ABB expands its mid range robots with a new 12 kg to 20 kg robot family - The new IRB 2600.ABB, a leading supplier of industrial robots, launches the latest model in its medium capacity range of multi-purpose robots. The new IRB 2600 features a new optimized, compact design that offers a high payload capacity of up to 20kg and an ultra-wide working range. ABB’s new range of fourth-generation multi-purpose robots is designed to increase productivity in machine tending, material handling and arc welding applications. The IRB 2600 also offers improved accuracy and speed, helping to increase output and introduce faster cycle times and lower scrap rates for improved productivity. This robot is particularly suitable for machine tending, material handling and arc welding; as well as other process applications. The new robot range has many flexible mounting possibilities including floor, wall, inverted or shelf mounted, which helps to reduce floor space and increases access to the equipment being served. Wall-mounting is a new possibility for a robot of this size. These features enable more creative cell designs in a wide variety of industrial segments and applications.Another key feature of the IRB 2600 is its compact and lightweight design which results in a total arm weight of less than 300 kg. It has the same footprint as the ABB IRB 4600 – the first robot to be launched from ABB’s 4th generation mid range – and occupies less floor space than any other robot in its class. This small footprint makes it easier for the arm to reach down below its own base; providing improved access for more flexible and compact production. The IRB 2600 family contains three versions: two short arm variants (1.65m) for 12 or 20 kg payloads and a long arm variant (1.85m) with a 12 kg payload. Up to 27 kg payload is achievable for pick/place and packaging applications with the wrist held vertical. The IRB 2600 is extremely fast and can improve production cycle times by up to 25%. The high speeds and very fast accelerations are achieved by a combination of the new lightweight design combined with ABB’s patented QuickMove motion control software.The IRB 2600 has as standard Ingress Protection IP 67 for the entire robot and further protection levels Foundry Plus 2, Foundry Prime 2 and Clean Room versions are available as options.The new robot family is available with ABB's well established and powerful IRC5 Robot Controller and is fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 49 countries and over 100 locations.