ABB Robotics (abb.com) has unveiled the second generation of its IRC5C compact controller; now up to 25% smaller than the original compact model, and 87% smaller than the standard cabinet controller. A full-fledged member of the IRC5 family of industrial robot controllers, the IRC5C comes equipped with the majority of the functionality and benefits of its larger counterpart, with a compact footprint of 310h x 449w x 442d mm (12.2”h x 17.7”w x 17.4”d).

The new IRC5C also comes equipped with an enhanced operator panel, and improved cable connections for easier access and use. There are now, for example, external connectors for all signals, and a built-in, expandable 16-in, 16-out I/O system.

“The design team has delivered a more compact IRC5C, with many significant accessibility improvements and a more powerful CPU,” says Nick Hunt, product technology manager, ABB Robotics. “Customers of our smaller robots will benefit from easier integration and exceptional versatility, while saving valuable space without sacrificing performance.”

 Despite its small size, the IRC5C retains the superior motion control of the IRC5, featuring TrueMove™ and QuickMove™, central to the well-known performance of ABB robots in terms of accuracy, speed, cycle-time, programmability and synchronization with external devices. The controller also makes it exceptionally easy to quickly integrate additional hardware and sensors, such as ABB’s Integrated Vision.