Above: The HRB + COBOT’s vacuum gripper can be customized for smaller or larger parts.
March, 2026- Adoption of collaborative robots in U.S. manufacturing operations is expected to grow nearly 30 percent by 2030. Cobots are cementing their role as practical, scalable solutions that can enhance human capabilities in the workplace. The use of cobots with press brakes is also seeing an upswing in the U.S. due to chronic labor shortages and manufacturers’ need for greater efficiency and flexibility.
AMADA AMERICA INC. recently developed cobots for its HRB and EGB press brakes to automate repetitive bending, boost productivity for high-mix/low-volume jobs, reduce operator dependency, and offer flexible, space-saving solutions. These mechanical coworkers allow skilled workers to focus on complex tasks while giving manufacturers access to automation with a smaller footprint and lower capital investment. An added feature enhances the versatility of the cobot/press brake pairings.
“Our customers wanted a solution that would allow them to operate a press brake manned or unmanned depending on the job,” says Scott Ottens, bending division manager for AMADA. “A fully automated bending system can’t be run manually. This option gives companies an easy, economical entry into automation.”
EFFICIENT PRODUCTIVITY
AMADA introduced its new cobot-automated systems at Fabtech 2025. The EGB + COBOT robotic bending system featured a Yaskawa CRO10B collaborative robot. It is designed for simple automation of small parts without the need for safety fencing due to its built-in laser scanner system. The HRB + COBOT paired a Fanuc CRX20iA robot with the HRB 8025 press brake. The combination is a high-precision automated bending solution developed at AMADA’s Carolina Manufacturing Center. These systems were engineered to improve productivity and address workforce challenges.
The EGB press brake’s CR010B is suited to bending small parts.
The EGB 6013E is an electric servo-controlled press brake built for speed, precision and eco-friendly operation. One motor handles both high-speed, low-torque (approach) and low-speed, high-torque (bending) operations. Its electric drive reduces CO2 emissions by 20 percent and oil usage by 90 percent for minimal maintenance.
A 6-axis backgauge’s independently controlled fingers provide precise positioning while simplifying complex external contours. Features like integrated angle measurement are supported by a control that has voice command, facial recognition and an HMI tablet for intuitive operation. EGB + COBOT provides a fenceless robotic bending system that bridges the gap between manual and automated fabrication.
Designed for use in limited space, the EGB + COBOT can be programmed with complex CAM software.
“Customers can use an operator to run complex, short jobs on the EGB and deploy the cobot for longer runs of basic parts,” says Ottens. “A cobot can enhance operator safety too by reducing the physical strain of repetitive movements found in mass production. One operator can also manage multiple machines or run lights out,” that is, unmanned.
The ancillary equipment for the EGB + COBOT includes a loading table, squaring device, unload repository/conveyor and end of arm hands. Programming is simple. “We use a method called teach mode enhanced that lowers the barrier to automation for manufacturers,” Ottens says. “It allows operators to quickly set up bending tasks using existing data and manual guidance, without the need for specialized CAM programming.”
EASY PROGRAMMING
Following its introduction at Fabtech in 2025, AMADA expects to release the HRB + COBOT system later this year. The HRB 8025 is a hybrid drive press brake built to integrate with a cobot for seamless transition into a fully automated cell for 24/7 bending as well as material loading and unloading for tasks like forming ¼-inch carbon steel parts.
The press brake has a user-friendly, smartphone-like interface with a large multi-touch screen to simplify programming and operation for new and experienced users. Smart templates combine multiple movements for faster, easier programming. Smart bending icons can be used to program up to six bends.
The technology reduces cobot programming to just one hour for a six-bend part.
Bi-S angle sensors and natural crowning support consistent bend angles along with AMNC3i-controlled punch holders, and optional automatic tool changers for rapid setup. The AMNC3i control also makes the machine compatible with AMADA’s V-factory IoT solutions for connected manufacturing.
AMADA’s HRB + COBOT system turns a standalone press brake into a 24/7 automated bending system.
The Fanuc CRX20iA cobot equips the HRB for high-precision bending without losing its standalone capabilities. The cobot has a capacity of 20 kg compared to the 10 kg cobot used with the EGB press brake. With the HRB + COBOT system, blanks can be delivered on a standard pallet and picked up by the cobot, eliminating the need to hand load blanks onto a gauging table.
“Because the HRB + COBOT can run faster, we have placed fencing on three sides of the robotic system,” says Ottens. “We currently have units placed with three customers to collect data and feedback on performance. The response has been very positive.”
“Everyone wants flexibility in manufacturing today,” he continues. “You can run these press brakes manually or push the cobot up, select the icons for its movements, present the tool and pick up the part. The cobots can also be used to perform other tasks like transferring parts from one machine to another. The operator can make these decisions on the fly.”
AMADA AMERICA INC., 714/739-2111, amada.com.
