ABB Robotics has introduced the IRB 120T, a faster version its smallest ever multipurpose 6-axis robot, first introduced in the Fall of 2009.  The IRB 120T provides significant increases in the maximum speeds of axes 4, 5 and 6, delivering increased cycle speeds from the standard IRB 120 model, already among the fastest in the industry.  Comparing a 1 kg picking cycle of 25 x 300 x 25, the IRB 120T completes a cycle in 0.52 seconds, a 10 percent improvement from the 0.58 seconds of the standard model. With the addition of a 180° axis 6 reorientation to the movement, the speed improvement grows to 25 percent, 0.69 seconds per cycle compared to 0.92 seconds. The IRB 120T will be suitable for assembly and pick and place applications requiring extensive reorientation of the product, commonly found in the food and beverage, consumer packaging, consumer electronics, electrical and Tier 1 automotive industries.

The new model has all the functionality of the standard IRB 120, with a path repeatability of 0.01 mm, suitable motion control and path accuracy; providing agility, precision and speed to applications where a smaller footprint and profile are required.  Weighing just 25 kg (55 lbs), the IRB 120 has a standard payload of 3 kg (6.6 lbs), a vertical wrist payload of 4 kg (8.8 lbs), a reach of 580 mm, a stroke of 411 mm and the ability to reach 112 mm below its base.

"As the installed base of the IRB 120 spread into numerous industries over the last two years we found there was a need for a faster version for many assembly and pick and place applications," said John Bubnikovich, executive director, marketing and business development, ABB Robotics. "The increasing demand for higher outputs in consumer goods industries requires the most efficient and cost effective equipment. We are pleased to support this need with the new IRB 120T."

In addition to the standard IRB 120 and IRB 120T robots, a Clean Room version was introduced earlier this year.