ABB Robotics
What is ABB Robotics?
ABB Robotics is a business area of the ABB Group that focuses on the development and delivery of industrial robots, robot cells, robot software, and related digital solutions. ABB Robotics is one of the world's largest industrial robot manufacturers, and its solutions are widely used in machine shops, machining facilities, and various other industries where precise, repeatable, and automated production is required.
ABB Robotics is part of ABB's Robotics & Discrete Automation business area and operates globally in dozens of countries, serving both large industrial companies as well as small and medium-sized machine shops.
ABB Robotics as Part of the ABB Group
ABB is an international technology company founded in 1988 as a result of the merger between Sweden’s ASEA and Switzerland’s Brown, Boveri & Cie. ABB's history dates back to the late 19th century, and today the company operates in more than one hundred countries. ABB Robotics is one of the group’s four main business areas, focusing especially on robotics, machine automation, and digital production solutions.
While ABB also operates in areas such as electrification, motion control, and process automation, the role of ABB Robotics is particularly central to the automation of the manufacturing industry and robot-based production solutions.
ABB Robotics Industrial Robots
ABB Robotics develops and manufactures a wide range of industrial robots that cover multiple sizes and applications. These robots are used in tasks such as machining, loading/unloading, welding, assembly, material handling, and measurement. In machine shops, ABB's robots are often part of a robot cell, where they serve CNC machines, lathes, and milling machines.
ABB’s industrial robots are known for their accuracy, payload capacity, and precise movement control, which is essential for machining and other demanding manufacturing processes. Robots can help improve production efficiency, quality, and safety, while reducing the workload of manual tasks.
ABB Robotics and Cobots in Machine Shops
In addition to traditional industrial robots, ABB Robotics also offers collaborative robots, or cobots, which are designed to operate safely alongside people. Cobots are increasingly used in machining environments for tasks such as part handling, light assembly, and repetitive assisting duties.
Collaborative robots enable automation even in smaller machine shops, where production volumes may vary and flexibility is a key requirement. ABB’s cobots support quick deployment and are well-suited to a wide range of robotic applications.
RobotStudio and Robot Programming
A core software solution from ABB Robotics is RobotStudio, which is used for robot programming, simulation, and virtual commissioning. RobotStudio allows digital design of robot cells before physical installation, reducing both commissioning time and errors.
In a machine shop environment, robot programming and simulation are especially important when integrating robots with CNC machines, automated fixtures, and production control systems. The digital twin supports production optimization and process development.
ABB Robotics in the Manufacturing Industry
ABB Robotics’ solutions are widely used in the manufacturing industry, where robotics support efficient and competitive production. Robots can automate heavy, repetitive, or ergonomically challenging tasks, such as part handling and machine tending.
Industrial robotics is a key part of the modern machine shop, and ABB Robotics’ systems enable scalable automation in both individual robot cells and large production lines. Robotics also supports Industry 4.0 initiatives by combining automation, data collection, and digital services.
Summary
ABB Robotics is a major supplier of industrial robotics solutions, supporting automated production in machine shops and machining facilities. A broad range of robots, advanced software, and global services make ABB Robotics a key player in robotic solutions for the manufacturing industry.
