ABB unveils smallest industrial robot

ABB has launched its smallest ever industrial robot, designed for the small electronics market and for the production of wearable smart devices. With its compact size and high accuracy, the IRB 1010 is designed to offer electronics manufacturers the opportunity to increase their production of miniature devices including smart watches, earphones, sensors and health trackers through automation.

“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.”

The IRB 1010 is designed to suit the narrow spaces and special-purpose machines typical of electronics production environments. With a reach of 370 mm and a footprint of 135 mm by 250 mm, 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 fitted into production spaces, enabling manufacturers to boost output through higher density factory layouts.

Capable of handling loads up to 1.5 kg, the IRB 1010 has the highest payload in its class, with the ability to lift up to three times more weight than comparable robots. This increased payload capacity — coupled with a larger diameter air hose that provides added power for vacuum suction — enables simultaneous handling of multiple objects, allowing more objects to be processed per hour. It also opens opportunities for new applications including film peeling, material handling, assembly, gluing and inspection.

Productivity is further enhanced by the inclusion of six braking systems, which allow the robot arm to remain in its position even when stopped. 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.

Image caption: The IRB 1010 is ABB's smallest production robot yet.