ABBs smallest material and machine tool handling robot now available with SafeMove2

ABB Robotics today announced that SafeMove2 is now also available for IRB 1200, the smallest ABB robot to feature its leading edge advanced safety-certified monitoring and control software. SafeMove2 enables people to work safely alongside ABB robots with payloads ranging from 6kg to 800kg without compromising productivity. It also provides an optimum level of collaboration and flexibility to higher speed and throughput applications which typically require more insular, intrusive levels of safety.SafeMove2

SafeMove2 simplifies production scenarios and provides tools that speed the commissioning workflow for faster set-up and validation. The innovative software option also integrates safety fieldbus connectivity into ABBs IRC5 robot controller family as well as the IRC5 Single, Compact and Paint controllers.

"The trend towards manufacturing in smaller lots of greater mix means people are coming closer to production equipment in more sporadic and intermittent ways - changing programing, bringing different materials or inspecting new processes. It is simply not productive to stop a line every time a person steps in," says Dr. Hui Zhang, Head of Product Management, at ABB Robotics. "SafeMove2 allows robots and operators to work more collaboratively and closer together by restricting robot motion to precisely what is needed for a specific application."

First introduced in 2014, the IRB 1200 - the smallest robot in its class -- addresses the needs of the material handling and machine tending industries for flexibility, ease of use, compactness and short cycle times while still maintaining large working envelopes. The robot comes in two variants which can handle a wide range of applications; the 700 mm reach variant can handle payloads of up to 7 kg, while the longer reach 900 mm variant can handle payloads up to 5 kg.

About ABB
(ABB NYSE) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing more than a 125-year history of innovation, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 132,000 employees.

About ABB Robotics
is a leading supplier of industrial robots - also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, machine tools, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 300,000 robots worldwide.

All ABB Robotics' products are fully supported by the ABB Robotics global sales and service organization in 53 countries and over 100 locations.