Cobot welding price guide: New and used models explained

What’s a welding cobot? 

A welding cobot is a type of collaborative robot, or "cobot," specifically designed for welding applications. 

Unlike traditional industrial robots that are often caged off and require complex programming, cobots are built to work safely with people, thanks to their advanced sensors and safety features.

Why cobots are a welder's best friend:

• More flexible: Cobots are adaptable, easily reprogrammed, and redeployed to handle different welding tasks — a valuable addition to any modern production line. 
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• Safe: Cobots have advanced sensors and safety features that allow them to work close to humans without risking major injuries. Of course, care is still required. 
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• Easy to program: High-end cobots put the focus on user-friendliness, with intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop programming that even beginners can master. Of course, some are still hard to program, so shop around first. 

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Welding cobot price considerations

The welding cobot price can change due to several factors, not just the brand; it's also about the capabilities and features you need.

Let's break it down:

• Brand and model differences: Just like cars, different cobot brands and models come with different price tags. Big-name like FANUC, ABB, and KUKA might be pricier, while new, more modern brands like Standard Bots are much more budget-friendly. 
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• Payload capacity and reach: The more weight your cobot needs to lift and the further it needs to reach, the more it'll cost. Think of it like buying a truck — the bigger and more powerful it is, the higher the price.
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• The extra stuff: Do you need advanced sensors, specialized welding equipment, or fancy software? These add-ons can significantly increase the overall price. 

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Typical costs of new welding cobots

Now, let’s break down the typical prices so you have a clearer picture of what’s on the menu. 

Let’s look: 

• Entry-level models ($30,000 - $50,000): These cobots are perfect for small businesses or those just starting with automation. They generally will give basic welding capabilities, limited payload capacity (up to, say, 10kg), and a shorter reach. 
  
  For example, Standard Bots RO1 cobot is an affordable entry-level option, priced from approximately $5/hour to lease. It’s designed for small businesses and basic welding tasks, with a higher 18 kg payload and 1.3m reach, ideal for users new to automation.
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• Mid-range models ($50,000 - $75,000): These babies offer a balance of affordability and performance, with more payload capacity, longer reach, and more advanced features. 
  
  For example, UR10e by Universal Robots offers a good balance of price and performance. It features a 12.5kg payload capacity and a 1.3m reach, making it a versatile choice for medium-sized welding operations.
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• High-end models ($75,000+): These cobots offer top-of-the-line performance, advanced features, and the ability to handle complex welding tasks. Plus, they generally have higher payloads as well, making them fit for a wider range of applications. 
  
  For example, FANUC CRX-25iA is at the higher end of the spectrum and offers advanced welding capabilities, priced at over $80,000. It has a 25/30kg payload and 1.89m reach, perfect for handling complex welding tasks in larger manufacturing operations.

Used welding cobot prices

If you're on a tight budget, used welding cobots can be an excellent fit. They typically cost 30-50% less than new models. 

Things to think about before going second–hand: 

• Condition: Make sure the cobot is in good working order and has been maintained in tip-top shape. 
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• Hours of operation: Check how many hours the cobot has under its belt. A high number of operating hours could indicate potential wear and tear.
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• Warranty: See if the cobot comes with any extra warranty or support from the manufacturer. Otherwise, you risk being left out in the cold if the bot breaks down. 

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Pros and cons of buying used vs new: 

• Pros: Lower upfront cost, potential for good value if the cobot is in good condition. The typical used cobot welding price is far lower than a new bot. 
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• Cons: No warranty, potential for hidden issues, less availability of specific models. You just get what’s on the menu at the time. 

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Extra costs to keep in mind

Now, you’ll need to think about extra costs before you buy because it’s not just about the price on the sticker. Let's break down some of the additional costs:

• Operational costs: According to Rashidi Asari, operational costs for industrial robots, like those from Universal Robots, can range from 15% to 42% of the total cost, particularly in industries like automotive. This includes things like energy consumption, labor for oversight, and additional programming.
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• Maintenance costs: Research also found that maintenance costs alone can account for 2.8% to 10.0% of the total cost. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure your cobot stays in optimal working condition and can continue delivering the performance you expect.
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• Downtime: Research shows that downtime can contribute between 6.6% and 27.5% of the total operational costs. Ensuring that your cobot is well-maintained can minimize downtime, but it’s important to budget for unexpected breaks or repairs.
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• Integration costs: You'll need to factor in the cost of software, tooling, and accessories to integrate the cobot into your operations. These can quickly add up, depending on the complexity of your setup.
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• Training and certification: Your operators will need proper training and certification to operate the cobot safely and effectively. This can cost thousands of dollars depending on the manufacturer and your specific needs.

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How to get the best value for your welding cobot

Choosing the right welding cobot is like finding the perfect pair of shoes — it needs to fit your needs and your budget. 

Here are a few tips:

• Go over your specific needs: What types of materials will you be welding? What's your desired production volume? Do you need a cobot that can work in tight spaces or handle complex geometries? That comes at a premium too. 
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• Shop around: Compare the features, capabilities, and pricing of different cobots to find a great fit for both your needs and budget. 
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• Think about financing options: If the upfront cost is making you think twice, explore financing options, leasing, or rental programs to make automation more palatable. 

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Summing up

A higher welding cobot price can be worth the investment when you think about the potential benefits. 

We’re talking about more productivity, better all-around quality, and even more safety for your human workers. 

And, of course, you want to find the best option for your fab shop.

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Next steps with Standard Bots

If you're looking for a cost-effective, user-friendly, and high-performing welding cobot, look no further than RO1 by Standard Bots. It’s the perfect six-axis cobot, built for a variety of welding operations. 

RO1 has these benefits:

• Flexible and programmable: RO1 can be easily programmed to handle a variety of welding tasks, from simple to complex.
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• Easy on your wallet: RO1 delivers incredible value, offering top-tier performance at half the price of comparable robots. Yes, you get a high-end cobot for half the price. The price starts at $5/hr to lease, which makes it easy for nearly any business to leverage RO1’s powerful automation. 
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• Fast and strong: RO1's got a best-in-class payload capacity of 18 kg and moves like a champ, with a 1.3m reach, high repeatability, and six axes to get into those difficult spots. 
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• Smart and simple: With AI on par with GPT-4 and a no-code interface, RO1 is very simple to use, even if you're not a tech expert. Need pro-code options? Those are still available. 
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• Safe and sound: RO1's packed with safety features like sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, to keep your team protected. 
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• Easy integration: RO1 integrates simply into your existing welding setup. 
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• Accessible support and training: Standard Bots offers comprehensive support and training resources to get a smooth deployment and successful automation journey.
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Reach out to our team today for a risk-free 30-day trial and let us help you deploy RO1 on your fab shop.