ABB Robotics Launches New IRB 1700 Robot Series
The latest industrial robots feature compact footprints and improved performance for manufacturing applications.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Robotics
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ABB Robotics has unveiled the IRB 1700 and IRB 1700ID industrial robots to help manufacturers increase production capacity while lowering operating costs. The new series offers a 50 percent smaller footprint than previous models.
Why it matters
As global manufacturers face pressure to boost output and quality while controlling expenses, these robots aim to provide necessary precision and operational efficiency. The integrated design options also help streamline maintenance and reduce physical space requirements on the factory floor.
The IRB 1700 series supports payloads from 6 to 12 kilograms and delivers a path repeatability of 0.03 millimeters. These units reach maximum joint speeds of 700 degrees per second and require service every 20,000 hours.
The players
ABB Robotics
This division of the multinational ABB Group specializes in industrial automation and robot-based manufacturing solutions.
The details
Powered by OmniCore controllers, the robots utilize advanced motion technology to improve efficiency. The IRB 1700ID variant specifically features an integrated dressing design, which routes cables and hoses inside the arm to minimize wear and external obstructions.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: ABB Robotics launched the IRB 1700 robot family.
The Tech Race
The introduction of the IRB 1700 marks a shift toward highly optimized, space-efficient hardware that replaces larger, legacy industrial robots. This move intensifies competition among manufacturers to deliver high-density automation solutions that minimize the spatial footprint of factory lines.
For industrial operators, the 50 percent reduction in robot footprint allows for higher density floor layouts and increased production throughput. Users also benefit from decreased utility expenses due to the 15 percent lower power consumption compared to older models.
The takeaway
The IRB 1700 series prioritizes efficiency and maintenance reduction to address common manufacturing pain points. Managers looking to upgrade production lines can use these specifications to calculate potential space savings and power cost reductions in their facilities.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of automated systems, visit Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supply and Demand Chain Executive.
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