Robotics in Manufacturing

Head to head

ABB IRB 910SC vs Omron i4

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

Omron1 of 5 categories
Omron i4

Compact SCARA for light assembly and packaging

Specification duel

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

6 kg
Payload
5 kg
650 mm
Reach
550 mm
±0.01 mm
Repeatability
±0.01 mm
4
Axes
4
25.5 kg
Robot mass
16.5 kg
2016
Introducedreference
2021

The verdict

The specs separate them here: the ABB IRB 910SC carries more, 6 kg to the Omron i4's 5 kg. They run different controllers, the ABB IRB 910SC on the IRC5 and the Omron i4 on the Built-in internal controller, 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 Omron i4 lists Table and Wall. Both are aimed at assembly and packaging, with the ABB IRB 910SC stretching to machine tending.

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 Omron i4 when

  • Very compact for dense bench cells
  • Tight repeatability for small-parts assembly
  • Integrates with Omron vision and PLC systems
  • Low mass simplifies mounting

Watch for

  • Low payload limits heavier tooling
  • Short reach compared to larger SCARA arms

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.

Omron i4
Brand
Omron
Controller
Built-in internal controller
Class
SCARA

Service, spares, and pendant training for the Omron i4 run through Omron's Built-in internal controller stack.

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

FieldABB IRB 910SCOmron i4
MountingFloorTable and Wall
Robot mass25.5 kg16.5 kg
Protection (IP)IP20IP20 / NEMA Type 1

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, and dispensing, with the differences below.

ABB IRB 910SC also 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 910SC is a SCARA arm rated 6 kg at 650 mm with ±0.01 mm repeatability. The Omron i4 is a SCARA arm rated 5 kg at 550 mm with ±0.01 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 Omron i4?
The ABB IRB 910SC has more payload at 6 kg versus 5 kg.
Which reaches farther?
The ABB IRB 910SC has more reach at 650 mm versus 550 mm.
Which is more precise?
Both are rated at ±0.01 mm repeatability.
Should I choose the ABB IRB 910SC or the Omron i4?
Match the pick to the job. The ABB IRB 910SC is a SCARA arm at 6 kg and 650 mm. The Omron i4 is a SCARA arm at 5 kg and 550 mm.
Do the ABB IRB 910SC and Omron i4 use the same controller?
No. The ABB IRB 910SC uses IRC5 and the Omron i4 uses Built-in internal controller.
How do the IP ratings compare?
The ABB IRB 910SC is rated IP20. The Omron i4 is rated IP20 / NEMA Type 1. Check wrist versus body coverage before washdown or dusty cells.