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ABB IRB 920T SCARA robot. | Credit: ABB

ABB is expanding its range of SCARA robots with the launch of the IRB 920T. Designed to meet the requirements of the electronics industry for high-speed production in increasingly complex manufacturing processes, the IRB 920T is designed for assembly, picking and handling tasks.

With a cycle time of 0.29 seconds, ABB said the IRB 920T is 14% faster than ABB’s current IRB 910SC SCARA robot. The increased speed will enable more products to be produced per hour. With a maximum payload of 6kg and available reaches of 450mm, 550mm and 650mm, the IRB 920T can be installed throughout production lines to handle a variety of items, from single components through to assembled products.

The IRB 920T weighs just 24kg, which helps reduce cell design costs by eliminating the need for extra materials to support the robot. With all cables routed internally to remove cable interference, it also offers a compact footprint, enabling optimization of available production space.

“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.”

The IRB 920T SCARA robot is on sale globally.

In July 2021, ABB acquired Spanish company ASTI Mobile Robotics for an undisclosed amount. ASTI is a developer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) founded in 1982. Since 2015, ASTI has close to a 30% growth on an annual basis and is targeting approximately $50 million in revenue in 2021. The acquisition broadens ABB’s automation portfolio, which now includes AMRs, collaborative robotic arms, and industrial robot arms.

In February, ABB introduced two next-generation cobot arms. The GoFa and SWIFTI cobots offer higher payloads and speeds to complement its YuMi cobots. ABB said the new cobots will accelerate its expansion in high-growth segments, including electronics, healthcare, consumer goods, logistics and food and beverage. ABB introduced a new cobot website that offers additional details and resources about the new cobots.