When it comes to choosing the right robot arm for your business, the decision between collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robot arms can be tricky. Both have their strengths, but which one is the best fit for your needs? From safety to flexibility and cost, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s dive into the key differences to help you make the right choice for your business.
Robot Arms Design and Construction
Cobots and industrial robot arms differ in several key aspects. Understanding these differences can help businesses choose the right solution based on their needs and workspace requirements.
Cobots: Safety and Human Interaction
Cobot robot arms prioritize human safety. They have rounded edges and soft exteriors to reduce the risk of injury from accidental collisions with workers. This design allows for safe human-robot interaction, making cobots ideal for environments where workers are close to the robots.
- Internalized wires and motors: Cobots have internalized wires and motors, which reduces pinch points and other safety hazards. This design creates a safer working environment.
- Compact and lightweight: Cobots are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them suitable for small or dynamic workspaces where space is limited.
- Integrated safety systems: Cobots come with safety systems that monitor human movement. These systems allow robots to safely interact with people without requiring additional safety barriers.
Industrial Robots: Precision and Durability
Industrial robot arms are designed for high precision and heavy-duty tasks in automated environments, where human interaction is minimal.
- Rigid construction: Industrial robots have a rigid design, built for strength and durability. This construction is ideal for tasks that need precise and repetitive movements, such as welding, painting, or assembly.
- External motors and wiring: Industrial robots often use external motors and wiring, which supports their heavy-duty tasks but requires more space and safety measures.
- Larger and more powerful: Industrial robot arms are typically larger and more powerful, making them suited for heavy loads or high-force tasks. Their design focuses on strength and functionality rather than human-robot collaboration.
Cost of Robot Arm
When comparing the cost of collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robotic arms, it’s important to consider both the initial investment and the total cost of ownership.
Upfront Costs
- MaxWave industrial robots have a lower initial cost. Prices for industrial robots usually start at around $4,000-$6,000. In comparison, collaborative robots typically start at $5,000-$10,000, which means a larger upfront investment.
Total Cost of Ownership
- Although industrial robots have a lower initial cost, the total cost of ownership can rise due to added requirements like safety fencing, safety PLCs, tooling, and integration time.
Long-Term Savings and Cost Efficiency
- Industrial robots can reduce labor costs by automating processes. Over time, they can be a cost-effective option for large-scale operations, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing production lines.
- Cobots need less investment in integration because they are designed to be user-friendly with simple interfaces. Their quick integration with existing systems and employees saves businesses money on training and specialized knowledge, lowering overall costs.
In summary, while industrial robots may cost less upfront, collaborative robots often provide better value in the long term, especially when considering integration and maintenance costs.
Collaborative Robot Arms Programming
Collaborative robots are popular because they are easy to program, making them a good choice for businesses that don’t have a dedicated robotics team. Collaborative robots can be programmed via guided programming or manual guidance. The manual guidance method also reduces errors because mistakes can be corrected immediately during the demonstration.
Some cobots, such as MaxWave Robots, use touchscreen tablets for programming, which further simplifies the setup process. For more complex tasks, cobots can also be programmed using languages like Python or C++ for more advanced motion paths, system integrations, and decision-making.
Industrial Robot Arms Programming
Industrial robots generally require more specialized knowledge. The most common programming method is through a teach pendant, a device that can be wired or wireless. It allows an operator to manually guide the robot through its tasks and record the necessary coordinates. This process can be time-consuming and may stop production, but it works well for precise, repetitive tasks.
In addition to teach pendants, industrial robot arms can also be programmed using specialized coding languages and software. While this method offers more flexibility for complex operations, it requires more knowledge and training compared to cobots.
Applications of Robot Arms
Collaborative robot arms (cobots) and industrial robot arms serve different purposes in manufacturing, each suited for specific tasks and operational environments.
Collaborative Robot Arms (Cobots)
Cobots are built to work directly with human operators, enabling shared workflows and improving productivity in dynamic, high-mix, low-volume environments. Their flexibility allows cobots to adapt easily to various tasks and changes in parts, making them ideal for many industries.
Common Applications:
- Pick and Place: Cobots handle tasks such as picking up parts from a conveyor and placing them into bins or onto machines.
- Machine Tending: Cobots assist with loading and unloading machines, ensuring smooth operation.
- Packaging: Cobots help package products accurately, reducing manual labor.
- Dispensing: Cobots are used to dispense materials like adhesives or coatings, especially in environments requiring delicate handling.
Cobots are especially useful in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, where they can quickly adapt to changing production needs and variations in part designs. They also assist human workers with tasks like part inspection, material handling, and other complex operations requiring fine motor skills and high accuracy.
Industrial Robot Arms
Industrial robots are designed for full automation in tasks that do not need human intervention. These robots excel in applications requiring speed, precision, and repetitive motion, ensuring consistency and high throughput in mass production.
Key Applications:
- Arc Welding: Industrial robots are efficient at performing arc welding, including MIG, TIG, plasma, and laser welding. Automation ensures consistent weld quality and reduces defects.
- Material Handling: These robots handle tasks like loading and unloading machines, with speed and precision.
- Material Removal: Industrial robots perform tasks like cutting and bending with minimal errors, improving product quality.
- Assembly: Industrial robot arms are widely used for assembly tasks, ensuring precise and efficient assembly of components.
Robot Arm Workspaces and Requirements
Collaborative Robot Arms (Cobots)
Collaborative robots are compact and lightweight, ideal for small or crowded environments. They require no physical barriers, saving space and costs. Easily movable between production areas, they offer flexibility for small and medium-sized businesses with limited floor space.
Industrial Robot Arms
Industrial robots need more space due to safety enclosures, including cages or barriers. This requirement can be a significant challenge for businesses with limited floor space, as the safety infrastructure reduces overall workspace efficiency.
Available Workspace and Safety Infrastructure
When evaluating available workspace, it is important to consider factors like floor space, ceiling height, and the layout of existing equipment. Cobots work well in flexible environments, while industrial robots may require extra infrastructure that takes up valuable space and can be difficult to implement in crowded areas.
Robot Arms Flexibility and Adaptability
When considering flexibility and adaptability for your business, collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robot arms offer distinct advantages depending on your needs.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Cobot robot arms are easy to deploy and program, enabling quick integration into dynamic workflows. They can be manually programmed, enhancing adaptability for changing processes. Mobile platforms further increase their mobility, making them ideal for dynamic environments like electronics manufacturing.
Industrial Robot Arms
Industrial robots are specialized for specific tasks like spot welding and require fixed installations and safety barriers. They are less adaptable and user-friendly than cobots, necessitating greater technical expertise for programming and deployment.
Key Differences
- Mobility: Cobots can move across different workstations, while industrial robots usually stay in one place.
- Task Range: Cobots handle lighter payloads and assist workers, while industrial robots manage heavier loads and perform fully automated tasks.
In conclusion, cobots are a flexible choice for businesses needing quick adaptability and frequent task changes. Industrial robots are best suited for high-volume, specialized tasks that require precision and consistency.
Power, Size, and Payload of Robot Arms
When choosing between collaborative robots (cobots) and industrial robots, it’s important to understand the differences in power, size, and payload to make the best decision for your business.
Industrial Robot Arms
- Industrial robots are built for heavy-duty tasks and have high payload capacities. They can lift over 20 kg. For example, the MW-1820 of MaxWave series can carry up to 20 kg and reach more than 1,850 mm, making it ideal for large-scale applications such as automotive manufacturing or handling heavy materials.
- These robots are larger in size, with some models reaching over 2 meters tall and weighing as much as 130 kg. However, some industrial robots, like the MW-0805, are designed to fit in smaller spaces while still handling heavy lifting tasks with precision and endurance.
Collaborative Robot Arms (Cobots)
- Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, with smaller payloads typically ranging from 5 kg to 35 kg. For example, the MW-FR5 and FR20 models can carry 5 kg and 20 kg respectively, making them ideal for tasks like palletizing and light assembly.
- Collaborative robots are compact and designed for smaller spaces. Their collaboration with human workers and ability to handle precise tasks make them ideal for pick and place, machine operation, and packaging.
In the end, the choice between collaborative and industrial robot arms ultimately depends on the specific needs and goals of your business. Cobots offer flexibility, ease of integration, and cost-efficiency for dynamic environments, while industrial robots excel in heavy-duty, high-precision tasks. Understanding your priorities—whether it’s safety, cost, or automation scale—will guide you in making the right investment for your future growth. For more details or to get a quote, contact us today!
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