Automation is blowing up, and picking the right robot for your business feels like choosing between AirPods and over-ear headphones — both have perks, but the right choice depends on your needs. 

Comparing cobots vs industrial robots comes down to this: Cobots offer flexibility and human collabs, while industrial robots bring insane speed and strength. 

But modern companies like Standard Bots are closing the gap with robots that combine industrial-grade strength with cobot-like flexibility.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Key differences: cobots vs. industrial robots
• Overview of industrial robots and their use cases
• Overview of cobots and their use cases
• Pros and cons of cobots
• Pros and cons of industrial robots
• Cost and safety comparisons
• Ease of use and implementation

Key differences: cobot vs. industrial robot

Cobots and industrial robots might both be automation all-stars, but they couldn’t be more different. 

Here’s where these two types of robots part ways:

• Speed that leaves cobots in the dust: Industrial robots move fast — like “blink and you’ll miss it” fast. Cobots? They’re more “slow and steady,” especially when working alongside humans. Industrial robots crush high-speed tasks, but cobots win when flexibility matters more than speed.
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• Cobots have safety on lock down: Cobots are built to be safe around humans, with force sensors and stop functions that prevent accidents. Industrial robots need cages, sensors, and safety zones, because trust us — you don’t want to be anywhere near one when it’s in full swing. Which is why cobots made up 10.5% of the industrial robots installed in 2023.
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• Costs ain’t cheap, but cobots are less expensive: Cobots are usually cheaper upfront and easier to maintain. Industrial robots can cost more to buy, install, and run, but they make up for it by handling massive workloads fast.
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• Flexibility is where cobots rock: Cobots adapt quickly to new jobs, making them perfect for short runs and frequent changeovers. Industrial robots? They need more setup time and don’t love switching on the fly.
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• Starring in different industries: Cobots shine in machine tending, assembly, and logistics. Industrial robots dominate in automotive assembly, heavy lifting, and high-speed manufacturing where no one is going to be sticking their heads close to one. 

Here’s a table to make the whole cobot vs robot thing easier to digest: 

What is an industrial robot?

Industrial robots are the gym bros of automation — bulky, strong, and hyper-focused on one thing at a time. They’re not exactly built for small talk or teamwork, but if you need repetitive jobs done with zero complaints, they’re your guy. 

Here’s why industrial robots have been running the factory floor since forever:

• Machines that never skip leg day: Industrial robots handle everything from welding car frames to assembling tiny electronics. They’re programmed to do the same task over and over without flinching, making human errors as dumb as forgetting to save your game progress.
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• Throwback to the ’60s, but without the bell-bottoms: The first industrial robot, Unimate, hit the GM factory floor in 1961. Fast-forward, and now these machines have AI brains, laser precision, and enough speed to make humans look painfully slow.
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• Brands flexing the hardest: ABB, Yaskawa, and KUKA are the main characters here, with robots that weld, paint, assemble, and basically do everything except your homework. If you’ve seen any industrial robot TikToks, it’s probably one of these strutting its stuff on the assembly line.

Best use cases for industrial robots

Industrial robots are a cross-industry mainstay, and with good reason, because they’re strong, reliable, rugged, and plain cool. 

Here’s where these robots shine the brightest:

• High-speed manufacturing that never taps out: Industrial robots on assembly lines move faster than you scrolling through your FYP at 2 a.m. Whether it’s slapping together electronics or churning out car parts, they keep the line moving along. 
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• Heavy-duty material handling that humans avoid like group projects: Lifting and moving massive loads all day? Pass. Industrial robots handle the heavy stuff without complaining, saving humans from back pain and awkward calls to HR about “workplace injuries.”
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• Automotive and electronics assembly lines that need perfection: From placing microchips with surgical precision to welding car frames so clean they could pass a white glove test — industrial robots make sure every piece fits like it was meant to be there.
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• Welding, painting, and all the stuff that’s a pain to do manually: Industrial robots take on the ultra-boring, dangerous jobs humans would rather not touch. Welding in high heat? Painting in tight spaces? These robots do it all while you binge your favorite show from a safe distance.
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• Some examples: From Ford’s UR10 cobots greasing camshafts and handling inspections to ABB’s SCARA IRB 930 boosting electronics assembly by 10%, industrial robots have proved their mettle several times over. 

Go more in-depth with our full industrial robot guide. 

Pros and cons of industrial robots

What are Industrial robots but jacked powerlifters? But they’re not exactly the chillest coworkers. 

Here’s where industrial robots dominate:

• Faster than your Wi-Fi after midnight: Industrial robots are borderline overachievers. Welding, assembling, and moving parts at lightning speed is their whole personality. But they move so quickly that humans need cages to avoid catching an accidental elbow.
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• Basically the Hulk: Heavy lifting? No problem. Industrial robots can hoist 100 kg parts all day without so much as a glitch. Meanwhile, human workers would be one pulled muscle away from starting a GoFundMe.
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• More precise than your friend who double-checks every text: Industrial robots hit the same spot every single time, whether it’s welding a seam or placing a microchip. They don’t get tired, distracted, or start daydreaming about lunch halfway through a job.

And where they fumble the ball: 

• More expensive than your entire Christmas wishlist: The price tag on industrial robots includes the machine, installation, programming, and maintenance. It’s an investment that makes sense for big companies, but smaller businesses might need to check their bank account twice — or thrice. 
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• About as easy to set up as quantum physics: Plug-and-play? Not here. Installing and programming industrial robots takes time, expertise, and patience — like walking through a maze blindfolded (and drunk). 
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• Comes with more safety rules than a theme park ride: Industrial robots aren’t messing around when it comes to speed and power, which means you’ll need cages, sensors, and strict safety measures to keep everyone in one piece.

What is a collaborative robot (cobot)?

Cobots are the chill coworkers of the robot world. They can work with humans —  they don’t need cages, they don’t hog all the space, and they definitely don’t make you feel like you’re in a sci-fi dystopia. 

Here’s what makes cobots the move for flexible automation:

• Robots that actually know how to share the workspace: The whole idea behind cobots is that they can work side by side with humans without causing safety nightmares. Equipped with force sensors and smart tech, they stop if you get too close — unlike that one guy at work who always invades your personal space. (And has bad breath.)
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• From niche idea to automation favorite in no time: Cobots have exploded in popularity over the past decade, going from “Wait, robots can do that?” to being used in industries from food packaging to aerospace assembly. Blame it on their flexibility, affordability, and the fact that they don’t need a fenced-off area the size of a football field.
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• No cages, no hassle, just teamwork: Unlike industrial robots that need their own bubble, cobots slide into existing setups without flipping your entire workflow upside down. 
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• Brands flexing the hardest: A lot of brands have stepped into the cobot space, with quickly rising up-and-comer Standard Bots leading the charge, and established FANUC cobots, Yaskawa, Epson, and other titans still having a strong hold over the cobot space. 

Best use cases for cobots

Cobots might not be benching insane loads like industrial robots, but they’re the right choice when it comes to flexibility, safety, and working right next to humans without causing utter mayhem. 

Here’s where cobots prove they’re worth the hype:

• Small-batch production without the pain: Cobots are perfect for short production runs that change more often than YouTube trends. Need to switch jobs quickly? Cobots adapt without hours of reprogramming, making them ideal for manufacturers who aren’t cranking out millions of the same part every day.
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• Human-robot collaboration that actually works: Cobots help with assembly, inspection, and other hands-on jobs, acting like the reliable assistant who never complains or forgets instructions. This helps make shifts far less stressful and — dare we say it — collaborative. 
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• Machine tending and logistics that don’t break the bank: From loading and unloading CNC machines to moving boxes in warehouses, cobots take care of all of the literal back-breaking (or at least, callus-forming) stuff. They keep machines fed and logistics flowing, all without needing expensive safety cages or a full-time programmer trying to ask himself why he even took this job. 
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• Some real-deal examples making the rounds: Standard Bots’ RO1 is helping manufacturers big and small with pick-and-place, welding, painting, CNC machine tending, palletizing, and quite a few other jobs — all in industries from warehousing to aerospace. The little guy can do it all. 

Pros and cons of cobots

Cobots bring flexibility and safety to the table, but they’re not perfect.

 Here’s the real tea on what cobots bring:

• Built-in safety that won’t send anyone to the ER: Cobots come loaded with sensors that stop them instantly if someone gets too close. For companies worried about employee safety and compliance, cobots are the stress-free option that won’t make HR lose sleep.
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• Programming is so easy, it’s giving “no tutorial needed”: Cobots are basically iPhones — intuitive, easy to set up, and user-friendly enough for people who still Google “how to copy and paste in Excel.” Whether you’re running a small shop or a growing factory, cobots make automation feel less like rocket science and more like setting up your favorite app.
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• Flexibility that could give your favorite yoga instructor a run for their money: Cobots switch between jobs faster than you switch playlists. Need them on assembly in the morning and machine tending by lunch? Done.
  
  Their ability to adapt makes them perfect for small-batch production, custom orders, and any job that changes often without hours of reprogramming. 

And where they fall short: 

• Speed that feels like buffering in real life: Cobots are safe and reliable, but fast? Not so much. If you’re cranking out thousands of units an hour, cobots might leave you side-eyeing their pace. They’re great for precise work, but if speed is your priority, cobots can feel like they’re moving at 0.75x speed.
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• Strength that’s... let’s just say they’re skipping leg day: Cobots can handle light to medium loads, but ask them to lift something heavy, and they’ll give you the same energy as someone pretending they can’t carry all the groceries in one trip.
  
  If your operation involves serious weight, cobots might need backup from their beefier industrial robot cousins. If you want a super beefy cobot, they’re out there, but be prepared to drop a metric ton of cash. 
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• Price tags that still make you flinch a little: Sure, cobots are cheaper than industrial robots, but “cheaper” doesn’t mean “cheap.” For smaller businesses, the upfront cost of a cobot can still feel like buying a first-class ticket when you’re used to budget airlines. The good news? They’ll save you time and labor costs in the long run — but that initial hit can still sting.

Cost comparison

Choosing between cobots and industrial robots often comes down to the budget — and spoiler: neither option is exactly cheap. 

Here’s how the costs stack up when you break it all down:

• Cobots keep it (relatively) budget-friendly upfront: Cobots typically cost between $20,000 and $50,000, which isn’t exactly pocket change, but it’s still cheaper than most industrial robots. Plus, they’re easier to install and maintain, saving you from those “unexpected costs” that always seem to pop up when you least expect them.
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• Industrial robots come with a “prepare your wallet” warning: Expect to drop anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000 on an industrial robot — and that’s before factoring in installation, programming, and maintenance. They’re powerful and efficient, but your finance team might need a moment to process the receipt.
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• Long-term ROI depends on your setup: Cobots are ideal for small to medium businesses thanks to lower upfront costs and flexibility. Industrial robots, while more expensive, rock in large-scale operations where speed and output make the investment worth every penny.
  
  It’s basically the difference between leasing a Tesla and buying a semi-truck — both are cool, but it depends on what you’re hauling.

Safety considerations

Robots can make your ops smoother, but safety’s the dealbreaker — and you’re going to find major differences here. 

Here’s how cobots and industrial robots handle safety on the floor:

• Cobots come with built-in safety smarts: Cobots have sensors that stop them the second something (or someone) gets too close. No cages, no big deal — they’re meant to work around humans without turning your workspace into a scene from Final Destination.
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• Industrial robots need a fortress of safety gear: Industrial robots move fast and hit hard, which means you’ll need cages, sensors, and plenty of warning signs. Without proper safety measures, they’re less “helpful machine” and more “bull in a china shop.”
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• Both follow strict safety standards (but cobots make it easier): Cobots meet ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 safety standards with built-in features. Industrial robots? They meet the same standards but need a lot more gear to do it, like cages. 

Ease of use & implementation 

No one wants to spend weeks figuring out how to get their robots up and running. Here’s how cobots and industrial robots stack up when it comes to setup and day-to-day use:

• Cobots are the “plug it in and go” option: Cobots are made for quick setup and easy programming — no advanced coding skills, no ultra-high tech-bro know-how.
  
  Even small teams without a full-time tech expert can get cobots running relatively fast, making them the best pick for companies that need automation without a giant learning curve.
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• Industrial robots need more setup but deliver serious power: Setting up industrial robots isn’t exactly a weekend project. They often need specialized programming, integration with existing systems, and ongoing maintenance. But once they’re in place, they handle large-scale operations like Arnold in his prime.
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• Cobots deploy faster, but industrial robots scale harder: Cobots can be deployed in days, while industrial robots might take weeks or months to fully get going. But if you’re running a massive operation, industrial robots can deliver second-to-none efficiency once they’re locked in.

Frequently asked questions

Are cobots more expensive than industrial robots?

Not usually — cobots typically have lower upfront costs and are cheaper to install and maintain. Industrial robots cost more, but for high-volume operations, they can deliver major returns over time.

Can cobots replace industrial robots?

Depends on the job: Cobots are great for flexible, small-to-medium load tasks, but they can’t match the speed and muscle of industrial robots for heavy-duty, high-speed production lines.

Do cobots require programming knowledge?

Not much! Cobots are designed with user-friendly interfaces that don’t need advanced coding. Industrial robots, on the other hand… well, you’d better have an in-house coding team at the ready. 

Summing up

Choosing between a cobot vs industrial robot comes down to what your operation needs most — flexibility or firepower. 

Cobots are all great for working with humans, easy setup, and adaptability, while industrial robots bring speed, strength, and nonstop output.

Both have their place, but if you’re looking for a solution that balances power with being easy to use, you don’t have to pick sides.

Standard Bots brings the best of industrial robots and cobots 

Can’t decide between cobots and industrial robots? Standard Bots’ RO1 hits the sweet spot — strong enough for industrial-level jobs but chill enough to work with your team without breaking any heads. 

Here’s why RO1 is the perfect in-between:

• More muscle than a cobot, more chill than an industrial robot: RO1’s 18 kg payload and ±0.025 mm precision make it strong enough for demanding jobs like welding and assembly, but it works right next to humans without needing cages. It’s a gym rat with a chill personality. 
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• AI that doesn’t need constant overseeing: RO1’s AI is on par with GPT-4, meaning it learns fast, adapts to your jobs, and doesn’t need constant reprogramming.
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• Affordable automation that doesn’t break the bank: At half the price of similar robots and with leasing starting at $5/hour, RO1 gives you industrial-grade performance on a cobot budget — because no one’s trying to take out a loan just to automate.
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• Safety-first design without the pains: With machine vision and collision detection, RO1 keeps your team safe while working right next to them. No cages, no panic buttons, just smooth operation that doesn’t put anyone in harm’s way.

Book your risk-free, 30-day onsite trial today and let RO1 bring industrial-grade performance with cobot-level flexibility to your shop floor.