IRB 1200 vs Explorer
Side-by-side comparison of IRB 1200 (ABB) and Explorer (OC Robotics) — specs, pricing, Robo Index, and verified deployments. Updated daily.
Optimize comparison for buyer
Optimized for Cleaning & Facilities buyers. Priority specs lifted to the top and marked with a target.
Layer 1: Identity & Trust
Manufacturer Country
- IRB 1200Switzerland
- ExplorerUnited Kingdom
Year First Available
- IRB 1200—
- Explorer2009
Verified Deployments
- IRB 12000 Deployments
- Explorer0 Deployments
Layer 2: Operational
Availability Status
- IRB 1200ACTIVE
- ExplorerACTIVE
Arm Mechanics
Robot Weight
- IRB 120052 kg
- Explorer18.6 kg
Payload
- IRB 12007 kg
- Explorer20 kg
Reach
- IRB 1200901 mm
- Explorer2,500 mm
Degrees of Freedom
- IRB 12006
- Explorer—
Repeatability
- IRB 1200±0.02 mm
- Explorer—
Max TCP Speed
- IRB 12002.5 m/s
- Explorer—
IP Rating (Arm)
- IRB 1200IP40
- Explorer—
Controller & Programming
Controller Model
- IRB 1200IRC5
- ExplorerControl and simulation unit
End-Effector
Tool Flange Standard
- IRB 1200ISO 9409-1-31.5-4-M5
- Explorer—
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1: Identity & Trust | ||
| Manufacturer Country (values differ) | Switzerland | United Kingdom |
| Year First Available (values differ) | — | 2009 |
| Verified Deployments | 0 Deployments | 0 Deployments |
| Layer 2: Operational | ||
| Availability Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
| Layer 3: Category Specific | ||
| Arm Mechanics | ||
| Robot Weight (priority for Cleaning & Facilities buyers) (values differ) | 52 kg | 18.6 kg |
| Payload (priority for Cleaning & Facilities buyers) (values differ) | 7 kg | 20 kg |
| Reach (values differ) | 901 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Degrees of Freedom (values differ) | 6 | — |
| Repeatability (values differ) | ±0.02 mm | — |
| Max TCP Speed (values differ) | 2.5 m/s | — |
| IP Rating (Arm) (values differ) | IP40 | — |
| Controller & Programming | ||
| Controller Model (values differ) | IRC5 | Control and simulation unit |
| End-Effector | ||
| Tool Flange Standard (values differ) | ISO 9409-1-31.5-4-M5 | — |
Insufficient data for full comparison
The following fields had no data for any of the selected robots: Price, Battery / Shift Runtime, Path Accuracy, IP Rating (Wrist), Cycle Time (25/305/25), MTBF, Duty Cycle, Vibration Damping, Safety Category, Dual Check Safety, Safety I/O Pairs, E-Stop Response, Safe Zone Count, Programming Languages, Teach Pendant Type, Offline Programming, Digital Twin Support, Communication Protocols, ROS-Industrial Support, IoT / Cloud Platform, Cybersecurity Certs, Predictive Maintenance, Tool Changer (ISO), Internal Cable Routing, Pneumatic Lines, Electrical Lines, Price (USD), Warranty, Service Network, Spare Parts Lead Time, Expected Service Life
ROI Comparison
Same operating assumptions across every robot — the only difference is price. Set your numbers once to see which pays back fastest.
Annual labor displaced (per robot): $50,000
| Metric | IRB 1200 | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | No price | No price |
| Payback period | — | — |
| Net savings (5 yr) | — | — |
| ROI (5 yr) | — | — |
IRB 1200, Explorer have no listed price, so payback can't be computed. Contact the manufacturer for a quote.
Estimates labor-cost displacement only — not a full total cost of ownership. Actual ROI depends on integration, maintenance, training, downtime, and task fit. Converted currencies are indicative; USD is the price of record.
Trade-offs at a glance
Frequently asked
Who makes IRB 1200 and Explorer?
IRB 1200 is made by ABB, based in CH. Explorer is made by OC Robotics, based in GB.
How do IRB 1200 and Explorer compare on the Robo Index?
IRB 1200 grades A on the Robo Index. Explorer grades AA. The Robo Index is a credibility grade (AAA … C) that blends commercial maturity, verified deployments, company standing, and independent coverage — see methodology for the full breakdown.
How does the reach of IRB 1200 compare to Explorer?
IRB 1200 has a reach of 901 mm. Explorer has a reach of 2500 mm.
Are IRB 1200 and Explorer in the same category?
Both robots are classified as Industrial Arm on Robolist. Filters and ranking treat them as direct alternatives.
What is the realistic total cost of ownership for Industrial Arm robots?
Hardware cost is one input. Industrial Arm TCO also includes integration, training, downtime, and end-of-life. Our breakdown: TCO of a 6-Axis Arm Cell: Hardware, EOAT, Integration, Programming.
What should a buyer ask vendors when choosing between IRB 1200 and Explorer?
Spec sheets only show part of the story. Useful vendor questions cover support, lifecycle, integration cost, and references. We have a buyer-focused checklist: Industrial Arm Vendor Selection: Capability Matrices and Proof Points.
Going deeper — picking the right robot
TCO of a 6-Axis Arm Cell: Hardware, EOAT, Integration, Programming
7 min readIndustrial Arms
Industrial Arm Vendor Selection: Capability Matrices and Proof Points
9 min readIndustrial Arms
Programming Approaches: Teach Pendant, Offline, AI-Assisted — What Each Costs You
8 min readIndustrial Arms
Build vs buy vs lease: which model fits a first deployment
8 min readChoosing Your First Robot
The hidden specs vendors hope you'll miss
10 min readReading the Spec Sheet
Want to be notified when specs or pricing change for these robots? Drop your email.
Other comparisons
About this comparison
IRB 1200 vs Explorer compares two robots in the industrial-arm category. All data is sourced from manufacturer spec sheets, verified deployments, and third-party filings; see our methodology for how the Robo Index is calculated.