Head to head
ABB IRB 1100 vs Epson VT6
A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.
Small precise arm for assembly and dispensing
Compact folded-arm robot for tight assembly cells
Specification duel
Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.
The verdict
The specs separate them here: the Epson VT6 carries more, 6 kg to the ABB IRB 1100's 4 kg, and the Epson VT6 reaches farther, 920 mm to 580 mm. If precision drives the job, the ABB IRB 1100 holds the tighter repeatability at ±0.01 mm. They run different controllers, the ABB IRB 1100 on the OmniCore and the Epson VT6 on the Built-in controller, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Mounting options differ: the ABB IRB 1100 lists Any angle, and the Epson VT6 lists Floor, Wall, and Ceiling.
Choose this one when
Job fit first, then the controller and cell constraints that decide which arm you can actually install.
Choose the ABB IRB 1100 when
- Very tight repeatability for small-parts work
- Compact size fits benchtop cells
- SafeMove options for shared workspace
- Fast for short-cycle assembly tasks
Watch for
- Low payload rules out heavier grippers
- Short reach limits fixture spread
Choose the Epson VT6 when
- Folded-arm design reduces swept volume
- Consistent programming environment with Epson SCARA robots
- Competitive cost for the payload class
- Good fit for dense multi-robot cells
Watch for
- Reach is modest for larger fixtures
- Smaller integrator base than the largest robot brands
Controller ecosystem
Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.
- Brand
- ABB
- Controller
- OmniCore
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the ABB IRB 1100 run through ABB's OmniCore stack.
- Brand
- Epson
- Controller
- Built-in controller
- Class
- 6-axis industrial
Service, spares, and pendant training for the Epson VT6 run through Epson's Built-in controller stack.
These arms run different controllers (OmniCore vs Built-in controller). If your team already programs one of them, retraining programmers and stocking a second set of spares usually costs more than a small payload or reach advantage on paper.
Mounting, footprint, and mass
How the arm can be oriented in the cell, and how much mass you have to mount.
| Field | ABB IRB 1100 | Epson VT6 |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Any angle | Floor, Wall, and Ceiling |
| Robot mass | 21 kg | 40 kg |
| Protection (IP) | IP40 standard / IP67 option | IP20 (Standard) / IP67 (Protected variant) |
Heavier arms want stiffer bases and more clearance around the swept volume, and they push freight and rigging costs up on the install. IP ratings only cover the section they name, so a wrist-only rating protects the wrist and nothing else; check the body rating separately before you commit the arm to a washdown or dusty cell.
Application fit
Where each arm is aimed, based on the applications listed on its robot page.
Both pages list assembly, dispensing, machine tending, and packaging.
ABB IRB 1100 covers
Epson VT6 covers
Speed and cycle-time planning
Speed is rarely a single datasheet number across brands. Use payload, reach, and class as the planning frame, then confirm cycle time in a path study.
The ABB IRB 1100 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 4 kg at 580 mm with ±0.01 mm repeatability. The Epson VT6 is a 6-axis industrial arm rated 6 kg at 920 mm with ±0.1 mm. Class changes how speed shows up in a cell: collaborative arms slow down near people and can speed up in a guarded mode, while industrial arms run at rated speed inside a fence or scanner field. Which arm cycles faster on your part depends on the path, the payload, and the safeguarding, so confirm the takt with a path study before you quote it.
Common questions
- Which has more payload, the ABB IRB 1100 or the Epson VT6?
- The Epson VT6 has more payload at 6 kg versus 4 kg.
- Which reaches farther?
- The Epson VT6 has more reach at 920 mm versus 580 mm.
- Which is more precise?
- The ABB IRB 1100 holds tighter repeatability at ±0.01 mm.
- Should I choose the ABB IRB 1100 or the Epson VT6?
- Match the pick to the job. The ABB IRB 1100 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 4 kg and 580 mm. The Epson VT6 is a 6-axis industrial arm at 6 kg and 920 mm.
- Do the ABB IRB 1100 and Epson VT6 use the same controller?
- No. The ABB IRB 1100 uses OmniCore and the Epson VT6 uses Built-in controller.
- How do the IP ratings compare?
- The ABB IRB 1100 is rated IP40 standard / IP67 option. The Epson VT6 is rated IP20 (Standard) / IP67 (Protected variant). Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.