At Automatica 2025, held in June 2025, ABB Robotics used the stage to unveil a significant expansion of its hardware and software offering. The Zurich-based company presented new large industrial robots, a heavy-duty autonomous mobile robot (AMR), and a compact mobile robot, while also outlining new capabilities that it says will define what it calls the "era of Autonomous Versatile Robotics."
The announcements were framed by ABB as a continuation of a strategy that has been building since 2022. According to the company, the robots introduced at the Munich trade fair, together with the broader portfolio of next-generation robots it has launched over the past three years, now constitute what it describes as "the most comprehensive lineup of industrial robots and variants on the market." This is a bold claim, and one that ABB is making directly, but it is important to note that this is a self-assessment rather than an independently verified market analysis.
The event marked a clear signal of intent from ABB. While the company has long been a major player in traditional industrial robotics, the focus at Automatica 2025 was on breadth and integration. The new large robots are designed to handle heavy payloads, while the new AMRs are intended to move those payloads around the factory floor. The combination of these two product families, alongside the software and control systems that link them, suggests a push toward a more holistic approach to factory automation.
For Robot Service Map readers, the key takeaway from the announcement is not just the individual products, but the strategic direction. ABB is not simply adding SKUs to its catalogue; it is attempting to define a new category of robotics that combines mobility, manipulation, and intelligence. The company's leadership has been vocal about this vision, describing a future where robots can "see, sense, and think" — a phrase that appeared in the source material and was attributed to ABB's robotics leadership.
The June 2025 timing is also significant. Automatica is one of the largest trade fairs for automation and robotics in Europe, and it has historically been a launchpad for major product debuts. By choosing this venue, ABB ensured that its announcements would be seen by a global audience of manufacturers, system integrators, and potential buyers. The event also provided a live demonstration environment, allowing attendees to see the new machines in action rather than just reviewing specifications on paper.
Product and availability details
The source material provides a clear but not exhaustive picture of what ABB showed at Automatica. The headline items were the expansion of the large robot portfolio and the introduction of a heavy-duty AMR. Specifically, the company demonstrated the IRB 670S high-performance robots, which were shown at the event. These are positioned as high-performance machines, although the source does not disclose specific payload capacities, reach dimensions, or repeatability figures for this particular model.
Alongside the large robots, ABB introduced a compact mobile robot. The source does not provide the model name or detailed specifications for this compact unit, so we must flag that as undisclosed. However, the company also highlighted the Flexley Mover P603, a heavy-payload AMR capable of handling up to 1500 kg. This is a significant load capacity, and it positions the P603 for applications involving heavy sub-assemblies, large parts, or dense material handling tasks. The source notes that the launch of the P603 "demonstrates the continuous innovation and expansion of this product line to meet diverse industrial needs."
The P603 is part of the Flexley family, which ABB has been developing in recent years. The source material references a broader context for these AMRs, noting that they are "seamlessly integrated into the manufacturing process together with industrial robots, enabling new production layouts." This integration is a key selling point. ABB is not just selling a standalone mobile robot; it is selling a system where the AMR works in concert with the articulated arms. The logical next step, as noted in the source, is the "mobile manipulator" — a robot arm mounted directly on an AMR — and the source indicates that a growing number of manufacturers are showcasing such solutions.
The source also references the OmniCore™ controller, which appears to be the control platform that ties these systems together. In one case study referenced in the source material, several Omnidirectional Cantilever Forklift AMRs are deployed in the coating and slitting sections of a production facility, handling electrode rolls. The application is described as solving "industry problems of large load, high precision requirements and the need for a lot of manual assistance." The AMRs in that deployment use vision and laser fusion navigation technology to achieve ±5mm high-precision docking with onsite equipment and storage. This level of precision is notable for a vehicle carrying heavy loads, and it suggests that ABB is targeting applications where accuracy is as important as payload capacity.
Regarding availability, the source does not provide specific ordering timelines, regional availability, or pricing. We must flag that these details are not disclosed in the source material. What is clear is that the products were shown at Automatica in June 2025, and ABB's typical practice is to bring products to market shortly after such launches, but we cannot confirm that from the source alone. Buyers interested in the IRB 670S, the compact mobile robot, or the Flexley Mover P603 should contact ABB directly for commercial terms.
The source also mentions that ABB kicked off its 2024 Startup Challenge focused on AI solutions in robotics. While this is not a product launch, it is part of the broader ecosystem strategy. The challenge is designed to identify and nurture startups working on AI applications that can be integrated into ABB's portfolio. This is consistent with the company's stated goal of embedding AI capabilities across its entire range, from the Lite+ and PoWa cobots launched for the Chinese market to the largest industrial robots.
What it means for buyers
For buyers evaluating automation investments, the ABB announcements at Automatica 2025 signal several important trends. First, the distinction between "industrial robot" and "mobile robot" is blurring. ABB's strategy is to offer a continuum of solutions, from fixed-base articulated arms to autonomous vehicles that can navigate the factory floor. The Flexley Mover P603, with its 1500 kg payload, is aimed squarely at manufacturers who need to move heavy goods without investing in fixed conveyor systems or manual forklifts. The ±5mm docking precision, as demonstrated in the electrode roll application, is a critical specification for processes that require accurate placement.
Second, the emphasis on the OmniCore™ controller and the "see, sense, and think" capability indicates that software is becoming the differentiator. Buyers are no longer just purchasing hardware; they are purchasing a platform that can be updated and extended. The integration of vision systems and laser fusion navigation, as seen in the AMR deployments, means that these robots can operate in dynamic environments without extensive infrastructure changes. For a buyer, this reduces the total cost of ownership, as the need for fixed guides, magnets, or wires is eliminated.
Third, the claim of having "the most comprehensive lineup" is a competitive statement that buyers should evaluate carefully. While ABB is certainly one of the largest robot manufacturers in the world, the "most comprehensive" claim is subjective. What is objectively true, based on the source, is that ABB has launched a significant number of new products since 2022, covering cobots (Lite+ and PoWa), large industrial robots (IRB 670S), and heavy-duty AMRs (Flexley Mover P603). This breadth means that a buyer can potentially source multiple automation needs from a single vendor, simplifying integration and support.
However, buyers should also be aware of what is not disclosed. The source does not provide pricing, lead times, or service-level agreements. It does not specify the exact payload capacity of the IRB 670S or the compact mobile robot. It does not state whether the new products are available immediately or on a phased rollout. These are critical commercial details that must be obtained directly from ABB or its local distributors.
Another consideration is the application case study referenced in the source: the Tiki Safety respiratory protection mask production line. While this case study dates from January 2021, it illustrates the long-term value proposition of ABB robots. In that instance, a new ABB robot enabled faster production and higher quality, allowing the company to meet record demand. The production manager at Tiki Safety, Mikael Klockseth, was quoted as saying that the technology worked so well that they were considering buying another robot to double production. This is a real-world example of the return on investment that automation can deliver, and it is directly relevant to buyers in the current market.
For buyers in Europe, the availability of the Flexley Mover P603 and the new large robots is likely to be a key consideration. The AMR market is growing rapidly, and ABB's entry with a 1500 kg payload vehicle is a direct challenge to specialist AMR vendors. The integration with the OmniCore™ controller is a potential advantage, as it allows the AMR to be managed from the same interface as the robot arms. This reduces training requirements and simplifies maintenance.
Finally, the "Autonomous Versatile Robotics" concept is worth understanding. This is not just a marketing slogan; it reflects a shift toward robots that can perform multiple tasks with minimal reconfiguration. The combination of large robots for heavy manipulation, compact mobile robots for agility, and heavy-duty AMRs for transport means that a factory can be reorganized quickly in response to changing production demands. For buyers, this flexibility is valuable in an era of supply chain volatility and shorter product lifecycles.
In summary, the Automatica 2025 announcements from ABB are significant for the breadth of the product line and the strategic vision behind it. Buyers should evaluate the specific products against their own requirements, request detailed specifications from ABB, and consider the total system cost, including software, integration, and training. The claim of being the most comprehensive lineup is a starting point for discussion, not a conclusion. The source material provides a solid foundation for understanding what was announced, but commercial details remain to be clarified with the vendor.
Sources
- https://www.therobotreport.com/abb-robotics-launches-large-industrial-robots-heavy-duty-amr-at-automatica/
Published by Vigla Media OÜ (Estonia).