ABB launches new ceiling-mountable SCARA robot

ABB has launched its new invert-mounted IRB 910INV SCARA robot, the latest addition to its SCARA range, at the China International Industry Fair 2018 held in Shanghai.

By mounting the IRB 910INV on the ceiling, ABB says manufacturers can increase the space efficiency and flexibility of each cell and do more complex tasks even in confined spaces.

The company adds that ceiling mounting also allows the IRB 910INV to collaborate with other robots and machines simultaneously in the same footprint, further boosting productivity. 

Per Vegard Nerseth, managing director of robotics at ABB, says: “Since we introduced our SCARA robot line, customers have been interested in a ceiling-mounted version that would allow them to make more efficient use of confined spaces.

“We are pleased to showcase our new IRB 910INV, which brings the flexibility our customers are looking for along with the same superior speed and accuracy they’ve come to expect from ABB.

“The IRB 910INV is also a reflection of the new design approach we announced earlier this year, which allows us to create a wider variety of robot sizes and variants and combine them into tailored solutions. It will make a great addition to our growing line of small parts assembly solutions.”

The IRB 910INV has the same best-in-class motion control as the original ABB IRB 910 family, for repeatable point-to-point accuracy in picking and placing, assembly, and testing.

This includes electronics small parts assembly tasks such as screw driving, inserting or mounting components, and automated inspections solutions for quality control.

The IRB 910INV will be certified for cleanroom applications in the future. The compact and lightweight IRB 910INV is available in two variants – one has a maximum payload of 3 kg with 350 mm reach, and one has a maximum of 6 kg payload with 550 mm reach.

ABB’s SCARA robots are ideal for applications that require fast yet highly accurate point-to-point movements, such as electronics assembly, laboratory automation, and dispensing.

The IRB 910INV is expected to be available for order in December, 2018.