The manufacturers can trade in an existing robot from any manufacturer installed 12 or more years ago. If the replacement machine has a load capacity up to 20kg, they will receive a £2,000 discount. If the payload is 20kg or more, they will receive the full £4,000 discount.
The scheme, which will run until April 2014, is aimed, in particular, at small- and medium-sized businesses with a robot which 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 for old: ABB is offering incentives to update your robots
“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,” he adds. “The enhanced efficiency, flexibility and reliability delivered by the latest generation of robots could help these companies to transform their production operations dramatically.”
To apply for the scheme or to find out more, call (44) 01908 350300 or email robots@gb.abb.com ref ‘Swappage’.
