Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

ABB IRB 910SC vs Epson SCARA T6

A specification duel across payload, reach, precision, and footprint, with a plain read on which arm suits which job.

ABB2 of 5 categories
ABB IRB 910SC

Compact SCARA for assembly and small-parts handling

Epson1 of 5 categories
Epson SCARA T6

Value SCARA for assembly and packaging cells

Specification duel

Green marks the stronger figure. Unconfirmed specs are shown but not scored.

6 kg
Payload
6 kg
650 mm
Reach
600 mm
±0.01 mm
Repeatability
±0.04 mm
4
Axes
4
25.5 kg
Robot mass
22 kg
2016
Introducedreference
2018

The verdict

On paper these two are close, both carry 6 kg and 650 mm against 600 mm of reach, near enough that the spec sheet alone will not decide it. They run different controllers, the ABB IRB 910SC on the IRC5 and the Epson SCARA T6 on the Built-in, so whichever platform your team already programs and stocks parts for is a real tiebreaker. Mounting options differ: the ABB IRB 910SC lists Floor, and the Epson SCARA T6 lists Tabletop.

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 910SC when

  • Fast planar cycle times
  • Multiple reach and payload variants
  • Compact footprint for bench integration
  • Simple programming for pick-and-place tasks

Watch for

  • Planar motion limits orientation flexibility
  • Not suited to large vertical stroke tasks

Choose the Epson SCARA T6 when

  • Competitive cost for a full-size SCARA
  • Fast planar cycle times
  • Straightforward setup with Epson RC+ software
  • Multiple reach variants available

Watch for

  • Planar kinematics limit orientation flexibility
  • Smaller support network than the largest robot brands

Controller ecosystem

Programming habits, spare parts, and pendant familiarity often decide the pick when payloads are close.

ABB IRB 910SC
Brand
ABB
Controller
IRC5
Class
SCARA

Service, spares, and pendant training for the ABB IRB 910SC run through ABB's IRC5 stack.

Epson SCARA T6
Brand
Epson
Controller
Built-in
Class
SCARA

Service, spares, and pendant training for the Epson SCARA T6 run through Epson's Built-in stack.

These arms run different controllers (IRC5 vs Built-in). 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.

FieldABB IRB 910SCEpson SCARA T6
MountingFloorTabletop
Robot mass25.5 kg22 kg
Protection (IP)IP20IP20

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, packaging, dispensing, and machine tending.

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 910SC is a SCARA arm rated 6 kg at 650 mm with ±0.01 mm repeatability. The Epson SCARA T6 is a SCARA arm rated 6 kg at 600 mm with ±0.04 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 910SC or the Epson SCARA T6?
The ABB IRB 910SC and Epson SCARA T6 match at 6 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The ABB IRB 910SC has more reach at 650 mm versus 600 mm.
Which is more precise?
The ABB IRB 910SC holds tighter repeatability at ±0.01 mm.
Should I choose the ABB IRB 910SC or the Epson SCARA T6?
Match the pick to the job. The ABB IRB 910SC is a SCARA arm at 6 kg and 650 mm. The Epson SCARA T6 is a SCARA arm at 6 kg and 600 mm.
Do the ABB IRB 910SC and Epson SCARA T6 use the same controller?
No. The ABB IRB 910SC uses IRC5 and the Epson SCARA T6 uses Built-in.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The ABB IRB 910SC is rated IP20. The Epson SCARA T6 is rated IP20. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.