Robot arms and Cobots might look similar at first glance, but their design and purpose set them worlds apart. One thrives on heavy-duty tasks behind barriers, while the other works safely alongside humans. So, what truly distinguishes them? Let’s dive in and uncover the key differences.
Configuration and Design of Two Robot Arms
Arm Configuration and Axes
- Cobots: Most cobots have a single robotic arm attached to a base. Dual-arm models are also available. They usually have six axes, though some models may have more.
- Industrial Robots: Articulated robots also use a single manipulator connected to a rotating base. Their axes range from four to six, with advanced models like the MaxWave MW-0805 offering six axes.
Design Features of Two Robot Arms
- Cobots: Built for safety, cobots have smooth exteriors with no pinch points, making them safe for close human interaction. They are lightweight and compact, often made with soft materials to reduce injury risks.
- Industrial Robots: These robots are larger and stronger, designed for heavy-duty tasks. Safety barriers or cages are necessary to keep workers safe due to their high speed and power.
Size and Portability
- Cobots: They are light and compact, making them easy to move and reconfigure for different tasks and workspaces.
- Industrial Robots: Their size varies widely. Smaller models like the MW-0805 of MaxWave handle delicate tasks, while larger models like the MW-1510 manage heavy loads.
Safety Features of Both Robot Arms
When comparing safety features, traditional robot arms and collaborative robots (Cobots) differ in design and operation.
Traditional Robot Arms
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Physical Barriers for Safety
- Require safety measures like fences, curtains, and metal dividers to separate workers from the robot’s work zone.
- Use mechanical restrictors to limit movement and prevent accidents.
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Safety Detection Systems
- Use light curtains, area scanners, and pressure-sensitive mats to detect human presence and stop operations when needed.
- Connect to safety control systems for constant monitoring.
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Emergency Stops and Controls
- Include emergency stop buttons in the human machine interface (HMI) and dead man switches on the teach pendant. These allow for quick shutdown and have clear instructions and indicators.
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Training and Protocols
- Operators and maintenance staff must complete thorough safety training.
- Follow strict risk assessments and lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance.
Cobots
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Integrated Safety Features
- Use force limiters and advanced sensors to detect humans in real-time and stop immediately to prevent injuries.
- Operate safely in shared spaces without physical barriers.
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Dynamic Safety Adjustments
- With vision systems and force sensors, Cobots detect proximity and adjust speed or stop to avoid collisions.
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Simplified Emergency Systems
- Feature emergency stop buttons that are easy to use with simple interfaces.
- Include teach pendants with dead man switches for safety.
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Training and Maintenance
- Require basic training on safe interaction and emergency handling.
- Offer easier maintenance with simpler designs but still need regular checks and servicing.
These differences show how traditional robot arms rely on external safety setups, while Cobots use advanced technology for safer, shared environments.
Programming and Ease of Use of Robot Arm
Ease of Programming
- Collaborative robots are simple to use and typically require no coding. Users can program them either physically guided or through “learn-to-program” via task-based applications.
- Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots start working quickly and easily adapt to new tasks, environments, and parameters.
User-Friendly Interfaces
- Cobots have easy-to-use graphical or touchscreen interfaces that let users quickly create and update programs.
- Some models like MW-E05W of MaxWave allow programming by guiding the robot through motions, making it simple for users without technical expertise.
Specialized Skills of Robotic Arms
- Industrial robot arms require special programming languages, hardware, and software, which makes them harder to learn and slower to set up.
- Cobots remove this complexity, offering a solution anyone can use, fitting seamlessly into various workplaces.
Reprogramming and Adaptability
- Cobots are very flexible and can be reprogrammed quickly for different tasks. This reduces downtime and increases their usefulness.
- Industrial robots, on the other hand, take more time and expertise to reconfigure or reprogram.
Maintenance and Updates
- Cobots are easier to maintain and update, needing less time and effort compared to the upkeep required for industrial robots.
Two Robot Arms Payload and Speed Capabilities
Payload Capacity
- Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Cobot can handle payloads from 3 to 20 kg (6 to 45 lb), with light-load models such as the MW-E05W handling 5kg (11 lb). It is ideal for tasks that require precision, such as assembly involving small or delicate components or small parts handling, testing and inspection.
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Industrial Robots: Industrial robots are built for heavy-duty tasks, often handling payloads over 20kg (44lbs). They are essential in industries like automotive manufacturing and metal fabrication, where moving or assembling heavy components is common.
Speed Capabilities
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Cobots: Cobots prioritize safety when working near humans. In collaborative mode, their speed is usually limited to 1,000 mm/sec. When humans are not nearby and safety constraints are relaxed, speeds can increase to 2,000 mm/sec.
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Industrial Robots: Speed is a major advantage of industrial robots. They are designed for high-speed, high-volume tasks like case packing or precise pick-and-place operations. Their ability to maintain continuous high-speed performance boosts productivity in large-scale production.
Key Use Cases for Payload and Speed
- Cobots: Best suited for tasks that need lightweight handling and human collaboration, such as electronics assembly or intricate welding.
- Industrial Robots: Essential for tasks requiring fast output or heavy lifting, such as handling large automotive parts or assembling micro-circuit boards quickly.
Two Robot Arm Applications and Use Cases
Industrial Robots
- High-Volume Manufacturing: Industrial robot arms are crucial in automotive assembly lines and other large-scale production setups. They handle repetitive tasks with speed and precision, boosting productivity.
- Heavy-Duty Applications: These robots manage large and heavy materials in industries like metal fabrication and construction, where strength and durability matter most.
- Extreme Precision Environments: Industries like aerospace and medical device manufacturing use industrial robots to meet strict quality standards with precision.
- Common Tasks: Industrial robots excel in welding, painting, material handling, and packaging, delivering consistent speed and accuracy.
- Logistics and Warehousing: They play a vital role in sorting, palletizing, and material handling, enabling efficient operations in warehouses.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
- Assembly Tasks: Cobots assemble delicate components in industries like electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Tasks include screwing, gluing, and inspection with precision.
- Material Handling: Cobots improve logistics by picking, stacking, and moving materials efficiently.
- Quality Control and Inspection: They automate visual inspections, ensuring consistent product quality in sectors like electronics and automotive.
- Packaging: Cobots handle packing and labeling tasks, especially for delicate items, reducing waste and ensuring efficiency.
- Painting and Finishing: Cobots assist with tasks like spraying paint or applying coatings, focusing on accuracy and care.
- Welding and Cutting: They handle tasks like arc welding and laser cutting, increasing manufacturing efficiency and precision.
- Healthcare: Cobots assist in surgeries, patient rehabilitation, and automating lab tasks like sample handling and testing.
- Food and Beverage: They take care of packing and inspection in tough environments, improving speed and quality.
- Agriculture: Cobots support farming activities such as planting and harvesting, saving time and cutting costs for farmers.
Cost and ROI of Both Robot Arm
Cost Differences between The Two Robot Arms
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Collaborative robots (cobots) are more advanced, offering enhanced safety features, flexibility, and ease of programming, making them ideal for humans and robots to work side by side. However, these cutting-edge features come at a higher price.
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In contrast, traditional industrial robotic arms are more cost-effective, powerful, and fast, making them the preferred choice for large-scale, repetitive tasks in highly automated environments.
Return on Investment (ROI)
- Cobots: Cobots provide quicker ROI due to flexibility, easy integration, and safe human collaboration. Their adaptability and lower maintenance costs enhance productivity in small to medium operations, justifying higher initial costs through reduced downtime and versatility over time.
- Industrial Robots: Industrial robots offer strong ROI in high-volume, repetitive tasks by enhancing speed, precision, and efficiency. Despite high upfront costs for infrastructure and programming, they lower labor costs and boost output, making them cost-effective in the long term.
Maintenance and Setup
- Cobots: Cobots are designed to be simple, easy to set up and low-maintenance. They typically have a user-friendly programming interface and can be quickly reconfigured to perform new tasks without specialized knowledge.
- Industrial Robots: Industrial robots require more complex setup and regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Their programming and integration often require technical expertise, and in highly automated environments, downtime for repairs can be longer.
Understanding the differences between robot arms and cobots helps us appreciate their unique roles in modern industries. While industrial robots dominate heavy-duty tasks with speed and power, cobots excel in flexibility and safe collaboration. The choice ultimately depends on your needs, but the future lies in harmonizing human and machine strengths to redefine productivity and innovation. For more details or to get a quote, contact us today!
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