ABB Robotics (abb.com) has introduced the IRB 1200, an entirely new family of small robots that features a compact footprint and a large work envelope, providing flexibility, ease of use and short cycle times to a wide range of material handling, machine tending and small parts assembly applications. 

The IRB 1200 is innovatively designed with no offset in axis two, delivering a longer stroke that allows the robot to be placed very close to the work piece and still be functional. Combined with other signature features, the longer stroke enables up to 15% smaller work cells and 10% shorter cycle times than comparable robots. The footprint is most compact when the smaller, lightweight robot is invert mounted on a ceiling or wall, maximizing the efficient use of space in the cell.

The new robot family is available in two standard variants; a 700 mm reach model with a payload of up to 7 kg, and a longer reach 900 mm model with a payload up to 5 kg.  Both variants can be mounted at any angleand come with IP 40 protection as standard, with IP 67 protection available as an option. The variants share the same parts making them especially cost effective to produce, operate and maintain. An ISO 4 version will be available in the near future.

“The new IRB 1200 is incredibly compact, allowing for maximum useable working range and operation as close to the work piece as possible. It is ideal for situations that require a compact package without sacrificing working range or functionality,” says Phil Crowther,small robots product manager, ABB Robotics.

The sleek, smooth surfaces and enclosed design feature all wiring and air routed through the inside of the robot, from very close to the wrist flange all the way to the foot. This further enhances its compactness, and makes the new robot easy to maintain and clean, with no risk of dirt or dust collecting on the cables.

Both electrical and air connections can be made to the robot via side ports or an underline option, and with an Ethernet port, four air ducts and ten customer signals, it is easyto integrate the IRB 1200 with other equipment.

The IRB 1200 robot family is targeted for the following markets:

• Material Handling: large work envelope and shortest turning radius in its class; expanded markets with food grade and ISO 4 cleanroom options to be introduced in 2015.
• CNC Machine Tending: optional IP 67 protection; invert mounting eliminates interference from the robot foot, allowing for more compact cell designs and easier integration with CNC machinery.
• Polishing and Dispensing: best in class path accuracy and rigid structures suitable for demanding process applications.
• Small Parts Assembly: excellent position accuracy and compact footprint with underline connector option; integrated vision available with IRC5 single cabinet controller.