ABB launches next-generation OmniCore robotics control platform

ABB made its new OmniCore controller platform available for most of its robots in mid-2024. The company previously launched five OmniCore controllers supporting only a limited range of robots.

OmniCore is the result of ABB’s $170 million investment in next-generation robotics, integrating AI, sensors, and cloud and edge computing for advanced automation. The challenge was creating a scalable controller for ABB’s entire robotics portfolio.

Now, OmniCore supports most of ABB’s 4- and 6-axis industrial robots, collaborative robots, SCARA robots, and delta robots. The Auburn Hills, Mich.-based industrial automation provider said the new platform will be available for its autonomous mobile robots and mobile manipulators.

The single control architecture simplifies robot installation, programming, and operation while enhancing performance. It replaces the IRC5 controller, which will be phased out by June 2026, though ABB will continue supporting IRC5 users.

OmniCore benefits robot integrators and users by unifying motion, sensors, and applications for mixed-fleet programming. With more than 1,000 hardware and software features, users can design, operate, and optimize operations. ABB said robots using the new controller operate 25% faster and consume 20% less energy than previous models.

The new OmniCore control architecture offers one platform and one language that integrates ABB’s complete range of hardware and software. This follows the growing trend of making robots easier to install, program, and operate than in the past, all with improved performance and a far greater range of features. OmniCore sets a new standard in robotics, making automation smarter, faster, and more efficient.

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