ABB Launches SCARA Robot for Precise, High-Speed Assembly

ABB today said it has expanded its range of SCARA robots with the launch of the IRB 920T. The new robot provides the highest levels of speed, accuracy and repeatability for assembly, picking, and handling tasks, the company claimed. It said the IRB 920T is designed to meet the requirements of the electronics industry for high-speed production in increasingly complex manufacturing processes.

“The need for companies to respond quickly to changing consumer demands is making SCARA robots a popular choice for production lines where fast and accurate performance is key to ensuring maximum product quality,” said Antti Matinlauri, head of product management for ABB Robotics. “Together with ABB’s OmniCore controller, the IRB 920T is part of a new generation of robotic solutions from ABB that help manufacturers stay one step ahead of changing market demands.”

Zurich-based ABB Group said it has a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years. The company said it has connected its robotics, electrification, automation, and motion control portfolio to its software to improve quality and performance.

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation has U.S. offices in Auburn Hills, Mich. It has shipped more than 500,000 robots and employs more than 11,000 people at over 100 locations in more than 53 countries. The unit supports industries including automotive, electronics, and logistics.

IRB 920T is ABB's fastest SCARA robot yet

With a cycle time of 0.29 seconds, the IRB 920T is faster than other SCARA robots in its class and up to 14% faster than ABB’s current IRB 910SC robot, enabling more products to be produced per hour.

The new robot has a maximum payload of 6 kg (13.2 lb.) and available in a choice of variants offering reaches of 450, 550, and 650 mm (17.7, 21.6, and 25.5 in. respectively). It can be installed throughout production lines to handle a variety of items, from single components through to assembled products, said ABB.

Source: ABB

Key to the performance of the IRB 920T is its excellent repeatability and consistency, the company claimed. The IRB 920T can work quickly without the risk of errors, making it possible to achieve the highest levels of manufacturing quality with minimal or zero wastage, said ABB.

This flexibility is further supported by its lightweight and space-saving design, ABB said. Weighing just 24 kg (52.9 lb.), the IRB 920T is 10% lighter than other SCARA robots in its class, reducing cell design costs by eliminating the need for extra materials to support the robot.

With all cables routed internally to remove cable interference, IRB 920T also offers a compact footprint, enabling optimization of available production space. More specifications for the new robot are available on its Web page.

The IRB 920T SCARA robot is on sale globally from Sept. 20 onward.