Robotic automation continues to gain traction across the globe as manufacturers seek greater efficiency and precision in production. ABB Robotics has moved to address this demand by expanding its IRB 1200 collaborative robot line worldwide and launching three entirely new robot families in China. These initiatives specifically respond to market needs in Asia, where small and midsize enterprises increasingly, yet cautiously, invest in robotics to remain competitive. These robot solutions are not only tailored to improve accuracy and flexibility for established manufacturing processes, but also designed to lower barriers for new and growing businesses. In recent years, the global robotics market has undergone significant consolidation, intensifying the need for differentiation and user-focused products.
Earlier reports on ABB’s activities largely focused on individual product rollouts or factory openings rather than synchronous global and regional launches. ABB previously emphasized its ambitions for the Chinese market with investments in facilities and partnerships, but the new announcements represent a more integrated approach, combining product development, local production, and the adaptation of user-friendly tools. Outside of China, ABB’s IRB 1200 had been deployed mainly in electronics and automotive sectors, whereas the latest enhancements broaden its application range through increased payload options and advanced controller technology. This contrasts with previous incremental updates, highlighting ABB’s shift toward addressing mid-market demand and rapid deployment.
What Features Define the New IRB 1200 and Robot Families?
The latest IRB 1200 cobot family is available in four variants, supporting payloads between 5 kg and 9 kg. ABB reports that these models achieve path accuracy as precise as 0.6 mm, and pose repeatability down to 0.011 mm, even when multiple robots operate simultaneously at speeds up to 1,600 mm/s. These specifications allow higher throughput and are suited for tasks such as assembly, surface finishing, and dispensing across electronics, automotive electronics, and consumer goods sectors. Utilizing ABB’s OmniCore controller, the robots integrate advanced motion control and interface effortlessly with wider automation and digital systems.
How Is ABB Targeting High-Growth Sectors in China?
ABB debuted its three new robot families—Lite+, PoWa, and the redesigned IRB 1200—at its Shanghai Mega Factory, signaling an emphasis on meeting sector-specific demands. The Lite+ series focuses on key material handling and pick-and-place applications, designed to be compact, easy to deploy, and suited for smaller operators in China and Asia. PoWa, with speeds reaching 5.8 m/s and no-code programming features, allows for rapid commissioning—within an hour of unpacking—and caters to fast-moving operations. The newer, lighter IRB 1200 models enable greater space efficiency for high-speed, precision processes, reflecting ABB’s strategy to provide a comprehensive suite for growing industrial markets.
What Strategic Moves Support ABB’s Presence in Asia?
With China accounting for over half of global robot installations in 2023 and showing a compound annual growth rate of 24% in its mid-market robotics segment, ABB has intensified its investment in local manufacturing and R&D. The company now produces more than 90% of its robots sold in China within the country, supporting the government’s advanced manufacturing goals. At its product launch, ABB demonstrated AI-driven natural language teaching with its new PoWa cobot, which interprets spoken commands into robot actions, streamlining setup and programming.
“China’s growth in sectors such as electronics and from small and medium-sized businesses is driving the increasing demand for accessible, user-friendly solutions, and we are responding to that demand,”
said Sami Atiya, president of ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation.
ABB’s reach extends beyond robotics and into partnership-driven technological applications. Stellantis, a renowned automaker, recently adopted ABB’s PixelPaint technology—deploying it at its Italian Melfi plant to enable two-tone paintwork for DS Automobiles’ DS N°8 luxury vehicle. The system leverages over 1,000 individually controlled nozzles for accurate, waste-minimizing painting, reducing environmental impact and maximizing efficiency. This collaboration incorporates the IRB 5500 paint-series robots and demonstrates ABB’s involvement in streamlining both manufacturing and environmental sustainability for its industrial partners. The PixelPaint system uses ABB’s RobotStudio software for coordinated robotic motion and 3D vision-based part tracking, which automates a once manual and error-prone task.
These developments mark an increased focus on integrating robotic and digital solutions not only in production but also in supporting diverse automation needs. Users considering adoption of ABB’s new robots may find benefits in reduced setup time through features like no-code programming and natural language interaction, allowing for greater operational agility. For manufacturers in fast-growth sectors, regional production and local support are pivotal, supporting cost-efficiency and rapid equipment deployment. These offerings position ABB to serve a wider spectrum of manufacturers, from established global brands to rising regional enterprises in Asia, Europe, and beyond.
- The new IRB 1200 line includes four variants with higher precision and speed.
- ABB’s local production in China strengthens its position in the Asian market.
- PixelPaint technology enables efficient, sustainable automotive painting for Stellantis.
