ABB expands educational robots with IRB 1090

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ABB’s new IRB 1090 has a smaller footprint than ABB’s previous education robots. | Source: ABB

ABB launched a new industrial robot, the IRB 1090, which joins its line of education offerings. The IRB 1090 is authenticated by the globally recognized education institute STEM.org. 

This new education robot forms a key part of ABB’s wider education offerings. These include additional industrial robots, education packages, next-generation controllers, and market-leading programming and simulation software. 

The IRB 1090 is designed to help upskill students and provide them with a competitive advantage in securing employment. It offers a reach of around 22.8 in (580 mm) and a 7.7 lb (3.5 kg) payload. 

“ABB’s 2023 global survey of 2,301 education professionals found that 80 percent believe robots and automation will shape the future of employment over the next ten years,” said Craig McDonnell, managing director of business line industries, ABB Robotics. “However, only one in four education establishments currently use robots in teaching programs. As the world’s largest industrial robotics manufacturer, we’re determined to play our part in making robots available to all and the IRB 1090 education robot forms a key part of this commitment, enabling us to serve the growing demand for industrial robots in the education space.”

The IRB 1090 has a 10% smaller footprint and a 20% reduction in weight compared to its predecessor and can be moved around a facility. 

When paired with ABB’s OmniCore E10 ultra slim controller, the IRB 1090 brings increasing functionalities to enable students to hone their skills in the latest robotic advancements, which include motion control, TrueMove, QuickMove, Externally Guided Motion, and energy-saving power grid feedback systems. 

Students using the robot and controller can learn how robotic automation can be deployed across different sectors and applications. Educational institutions, robot resellers, and system integrators can design and customize a variety of application cells, like assembly, material handling, arc welding, and dispensing. These applications may require additional accessories, like vision cameras, grippers, working pieces, pedestals, and moveable carts to meet specific requirements. 

100 free RobotStudio premium licenses are included with the purchase of the IRB 1090 robot. RobotStudio is a virtual tool that students can use to learn the fundamentals of robot programming, even before buying a physical robot. 

ABB works with educational institutions in over 40 countries to help students learn the fundamentals of robot programming, as well as educating over 30,000 students from schools, colleges, and universities worldwide each year. 

Last week, ABB announced it was building another state-of-the-art robotics campus to continue the expansion of its global leadership. The company will invest $280 million on a new campus in Västerås, Sweden that will serve as the hub for ABB Robotics’ offerings in Europe.