ABB holds a unique position in the UK industrial robot market: it is simultaneously the world's largest robot manufacturer by installed base and one of the most consistently available brands on the UK secondhand market. Factory upgrades, automotive production line reconfigurations, and the ongoing refresh cycle of tier-one manufacturers push significant numbers of ABB IRB, GoFa, and YuMi units onto the UK used market each year. For buyers who understand the ecosystem, this supply represents one of the most reliable routes to capable industrial automation at a fraction of new list price.
This guide covers what used ABB robots actually cost in the UK in 2026, from small-payload IRB 1200 arms through to heavy-duty IRB 6700 units and the collaborative GoFa and YuMi ranges. It covers the IRC5 versus OmniCore controller question, what to inspect before buying, and where to find used ABB stock in the UK.
> Quick answer: Used ABB industrial robots in the UK sell at 40 to 55 per cent below new list price. An ABB IRB 1200-5/0.9 costs £8,000 to £14,000 used; an IRB 6700-235/2.65 sells for £32,000 to £55,000. The GoFa 10 cobot fetches £22,000 to £30,000 used against a £38,000 new list. The IRB 2600 and IRB 6700 are the most traded ABB models in the UK. For buyers already familiar with RobotStudio, ABB's ecosystem consistency across old and new controllers is a meaningful advantage.
Used ABB Robot Prices UK 2026: Full Price Table
The table below covers the main ABB models available on the UK used market in 2026. Prices reflect current UK transactions excluding VAT. Controller is included unless otherwise noted.
| Model | Payload | Reach | New Price (approx.) | Used UK Price Range | Discount vs New |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABB IRB 1200-5/0.9 | 5 kg | 901 mm | £25,000 | £8,000-£14,000 | 44-68% |
| ABB IRB 2600-12/1.65 | 12 kg | 1,650 mm | £45,000 | £15,000-£28,000 | 38-67% |
| ABB IRB 4600-45/2.05 | 45 kg | 2,050 mm | £65,000 | £22,000-£38,000 | 42-66% |
| ABB IRB 6700-150/3.2 | 150 kg | 3,200 mm | £85,000 | £28,000-£50,000 | 41-67% |
| ABB IRB 6700-235/2.65 | 235 kg | 2,650 mm | £92,000 | £32,000-£55,000 | 40-65% |
| ABB GoFa 5 (CRB 15000-5) | 5 kg | 950 mm | £30,000 | £18,000-£25,000 | 17-40% |
| ABB GoFa 10 (CRB 15000-10) | 10 kg | 1,250 mm | £38,000 | £22,000-£30,000 | 21-42% |
| ABB YuMi (IRB 14000) | 0.5 kg per arm | 559 mm per arm | £80,000 | £35,000-£55,000 | 31-56% |
Prices are indicative ranges for UK transactions. VAT excluded. All prices include controller and teach pendant unless stated otherwise.
The GoFa models show the narrowest discount range because they are newer products with a shorter market history: fewer units have reached the secondary market, so supply is tight and prices remain relatively firm. The IRB 2600 and IRB 6700 series, by contrast, have decades of production history and large installed bases, which means consistent supply and competitive pricing on the used side.
The YuMi occupies a distinctive position: at £80,000 new, it is priced as a premium specialist tool, but used units from early production waves are now available at £35,000 to £55,000, which represents strong value for buyers whose applications genuinely need dual-arm capability.
ABB IRC5 vs IRC4 Controller: What Each Is Worth
The controller is the single most important variable after the mechanical arm itself. ABB has used several controller generations over the decades, and understanding the differences matters both for functionality and resale value.
IRC4
The IRC4 is the generation preceding the IRC5 and is now discontinued. It runs older RobotWare software versions and is incompatible with modern RobotStudio workflows. Spare parts availability is becoming increasingly limited, and ABB UK no longer provides standard support contracts for IRC4 systems. An ABB arm paired with an IRC4 controller should be priced at a substantial discount, and even then only makes sense if the application is extremely simple and long-term support requirements are low.
On the UK used market, IRC4 units typically trade at 10 to 20 per cent below equivalent IRC5 pricing. The question is whether the further discount adequately compensates for the higher ongoing risk.
IRC5
The IRC5 is the established current-generation controller for ABB's industrial range and remains the dominant platform on the used market. It runs RobotWare 5 and 6, integrates fully with current RobotStudio versions, and is fully supported by ABB UK for parts and engineering. Spare parts are widely available from both ABB and independent suppliers.
IRC5 units from 2010 onwards are fully serviceable and represent the correct minimum specification for any used ABB purchase intended for productive industrial use. The controller hardware is modular: the main computer, drive units, and I/O modules can be replaced individually, which contains repair costs when individual components fail.
On the UK used market, IRC5 controllers command a premium over IRC4 that is entirely justified. An IRB 2600 with IRC5 will sell for £3,000 to £6,000 more than the same mechanical arm with an IRC4 controller, and the premium is reasonable given the support and compatibility advantages.
OmniCore
OmniCore is ABB's newest controller platform, introduced with the GoFa range and gradually extending to newer IRB models. It runs RobotWare 7, offers a significantly updated user interface, and is designed with a modern software architecture that supports cloud connectivity and digital twin workflows.
OmniCore units on the used market are currently rare: the platform is recent enough that most installations are still in active service. The few OmniCore units available used, primarily GoFa robots from early pilot installations or leased-back units, tend to command a premium over comparable IRC5 robots because buyers recognise the extended support horizon.
Most-Found ABB Models on the UK Used Market
ABB IRB 2600-12/1.65
The IRB 2600-12/1.65 is the single most commonly traded ABB model on the UK used market. Its 12 kg payload and 1,650 mm reach make it highly versatile: it has been deployed extensively in automotive welding, material handling, machine tending, and general assembly across UK manufacturing. Long production runs mean large numbers have cycled through factory service lives and are now available secondhand.
Used IRB 2600-12/1.65 units with IRC5 controllers in good condition typically sell for £18,000 to £24,000 in the UK. Units at the lower end of the range tend to have higher operating hours or incomplete documentation. Well-maintained units with service records can reach £28,000 when condition justifies it.
This is the go-to model for UK buyers seeking a proven ABB arm for general automation applications with a clear support path and abundant used supply.
ABB IRB 6700 Series
The IRB 6700 series is the workhorse of ABB's heavy-duty range and the dominant large robot on the UK used market. Available in multiple payload variants (from 150 kg to 235 kg) and reach configurations, it is used extensively in UK automotive body-in-white welding, press-to-press transfer, and heavy material handling.
The IRB 6700-150/3.2 is the most common heavy variant: its 3,200 mm reach makes it suitable for large work envelopes. Used prices run from £28,000 to £50,000. The 235/2.65 variant, with its exceptional 235 kg payload, sells for £32,000 to £55,000, which represents compelling value against an £92,000 new list price for applications that need that capacity.
IRB 6700 units from automotive applications may have high operating hours from continuous production shifts, but ABB designed this series for durability at high utilisation. Request the controller log and service history to assess maintenance status relative to ABB's recommended service intervals.
ABB's OmniCore Controller and Its Effect on IRC5 Resale Values
ABB's transition to OmniCore as the new platform for GoFa and newer IRB models has introduced a question that buyers of used IRC5 robots reasonably ask: does OmniCore make IRC5 obsolete?
The short answer is no, not in any practical timeframe relevant to used buyers in 2026. ABB has a long track record of supporting controller generations for extended periods after discontinuation, and the IRC5's global installed base of several hundred thousand units creates strong economic incentive for ABB to maintain support, parts availability, and software compatibility.
The longer answer is that OmniCore's introduction has created a modest and gradual shift in market sentiment. Buyers who are aware of the new platform, and who are making longer-term investment decisions, may factor in that IRC5 represents a maturing rather than a current-generation platform. This is beginning to show as slight downward pressure on IRC5 valuations at the top of the market, particularly for units being sold as near-new replacements.
For the majority of used buyers evaluating IRC5 robots for five to ten year operational horizons, this consideration is marginal. The IRC5 will remain supported, parts will remain available, and RobotStudio compatibility will continue. The practical implication for pricing is small: expect IRC5 units to trade slightly softer as more OmniCore equipment reaches the used market over the next few years, but this is a trend rather than an immediate devaluation event.
ABB UK Service Infrastructure
ABB's UK service and support network is one of the strongest arguments for choosing ABB over some alternative brands when buying used industrial robots. This matters because used robots require commissioning support, periodic maintenance, and occasional repair, and the cost and availability of that support affects total cost of ownership as much as the purchase price itself.
ABB UK Ltd operates engineering service teams across the UK with regional coverage that extends from Scotland through the Midlands manufacturing heartland to the South of England. Response times for on-site support are generally competitive, and ABB UK stocks common spare parts including drive units, motors, and cable assemblies for IRC5-era robots.
Beyond ABB UK directly, the UK has a substantial network of ABB-certified systems integrators and service companies. These organisations are authorised to perform repairs, undertake software configuration, and provide RobotStudio programming support. For buyers outside major manufacturing regions, identifying a local certified integrator before purchasing is strongly advisable: having a known and qualified support contact reduces the risk of extended downtime if problems arise post-commissioning.
ABB UK also provides RobotStudio training courses at its training centres, which is relevant for buyers bringing used ABB robots into operations where programming expertise does not already exist.
Where to Buy Used ABB Robots in the UK
Specialist Robot Resellers
Specialist resellers carry used ABB stock that has typically been tested, cleaned, and offered with some form of condition report. EU Automation, Automate-IT, and RARUK Automation are established UK operators in this space. Prices from specialist resellers are higher than auction or direct-disposal pricing, but the due diligence and condition documentation they provide reduces risk.
Industrial Equipment Auctions
Surplex, Bidspotter, and TBAuctions regularly list ABB robots from factory closures and line disposals. Auction prices can be significantly below specialist reseller pricing, but condition is often unknown and inspection opportunities may be limited to visual examination. Budget for a specialist pre-auction inspection if the robot is high-value and condition is unclear.
Direct from Manufacturers
Tier 1 automotive manufacturers and large food and beverage producers periodically dispose of production lines directly, sometimes through formal tender processes and sometimes through informal brokerage. This route can yield the best prices and the most complete documentation but requires either existing relationships or active monitoring of disposal announcements.
Robot AutoTrader
Robot AutoTrader lists used ABB robots across the UK with model, price, and location, drawing from multiple sources including specialist resellers, private sellers, and direct disposals.
What to Check Before Buying a Used ABB Robot
RobotStudio Diagnostics
Connect a laptop running ABB RobotStudio to the controller before purchase. Download the system log and review total operating hours, number of motion starts, and the fault history. Look specifically for repeated fault codes on the same joint, which may indicate bearing wear or motor issues. Operating hours above 40,000 are not automatically a problem but should prompt closer mechanical inspection.
Joint Logs and Manual Operation
Jog all joints through their full range of motion using the teach pendant, running each joint in both directions at low speed. Listen for grinding, irregular resistance, or hesitation. Any of these is a warning sign requiring investigation. Check for backlash by reversing direction slowly at low speed: a small amount is normal, but significant movement before the joint responds indicates worn gearboxes.
SafeMove Configuration
ABB's SafeMove safety software is a core part of the robot's safety system in most installations. Verify that the SafeMove configuration is intact, correctly parametrised, and documented. A SafeMove configuration that has been deleted or is undocumented cannot simply be reconstructed without knowledge of the original installation risk assessment. Missing SafeMove documentation is a meaningful flag if the application requires collaborative or restricted-zone safety operation.
Cable and Connector Condition
Inspect all cable runs, particularly the dress package from the base to the wrist. Look for abrasion wear, cracking of the outer jacket, and condition of connectors. Cable replacement on an ABB IRB 2600 or larger arm can cost £1,500 to £4,000 depending on the extent of the replacement required.
Controller Hardware
Open the IRC5 cabinet and inspect for evidence of moisture ingress, corroded terminals, or burned components. Check the condition of the drive units and the main computer module. Confirm that the RobotWare version installed is current or at minimum compatible with the software options required for your application.
FAQ
How much does a used ABB robot cost in the UK?
Used ABB robots in the UK sell at 40 to 55 per cent below new list price. An ABB IRB 1200-5/0.9 costs £8,000 to £14,000 used versus roughly £25,000 new. An ABB IRB 6700-150/3.2 sells for £28,000 to £50,000 used versus £85,000 new. The GoFa 10 cobot fetches £22,000 to £30,000 used. Price depends on model, controller generation, operating hours, and application history.
Which ABB robot models are most common on the UK used market?
The ABB IRB 2600 and IRB 6700 series dominate the UK used market, driven by their long production runs and widespread use in automotive welding and handling. The IRB 2600-12/1.65 is the single most traded ABB model in the UK. IRB 4600 units are also frequently available from food and beverage installations. GoFa and YuMi cobots are less common but their numbers are growing as early installations reach the secondary market.
What is the difference between an ABB IRC5 and IRC4 controller?
The IRC4 is the older generation controller, now discontinued. The IRC5 is the standard current-generation controller for ABB's industrial range and is widely supported for parts and software. IRC5 runs RobotWare 5 and 6 software. The newest platform is OmniCore, which runs RobotWare 7 and serves the GoFa and newer IRB models. When buying used, an IRC5 controller is the minimum recommended generation; IRC4 units should only be considered at a significant price discount given limited spare parts availability.
Does ABB's new OmniCore controller affect resale values of IRC5 units?
OmniCore's introduction has put mild downward pressure on IRC5 resale values, as buyers aware of the new platform factor in future software and support considerations. However, ABB has committed to IRC5 support for many years, and the platform remains the dominant installed base globally. The practical effect on UK used prices in 2026 is modest: IRC5 units still sell well, but models paired with OmniCore are beginning to command a small premium on the used market where available.
Can ABB RobotWare licences be transferred to a new owner?
RobotWare licences are tied to the controller. When purchasing a used ABB robot, request the original RobotWare licence documentation and verify the software options installed, such as RobotWare Arc, Assembly, or Conveyor Tracking. Option transfers must go through ABB or an authorised distributor. Some options transfer for a fee; others require re-purchase. Always confirm the transfer status of any safety-related software, including SafeMove, before agreeing a price.
What should I check before buying a used ABB robot?
Connect to the controller via ABB RobotStudio to download the system log and check total operating hours, number of motion starts, and fault history. Manually jog all joints through their full range and listen for grinding or irregular resistance. Check the teach pendant for damage and verify all buttons and the emergency stop function. Confirm the SafeMove safety configuration is intact and properly documented. Request all service records and the original installation report. Budget for a specialist inspection if the robot's history is unclear.
Where can I buy used ABB robots in the UK?
Specialist robot resellers including EU Automation, Automate-IT, and RARUK Automation hold used ABB stock. Industrial equipment auction platforms such as Surplex, Bidspotter, and TBAuctions list ABB robots from factory disposals and plant closures. Direct acquisition from Tier 1 automotive manufacturers disposing of production lines is possible but usually requires relationships or attending tender processes. Robot AutoTrader lists used ABB robots by model, price, and location across the UK.
Is ABB UK service infrastructure good enough to support a used ABB robot?
ABB has a strong UK service presence through ABB UK Ltd and a network of certified integration and service partners. Spare parts for IRC5-era robots are readily available from ABB UK and independent suppliers. For OmniCore-based robots, the support network is growing. The UK ABB service infrastructure is one of the best reasons to choose ABB over some competing brands: local engineering support, next-day parts availability for common consumables, and access to RobotStudio training reduce the risk of a used ABB purchase compared to less-supported brands.