ABB SWIFTI

Overview

The ABB SWIFTI (CRB 1100) was a collaborative SCARA-style industrial robot designed for high-speed pick-and-place and assembly on shared worktables. ABB discontinued the model in 2024, replacing it with the GoFa CRB 15000 family. Spare parts and service remain available. Unlike a conventional 6-axis cobot, the SWIFTI used a SCARA kinematic configuration (Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm), giving it high speed and stiffness in the horizontal plane at the cost of dexterity in the vertical axis. ABB integrated its SafeMove safety system, allowing the SWIFTI to operate at full speed when no person was present, then slow dynamically when a worker entered the zone.

Key Specifications

• Payload: 4 kg
• Reach: 580 mm
• Degrees of freedom: 4
• TCP speed: up to 5.05 m/s (full industrial speed), reduced in collaborative zones
• Repeatability: ±0.01 mm
• IP rating: IP40
• Safety: SafeMove integrated, ISO/TS 15066 compliant
• Controller: OmniCore C30

The SCARA configuration provides ±0.01 mm repeatability, which is tighter than most 6-axis cobots in this price range.

Use Cases

The SWIFTI is deployed for electronic component insertion, small part assembly, dispensing, and packaging on high-volume lines. Its speed advantage over 6-axis cobots is most apparent in short-cycle pick-and-place tasks. ABB supplies it as part of integrated workstation cells with conveyors and vision systems.

Buying Used

The SWIFTI is a niche product and secondhand units are uncommon in the UK. When available, pricing ranges from £15,000 to £22,000. The SCARA mechanism has different wear characteristics from 6-axis arms; check the Z-axis lead screw and the horizontal arm bearings for play. ABB UK service centres can carry out diagnostic checks.

Alternatives to Consider

• ABB GoFa CRB 15000: 6-axis configuration for more flexible task handling, though slower for pure pick-and-place.
• Universal Robots UR5e: More flexible kinematics and a larger ecosystem, though lower peak speed.
• FANUC CRX-10iA: Higher payload with comparable collaborative safety certification.