ABB Launches Compact IRB 1700 Industrial Robots
ABB Robotics introduced two compact industrial robots, the IRB 1700 and IRB 1700ID, offering shorter cycle times and lower power use.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Robotics
ABB Robotics launched the IRB 1700 and IRB 1700ID, compact industrial robots with payloads from 6 kg to 12 kg across five variants. The robots are powered by OmniCore controllers and offer up to 20% shorter cycle times than comparable robots.
Why it matters
Precision manufacturing across sectors faces pressure to produce more while maintaining quality and reducing operating costs. The robots' smaller footprint and lower power consumption address those constraints directly.
The robots offer path repeatability down to 0.03 mm and joint speeds of up to 700 degrees per second, with service intervals of up to 20,000 hours between oil changes. Real-world performance under sustained industrial loads has not been independently reported.
The players
ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is the robotics division of the Swiss-Swedish industrial technology group ABB, which develops industrial automation systems and robots for manufacturing sectors worldwide.
The details
The IRB 1700ID routes cables and hoses inside the robot arm using ABB Robotics' Integrated Dressing design. The IRB 1700 family integrates with RobotStudio, AI Robot Trainer, OmniCore EyeMotion, and automatic collision-free path planning software.
Timeline
The product announcement was published on November 2, 2026.
The Tech Race
The IRB 1700 series extends ABB's OmniCore controller platform into a smaller, lower-power robot class, positioning the company against rival industrial robot makers in compact precision automation. Competition in this segment centers on cycle time, footprint, and integration software.
For manufacturers, the smaller footprint and 15% lower power consumption could reduce floor space and energy costs on production lines. Shorter cycle times may affect throughput for operators planning automation upgrades.
The takeaway
Compact robots with lower power draw and shorter cycles let manufacturers add automation without expanding floor space. Operators evaluating upgrades should compare stated specifications against their own cycle and payload requirements.
Further reading
For more on the field, see Robotics coverage across industrial automation and manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fabricating and Metalworking.
