Robotics manufacturer ABB Robotics has released what it describes as its ‘smallest ever’ industrial robot, the IRB 1010.
The IRB 1010 is reportedly capable of handling loads up to 1.5kg (3.3lbs), which ABB claims is the highest payload in its class, suggesting it can lift up to three times more weight than comparable competitor models.
The small bot is designed to suit the narrow spaces and special purpose machines typical of electronics production environments.
According to ABB, it has a reach of 370mm and a footprint of 135mm by 250mm, making 30% it smaller than ABB’s current smallest robot, the IRB 120.
As a result of its more compact dimensions, an increased number of cells can be fitted into production spaces. ABB suggests this higher density will enable improved efficiency and output.
“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 maximise output and productivity while maintaining the highest levels of product quality.”
What’s more, the industrial bot is equipped with a larger diameter air hose, designed to provide added power for vacuum suction.
ABB adds that it also has the capability of simultaneous handling of multiple objects, allowing more objects to be processed per hour, while also opening up opportunities for new applications like film peeling, material handling, assembly, gluing and inspection.
With improved productivity being a key motivation, the company included six braking systems in the IRB 1010, which should allow the robot arm to remain in its position even when stopped. By eliminating the recovery time after a pause or stop, production can be resumed more quickly, improving the bots’ time efficiency.
Moreover, the robot manufacturer points to the bot’s high accuracy, which it attributes to ABB’s OmniCore E10 controller, which offers what it calls ‘class-leading position’ and a reported path repeatability of 0.01mm.
Other key features of the controller include a slimline design, a 20% reduction in energy consumption and built-in digital connectivity and more than 1,000 additional functions to support easy scalability.
