ABB introduces robot trade-in scheme to promote latest automation uptake in UK manufacturing

Subject to the payload of the robot, the so-called Robot Swappage Scheme enables operators to get up to £4,000* off the purchase cost of a new ABB robot when they trade in an existing robot, from any manufacturer, installed 12 or more years ago. Applying to orders placed between 8 October 2013 to 8 April 2014, the scheme is part of ABB's drive to encourage the greater take-up of robotic automation in the UK manufacturing sector and is aimed paricularly at small and medium sized businesses that have a current working robot that may be nearing the end of its useful economical working life. "A large number of robots in use in the UK are now at the point where they are becoming increasingly more difficult and costly to maintain," says Dean Phipps, ABB Robotics' service sales manager for the UK and Ireland. "Difficulties in obtaining spares for obsolete models, the absence of any warranties and finding technicians qualified to work on older models are just some of the problems that can add to the heartache, expense and inconvenience of using older robots when issues inevitably occur. In such cases, replacing the robot with a new model can present the most sensible option. "New developments in robotic technology may also mean that companies using older models may be missing out on a raft of new productivity enhancing features. The enhanced efficiency, flexibility and reliability delivered by the latest generation of robots could help these companies to dramatically transform their production operations." * Robots with up to and including a 20 kg payload will receive a discount of £2,000 off the list-price for each individual robot being scrapped and replaced, whilst robots with a payload greater than 20 kg will receive a £4,000 discount.