ABB unveils smallest industrial robot that consumes 20% less energy

ABB has launched its smallest-ever industrial robot, offering new possibilities for faster, more flexible and high-quality production of wearable smart devices. With its compact size, class-leading payload and unrivaled accuracy, the new IRB 1010 offers electronics manufacturers the opportunity to increase their production of devices including smart watches, earphones, sensors, and health trackers through automation, they claim.

“The market for wearable smart devices is accelerating rapidly, with projections estimating double digit growth between 2022 and 2028,” said Rui Liang, managing director of ABB Robotics’ electronics business line. “To meet this growth, companies are demanding compact robotic solutions that are suited to narrow production spaces in electronics manufacturing lines and that can accurately handle the small components used in wearable devices. As the most accurate robot in its class for 1.5kg payloads, our IRB 1010 meets these demands, enabling companies to maximize output and productivity while maintaining the highest levels of product quality.”

The IRB 1010 is designed to suit the narrow spaces and special purpose machines typical of electronics production environments. With a reach of 370mm and a footprint of 135mm by 250mm, the IRB 1010 is 30% smaller than ABB’s current smallest robot, the IRB 120. These compact dimensions increase the number of cells that can be fit into production spaces, enabling manufacturers to boost output through higher density factory layouts, per ABB.

Capable of handling loads up to 1.5kg, the IRB 1010 has the highest payload in its class, with the ability to lift up to three times more weight than comparable robots, its maker notes, boasting that, with this increased payload capacity coupled with a larger diameter air hose that provides added power for vacuum suction, this robot enables simultaneous handling of multiple objects, allowing more objects to be processed per hour.

Productivity is further enhanced by the inclusion of six braking systems, which allow the robot arm to remain in its position even when stopped, adds ABB. By eliminating the time needed for the robot to recover its position after a stop or pause, production can be resumed more quickly, enabling the IRB 1010 to do more in less time than other robots in its class.

For more information, visit www.abb.com/robotics.