ABB Robotics: A Legacy of Pioneering Automation

Throughout its illustrious history, ABB Robotics has consistently pushed the boundaries of robotics, revolutionizing industries and shaping the future of manufacturing. From its humble beginnings to its current position as a global leader, the company's journey is a testament to innovation, customer-centricity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Humble Beginnings and Early Success

ABB Robotics was established in 1974 in Västerås, Sweden, by a group of visionary engineers. The company's first industrial robot, the IRB 6, was introduced in 1976 and quickly gained recognition for its precision, speed, and reliability. By the early 1980s, ABB Robotics had established a strong foothold in the automotive industry, becoming a key supplier to leading manufacturers such as Volvo and General Motors.

Year	Event
1974	ABB Robotics founded in Västerås, Sweden
1976	IRB 6, the first industrial robot, introduced
1980	Partnership with Volvo for automotive assembly

| ABB Robotics Milestones (Early Years) |

|---|---|

| 1982 | First robot sold outside Sweden |

| 1984 | Production of the IRB S4, a compact and versatile robot |

Global Expansion and Market Leadership

In the 1990s, ABB Robotics embarked on a global expansion strategy, establishing operations in Europe, North America, and Asia. The company's unwavering focus on customer needs and technological advancements led to a surge in demand for its robots, particularly in the automotive, electronics, and food and beverage industries. By 2000, ABB Robotics had become the world's leading supplier of industrial robots.

Year	Event
1990	ABB Robotics enters the North American market
1992	Acquisition of the Danish robot manufacturer, EGM
1994	Establishment of production facility in Shanghai, China

| ABB Robotics Milestones (Global Expansion) |

|---|---|

| 1996 | Acquisition of the German robot manufacturer, Robot Systems |

| 1998 | First robot installed on the International Space Station |

Innovation and Future Focus

In the new millennium, ABB Robotics has maintained its commitment to innovation, investing heavily in research and development. The company's focus on collaborative robots (cobots) has transformed the way humans and robots interact in manufacturing environments. ABB Robotics has also played a pivotal role in the development of flexible automation solutions, enabling manufacturers to adapt quickly to changing production demands.

Year	Event
2005	ABB Robotics launches IRB 140, the first collaborative robot
2010	Acquisition of the Finnish robotics company, Metronome
2015	Introduction of YuMi, a dual-arm collaborative robot

| ABB Robotics Milestones (Innovation and Future Focus) |

|---|---|

| 2017 | Partnership with Google for AI-powered robotics |

| 2018 | Launch of the ABB Ability™ platform for digital solutions |

Success Stories

ABB Robotics has played a pivotal role in countless success stories around the world:

Volvo Cars: ABB Robotics robots assemble the XC90 SUV at Volvo's Torslanda plant in Sweden, boosting efficiency by 35% and reducing defects by 20%.

Nestlé: ABB Robotics deploys its YuMi cobots at Nestlé's confectionery factory in Poland, enabling humans and robots to work together safely and seamlessly.

Foxconn: ABB Robotics collaborates with Foxconn to automate manufacturing operations, increasing productivity by 25% and reducing labor costs by 30%.

Conclusion

ABB Robotics' enduring legacy is a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and technological excellence. With its global presence, comprehensive product portfolio, and skilled workforce, ABB Robotics remains poised to shape the future of robotics and drive the transformation of industries worldwide.

ABB Robotics: A Legacy of Pioneering Automation