YuMi Takes the Stage to Conduct Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra
YuMi, the world’s first truly collaborative dual-arm robot from ABB, made its debut at the opera Tuesday by conducting Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and the Lucca Philharmonic 
Orchestra at the Teatro Verdi in Pisa. YuMi, which is manufactured by Swiss technology pioneer ABB, was invited to the stage by Mr. Bocelli, who performed the famous aria “La Donna è Mobile” from Verdi’s Rigoletto. YuMi also conducted works of Puccini and Mascagni during its first night at the opera in front of a sold-out Teatro. Among the guests was ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer, under whose leadership YuMi was developed. The unique demonstration showed what can happen when advanced robotics meets the arts.
Five Facts to Know about YuMi and This Special Concert:
- A top conductor “taught“ YuMi to lead the orchestra.
YuMi uses what is known as “lead-through“ programming, which means it can be taught a process by being physically guided through it, rather than relying on complex coding. For this concert, conductor Andrea Colombini (pictured above) spent hours guiding YuMi’s arms through the intricate movements he uses to conduct the pieces selected for the concert. Then Maestro Colombini and a team of engineers from pioneering technology leader ABB used the company‘s RobotStudio software to create the fluid movements needed to lead the full symphony.
- YuMi is precise enough to thread a needle and can replicate human movement accurately.
YuMi is designed to replicate the sophisticated, multi-layered movements of human arms, wrists and hands. Each of YuMi’s arms moves on seven axis points (more than a typical robot of this type), which allows great flexibility, precision and quick, fluid movements. This allows it to collaborate safely and more effectively with human beings, working side-by-side to support difficult, dangerous or repetitive tasks in everything from assembling electronics and watches to packaging foods. YuMi was introduced to the world in 2015.
- YuMi was programmed by a team of bright, young engineers.
A team of ABB’s brightest international engineers worked together with Maestro Colombini to prepare YuMi for its successful conducting debut. Five of the six members of the team that programmed YuMi for the concert are under the age of 30.
- At the concert, YuMi conducted one of the world’s most popular vocalists.
The concert YuMi conducted featured Andrea Bocelli, one of the most popular tenors of this era. Joining him at the concert were Italian soprano Maria Luigi Borsi and the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra. It was held at the historic Teatro Verdi in Pisa Italy, which opened in 1867.
- ABB robots are no strangers to the public stage.
Other ABB robots have supported Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards and at concerts by Bon Jovi and deadmau5. In addition, YuMi recently rang the opening bell at the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York City, solved a Rubik’s Cube in front of a room of spectators, and helped a patient with multiple sclerosis play chess.
About ABB
ABB is a world leading manufacturer of industrial robots and robot systems – operating in 53 countries, in over 100 locations around the world. In addition to robots ABB manufactures and supplies robot software, peripheral equipment, process equipment, modular manufacturing cells and services for tasks such as Welding, Material Handling, Small Parts Assembly, Painting & Finishing, Picking, Packing, Palletizing and Machine Tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, solar, consumer electronics, wood, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 300,000 robots worldwide.
For more information, visit www.abb.com
