What is a Cobot (Collaborative Robot)?

Discover cobots that make your work easier and safer. Unlike big, standalone robots, cobots are designed to be your direct partners on the job. They’re smart enough to avoid accidents and versatile for tasks like lifting or precision work in both factories and hospitals.

This guide explains why cobots are the smart choice for businesses ready to automate but avoid the high costs and complexity of traditional robots.

Let’s explore how cobots can change your workplace for the better.

 

What is a Cobot?

A Cobot, short for collaborative robot, is a type of robot designed to work alongside humans in shared spaces. Unlike traditional robots that work in isolated areas for safety, cobots are built to be safe around people. Engineers create cobots with special safety features and sensors, ensuring they can operate without causing harm.

Cobots are versatile and easy to program, making them valuable in various industries. They can assist in tasks such as carrying items, assembling products, and even helping in healthcare settings. By working with humans, cobots enhance productivity and safety, making work processes more efficient and less strenuous.

In essence, cobots bridge the gap between human workers and automation, offering a collaborative approach to completing tasks.

How Does a Cobot Work?

Cobots, or collaborative robots, are designed to work safely with you. They use advanced sensors and software to detect their surroundings and avoid collisions. You can program cobots to do specific tasks like assembly, welding, or packaging with high precision.

Setting up a cobot is simple. You can use a tablet or computer with easy-to-understand interfaces. Some cobots let you guide them manually to teach them a task.

Once programmed, cobots perform repetitive tasks consistently and accurately. They adapt to changes in your environment, ensuring smooth operation without constant supervision. Safety features, like force sensors, allow cobots to stop immediately if they detect an obstacle or a person, preventing accidents.

 

 

How Do You Program a Cobot?

Choose Your Interface:

Most cobots feature a user-friendly interface. There’s no need for deep programming knowledge—simply use the graphical interface to drag and drop actions into place. This visual method makes programming straightforward and accessible.

Drag-and-Drop Programming:

Start by selecting the tasks from a menu and drag them into sequence. The software automatically translates these into cobot actions. This approach reduces setup time and simplifies the entire process.

Test & Optimize:

Before going live, test your cobot in a simulated environment to avoid any real-world mistakes. Adjust tasks easily by modifying the sequence in the interface, ensuring optimal performance.

Maintain Flexibility:

Cobots are designed to adapt. You can reprogram your cobot as needed with minimal effort, which keeps it relevant as your production needs evolve, saving future costs and reducing downtime.

These steps allow you to program your cobot quickly and efficiently, removing the need for specialized skills or costly technical support.

 

 

How Much Does a Cobot Cost?

When choosing a cobot for your manufacturing needs, cost is a key factor. At Qviro, we’ve researched 56 cobots to provide you with valuable pricing information. On average, a cobot costs €27,158. Prices tend to increase as the cobot’s payload capacity rises.

For a detailed breakdown of these prices, check out our article “Average Price of a Cobot [Study on 56 Cobots].” This study gives you a comprehensive look at cobot costs, helping you make an informed decision for your business. Understanding the costs can guide you in selecting the right cobot for your needs.

 

Average Price of a Cobot [Study on 56 Cobots]

 

Why Choose Cobots?  

Manufacturers choose cobots because they save money, enhance safety, and are easy to set up.

1. Save Money:

Cobots are affordable. Unlike traditional robots, cobots are cheaper to buy, set up, and maintain. They don’t need much extra space or special setups, saving you money.

2. Safety: 

Cobots work safely alongside humans. They have sensors to stop or slow down if someone is close, eliminating the need for safety fences.

3. Programming Made Easy: 

Cobots are user-friendly. You don’t need to be a tech expert to set them up. Simple controls make it easy for anyone to program them.

4. For Every Business:

Cobots suit all businesses, big or small. They provide a flexible and scalable automation solution, allowing you to start small and expand as needed.

 

 

What are the Different Types of Cobots?

There are various kinds of cobots that are made to fit specific needs, as explained by the ISO 10218 standard:

1. Power & Force Limiting Cobots:

These cobots focus on safety and use sensors to avoid accidents with people.

2. Safety-Rated Monitored Stop Cobots:

These cobots have sensors that notice when people are nearby and stop working.

3. Hand Guiding Cobots:

People can guide these cobots by hand, making it easy to change what they do and reducing downtime.

4. Speed & Separation Monitoring Cobots:

These cobots use sensors to keep a safe distance from people. They slow down or stop when necessary to stay safe.

 

There are about 277 Cobots in the market, all listed on Qviro.com.

 

What is the Difference Between a Robot & a Cobot?

1. Adaptability:

Cobots are designed to easily adapt to changing environments. They can adjust to different tasks and work conditions without major modifications. In contrast, industrial robots require a consistent and stable setting to operate effectively. Any changes in their environment can disrupt their performance, necessitating time-consuming adjustments and recalibrations.

2. Flexibility:

Cobots are highly flexible and can quickly switch between tasks. They are designed to be versatile, handling a variety of jobs with minimal reprogramming. This makes them ideal for dynamic work environments. On the other hand, industrial robots need significant reprogramming to accommodate any new tasks or changes in the workflow, making them less adaptable to evolving production needs.

3. Cost-Effectiveness:

Cobots are generally more cost-effective than industrial robots. They are cheaper to purchase and integrate into existing workflows. Cobots require less setup time and fewer modifications to the workspace, which translates to lower overall costs. Industrial robots, while powerful, often involve higher initial investments and ongoing maintenance costs, making them a more expensive option for businesses.

4. Human Collaboration:

Cobots are built to work safely alongside humans. They come equipped with sensors and safety features that allow for close interaction without risk. This makes them suitable for environments where humans and robots need to work together closely. Industrial robots, however, usually operate in separate, enclosed areas to ensure safety. They lack the necessary safety features for direct human interaction, requiring additional safety measures like fences or cages.

 

 

What are Cobots Used For?

1. Assembly:

Assembly cobots are excellent at assembling parts in industries like electronics and automotive. They improve product quality and reduce errors. Easy to program and flexible, cobots handle repetitive tasks efficiently, ensuring precision and consistency. By working alongside human workers, cobots boost productivity and maintain high standards in the assembly process.

 

 

2. Quality Inspection:

Quality inspection cobots use cameras to check your products for defects. They ensure you only sell top-quality items. These robots spot flaws accurately, improving your inspection process. By consistently checking each product, cobots help you maintain high standards, reduce waste, and keep your customers happy. They are essential in industries where quality matters most.

 

 

3. Material Handling:

Material handling cobots efficiently move items around your workspace. They help with sorting and packing, reducing the workload on you and your team. By handling these tasks, cobots increase productivity and ensure smooth operations. This makes them valuable in any industry where moving materials is essential.

 

 

4. Machine Tending:

Cobots manage machines efficiently. They handle tasks like loading and unloading materials, freeing you to focus on more complex work. By taking over repetitive tasks, cobots increase productivity and ensure consistency. They are easy to program and can adapt to different machines, making them valuable in various industries.

 

 

5. Packaging:

In packaging, cobots place and prepare goods for shipping accurately. They help prevent damage during delivery by handling items carefully and consistently. By taking over these tasks, cobots reduce errors and increase efficiency. This ensures your products reach customers in perfect condition, enhancing satisfaction and trust in your brand.

 

 

6. Welding:

Welding cobots make welding safer and more precise. They handle repetitive welding tasks, ensuring consistent quality and reducing human error. With built-in safety features, cobots protect workers from hazardous welding fumes and sparks. They are easy to program for different welding jobs, making them adaptable to various projects. By taking on the heavy lifting, cobots free you to focus on more complex tasks, improving overall productivity and safety in your workspace.

 

 

5 Benefits of Using a Cobot:

1. Safety:

Cobots are designed with safety in mind, reducing the risk of injuries. They come equipped with advanced sensors and safety features that ensure they can operate safely around humans. This is especially important during hazardous tasks where human workers might be at risk. By using cobots, you can create a safer work environment and minimize the chances of workplace accidents.

2. Flexibility:

Cobots can easily switch between tasks, making your workflow smoother and more efficient. They are designed to be versatile and can adapt to different tasks with minimal reprogramming. This flexibility means less downtime and more productive use of your resources. Cobots can quickly adjust to new processes or changes in production, ensuring continuous and efficient operations.

3. Precision:

Cobots perform tasks with high precision, which improves the quality of your products. They can execute repetitive tasks with consistent accuracy, reducing the margin of error. This level of precision ensures that each product meets the required standards, leading to better quality control and higher customer satisfaction.

4. Increased Productivity:

Cobots can work non-stop, significantly increasing productivity. Unlike human workers, cobots do not need breaks, rest, or shift changes. This continuous operation means that cobots can produce more and complete tasks faster. By integrating cobots into your workflow, you can enhance your production capacity and meet tight deadlines more effectively.

5. Savings:

Cobots help reduce costs and improve your bottom line. They are generally more affordable to purchase and maintain than traditional industrial robots. Cobots also lower labor costs by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Additionally, by increasing efficiency and reducing errors, cobots help businesses stay competitive in the market. Overall, cobots offer a cost-effective solution to enhance your operations and drive business growth.

 

 

5 Limitations of Using a Cobot:

1. Limited Payloads:

Cobots are great for handling lighter items but aren’t as effective for heavy lifting compared to traditional industrial robots.

2. Need for Human Supervision:

Cobots still need human oversight, especially in complex or unpredictable settings. This supervision ensures everything runs smoothly and safely.

3. Not as Fast:

Cobots operate more slowly than industrial robots. They focus on safety and precision, which is great for quality but can slow down production.

4. Meeting Safety Standards:

Cobots must meet strict safety regulations and get the right certifications. While this ensures safety, it can limit their use in some tasks.

5. Complex Integration:

Setting up cobots with existing systems or customizing them for specific tasks can be tricky and time-consuming. This may require extra expertise and resources.

 

Advantages of Using a Cobot:

Let’s dive into the advantages of using cobots in your business. Here are seven benefits:

1. Quick Setup:

Cobots are simple to begin with because they have user-friendly software.

2. Flexibility:

You can easily make cobots do different jobs, making your work more flexible.

3. Useful in Many Areas:

Cobots can be useful in different parts of your business and can assist when things get busy.

4. Consistent & Accurate:

Cobots do their tasks in the same way every time, making your products better.

5. Good for Workers:

Cobots let your human workers do more interesting work, which makes them happier in their jobs.

6. Happy Work Environment:

When people work with cobots, they often enjoy their jobs more and are less likely to get hurt from doing the same thing over and over.

7. More Work Done & Better Processes:

Cobots make your work smoother, so you can get more done and make everything work better.

 

 

Popular Cobot Brands: 

Many top companies have made big progress in the world of collaborative robotics, changing the way industrial automation works. Let’s take a look at some outstanding cobot brands:

1. Universal Robots:

As the most reviewed and market leader, UR is renowned for its flexible and user-friendly cobots. Their range includes models like UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16e, and UR20, suitable for a wide array of applications.

 

 

2. ABB:

With extensive robot experience and outstanding support, ABB Robotics is a trusted choice. Their expertise adds depth to your automation endeavors.

 

3. Doosan Robotics:

Doosan has a lot of different robots that can do many jobs. They are flexible and work well, which is good for many industries.

 

 

4. Kinova Robotics:

Kinova Robotics makes robots that are lightweight and can do lots of different tasks without costing too much. Their robots are fast and can change jobs easily.

 

 

5. Dorna Robotics:

If you need a good tabletop robot for your business, Dorna Robotics has what you want. They offer affordable automation solutions that work well without being expensive.

 

 

6. FANUC:

FANUC is a big name in making machines for businesses. Their cobots are good because they are very exact and reliable. They work well for industries like making cars, electronics, and planes.

 

 

7. Yaskawa:

Yaskawa’s cobots are known for being fast and effective. They do really well in jobs like moving things, welding, and painting.

 

 

8. KUKA:

KUKA is a major player in industrial robotics. They have adaptable cobots that can be quickly set up for different industries.

 

 

9. Techman Robot:

Techman Robot’s cobots are liked because they are accurate and easy to use, especially in making electronics.

 

 

10. Franka Emika:

Franka Emika’s Panda cobot is special because it can move like a human and adapt to different jobs. This makes it a top choice for the healthcare and assembly industries.

 

 

Conclusion: 

Cobots, or collaborative robots, are transforming how we work across various industries. They assist humans effectively and are safe to use, making a significant impact globally. Cobots are versatile and user-friendly. In the future, they will improve with smarter technology and better sensors, becoming even more helpful and safer. The world of cobots is exciting and continues to evolve, promising greater advancements ahead.

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