ZURICH / SHANGHAI – July 2, 2025 — ABB has unveiled three new industrial robot families—Lite+, PoWa, and the next‑generation IRB 1200—tailored for China’s rapidly growing medium-sized manufacturers, especially in electronics, food, beverage, and metals.
🔧 Highlights:
Plug‑and‑Play Setup
Robots can be fully operational within 60 minutes, programmed using voice commands or by observing tasks, enabling hassle-free deployment
Versatile, AI‑Ready Platforms
From basic pick‑and‑place to polishing and dispensing, all three models operate under the OmniCore™ controller, integrating AI, edge computing, sensors, and cloud systems
Accessible Price Points
Units range from $20,000 to $100,000+, making automation affordable for mid-market businesses
“Local for Local” Strategy
Manufactured at ABB’s Shanghai mega-factory, these robots align with China’s shift toward domestic production
📈 Market Context:
China installed 51% of global robots in 2023, reinforcing its role as the world’s largest robotics market
The mid-market segment in China is growing at around 8% annually over the next three years, driven by labor shortages and simpler AI interfaces
China accounts for roughly 30% of ABB’s global robotics revenue
Strategic Outlook:
ABB plans to spin off its Robotics & Discrete Automation division as a separate public company by Q2 2026, enabling greater specialization and valuation potential
Conclusion: These launches position ABB as a key player empowering Chinese manufacturers to adopt smarter, faster, and cost-effective automation—backed by AI integration and strategic independence.
