ABB robots are assembled in the USA at ABB’s Auburn Hills, Michigan facility. 

The company expanded this site in 2024, investing $20 million to boost local production. Now, 90% of ABB robots sold in North and South America get their final assembly in Michigan.

However, ABB still imports most core components from Europe and Asia. Think of it like assembling a Swiss watch in Detroit. The precision parts travel across oceans before Michigan engineers put them together.

What does the ABB Auburn Hills facility do?

The Auburn Hills facility serves as ABB's North American robotics headquarters; it’s not just an ABB robot factory with a warehouse and screwdrivers. This is where engineers handle everything from application development to customer training.

What actually happens in Michigan:

• Final assembly of 6-axis industrial robots
• Quality testing and calibration
• AI integration and software configuration
• Custom modifications for specific applications
• Technical support and training (5,000+ people annually)

Auburn Hills operates as ABB's robotics nerve center for North America, specializing in robotic automation solutions. The 538,000-square-foot facility employs over 700 people who build, test, and support industrial robots.

Key operations at Auburn Hills:

• Robot assembly line: Workers bolt together pre-manufactured parts, install control systems, and run each robot through rigorous testing protocols
• AI integration center: Engineers program advanced AI capabilities into robots, including vision systems and adaptive learning features
• Training academy: ABB trains 5,000+ technicians yearly in hands-on robot programming and maintenance
• Application lab: Teams develop custom solutions for welding, painting, assembly, and material handling
• 24/7 support center: Technical experts provide phone and on-site assistance across North America

The facility expanded significantly in 2024, adding new assembly lines specifically for collaborative robots (cobots) and increasing production capacity by 50%. According to ABB's investment announcement, this expansion positions Auburn Hills to meet growing demand for automation in North American manufacturing.

Want to understand how ABB fits into the broader automation landscape? Check out this complete guide to ABB automation in the USA.

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Why does US manufacturing and assembly matter in 2025?

Local robot production isn't just flag-waving. It directly impacts your bottom line and operations. The Biden administration's manufacturing initiatives have made domestic production more attractive than ever.

Financial benefits of U.S.-assembled robots:

• Tax incentives: The CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Bill offer credits up to 25% for automation equipment assembled domestically
• Reduced tariffs: Importing fully assembled robots can add 25–35% to costs, depending on country of origin
• Faster ROI: Local assembly cuts delivery times from 16 to 20 weeks to 4–6 weeks

Operational advantages:

• Same-day parts: Critical components ship from Michigan warehouses, not Shanghai ports
• Local expertise: Engineers who built your robot can troubleshoot it without visa paperwork
• System integration: U.S. teams understand American PLCs, safety standards, and production workflows
• ITAR compliance: Defense contractors and aerospace manufacturers often require U.S.-assembled equipment

Recent supply chain disruptions have made these advantages even more critical. Companies report 40% fewer production delays when using domestically assembled robots versus imported units.

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ABB vs. Standard Bots RO1: A direct comparison

ABB brings Swiss precision and global reputation. Standard Bots RO1 offers American innovation and transparent pricing. Here's how they stack up for U.S. manufacturers:

Real-world example: Standard Bots RO1 offers significantly faster deployment compared to traditional industrial robots (take a look at this CNC shop testimonial). With its no-code interface and built-in 3D vision system, companies can avoid the lengthy programming and integration processes typically required with legacy systems. This reduces deployment from weeks to days while eliminating costly add-on vision systems.

Curious about other robot comparisons? Read our ABB vs. KUKA head-to-head analysis.

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Summing up: Key takeaways for US buyers

Your robot choice depends on production needs, technical resources, and budget constraints. Here's the decision framework:

Choose ABB if you:

• Run 24/7 production with dedicated automation engineers
• Need specialized applications (automotive painting, spot welding)
• Have existing ABB equipment and trained staff
• Require robots with 100 kg+ payload capacity
• Value brand recognition for customer confidence

Choose Standard Bots RO1 if you:

• Want to test automation before major investment
• Need robots operational within days, not months
• Lack dedicated programming staff
• Value transparent, predictable costs
• Operate a job shop with changing production needs

Financial comparison:

• ABB: $75,000–$150,000 purchase + $20,000 integration + ongoing support contracts
• RO1: $37,000 (list) with support included

Ready to see how U.S.-assembled robots can transform your production? Learn more about robotic automation for different industrial tasks.

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Next steps with Standard Bots

Want to upgrade your manufacturing game? Standard Bots’ RO1 is the perfect six-axis cobot addition to any shop floor, big or small.

• Affordable and adaptable: Available at $37K (list), which is half the cost of comparable robots.
  
  
• Precision and power: With a repeatability of ±0.025 mm and an 18 kg payload, RO1 handles even the most demanding jobs, like welding, palletizing, pick-and-place. You name it.
  
  
• AI-driven simplicity: Equipped with AI capabilities on par with GPT-4, RO1 integrates perfectly with production systems for even more advanced automation.
  
  
• Safety-first design: Machine vision and collision detection mean RO1 works safely alongside human operators.

Schedule your risk-free, 30-day on-site trial today and see how RO1 can bring AI-powered greatness to your shop floor.

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FAQs

1. Are ABB robots manufactured in the USA?

ABB robots are assembled in the USA, not fully manufactured here. ABB performs final assembly at their Auburn Hills, Michigan facility, but core components still come from Europe and Asia, making them “assembled in the USA” rather than completely manufactured domestically.

2. Where is ABB's robot facility located?

ABB's North American robotics headquarters is located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The facility sits about 30 miles north of Detroit in the heart of American automotive country.

3. What robots are built in Auburn Hills, Michigan?

Auburn Hills builds ABB's full line of 6-axis industrial robots, collaborative robots, and specialized automation solutions. The facility handles everything from small 3 kg cobots to massive 800 kg heavy-duty robots for various industrial applications.

4. Can I lease or trial an ABB robot?

ABB offers leasing through approved financial partners, but terms vary and require negotiation. They don't offer risk-free trials – you'll need to visit trade shows or their facility for demos.

5. Is there a faster US-assembled alternative to ABB?

Yes, Standard Bots RO1 provides a faster alternative, shipping in 2–4 weeks versus ABB's 6–12 week lead time. RO1 also offers a 30-day risk-free trial and transparent pricing ($37K list) with no hidden fees or complex negotiations.