFa and UR5e are direct competitors at similar payloads and price points. The UR5e has a larger UK dealer and integrator network and more third-party software compatibility. The GoFa offers tighter integration with ABB's RobotStudio simulation environment and is the better choice for buyers already using ABB industrial systems. For first-time cobot buyers, the UR ecosystem is generally easier to enter; for established ABB industrial users, GoFa reduces integration complexity.
Can I transfer ABB software licences when buying a used cobot?
ABB RobotWare software is licensed to the controller. When purchasing a used ABB cobot, request the original RobotWare licence documentation and controller serial number. Software options such as RobotWare Arc or RobotWare Assembly must be transferred through ABB or an authorised ABB distributor. Some licences transfer with a fee; others require re-purchase. Verify the installed software options and their transfer status before agreeing a price.
What should I inspect on a used ABB GoFa before buying?
Request the controller log via ABB RobotStudio to check total operating hours, number of motion starts, and fault history. Inspect all six joints for smooth operation with no grinding or irregular movement. Check the teach pendant for screen damage and button function. Verify that the SafeMove safety configuration is intact and correctly certified for your intended installation. Request the full installation report and any risk assessment documentation from the previous operator.