The new range of fourth-generation multipurpose robots is designed to increase productivity in machine tending, material handling, arc welding and other process applications. The IRB 2600 robots are extremely fast and compact, and can improve production cycle times by up to 25 percent. ABB, the leading supplier of industrial robots, launches the latest models in its medium capacity range of multipurpose robots. The new IRB 2600 family features a optimized, compact design that offers high payload capacity of up to 20kg and an ultra-wide working range. The IRB 2600 also offers the best accuracy and speed in its class, helping to increase output and introduce faster cycle times and lower scrap rates for improved productivity. These robots are particularly suitable for machine tending, material handling, arc welding and other process applications. Flexible mounting enables optimized cell designs The new robot range has many flexible mounting possibilities including floor, wall, inverted, tilted or shelf mounted, which helps to reduce floor space and increases access to the equipment being served. Wall-mounting is a new possibility for robots of this size. These features enable more creative cell designs in a wide variety of industrial segments and applications. More efficient use of valuable manufacturing space. Another key feature of the IRB 2600 family 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 and enabling smaller production cells and more efficient use of valuable manufacturing floor space. The IRB 2600 is extremely fast and can improve production cycle times by up to 25 percent. The high speeds and very fast acceleration are achieved by a combination of the new lightweight design combined with ABB’s patented QuickMove motion control software. Three models - all protected for harsh environments The IRB 2600 family contains three models: 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 vertical. ABB also offers the most comprehensive protection program for industrial robots on the market. The IRB 2600 has as standard Ingress Protection IP 67 for the entire robot and a higher protection level, Foundry Plus 2 version, is available as an option. All three new robot models are available with ABB's well established and powerful IRC5 Robot Controller and are fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations. See a clip of the new model in action, click here.