A collaborative robot arm, or cobot arm, is a robot designed to work side by side with humans safely. They excel at anything from pick-and-place tasks to CNC machine tending, which is great for industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Read on to learn more about:
- Top 3 collaborative robot arm picks
- The basics of cobots
- Factors to consider when choosing a cobot
- Safety considerations
Let’s start with our roundup.
Our roundup of the 3 best collaborative robot arms
Cobot arms (or cobots for short) are all the rage these days for good reason. But with so many options on the market, how do you know you’re choosing the right cobot for your needs?
We’re here to help you sort the wheat from the chaff:
1) RO1 by Standard Bots
Ideal for any sort of collaborative task, including CNC machine tending, pick and place, and quality control, Standard Bots’ RO1 comes out on top as the #1 cobot arm.
Priced competitively, with lease rates beginning as low as $5 per hour, it doesn't skimp on performance. It has a best-in-class payload capacity of 18 kg, speed, and precision, with an unmatched repeatability of +/-0.025 mm.
Additionally, RO1 features a massively user-friendly no-code UI that doesn't require an engineering degree. This enables operators to easily set up new task sequences — an especially beneficial feature for workshops dealing with a wide variety of tasks!
RO1 also features advanced AI on par with GPT-4, allowing it to adapt to changing conditions on the fly. This makes Standard Bots stand out as a top cobot manufacturer.
2) FANUC CRX-10iA
If your game is meticulous handling and perfect workspace integration, the FANUC CRX-10iA is an excellent choice.
This compact cobot arm has a 10 kg payload capacity, making it a near-perfect starter cobot. It excels at tasks like delicate material handling and electronics work, with an impressive repeatability of ±0.04 mm for consistent, accurate movements.
Another feature worth noting is its intuitive R-30iB Teach Pendant, which simplifies programming even for non-robotics experts. (Note, though, that it will set you back around $45,000.)
3) Universal Robots UR10e
If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile collaborative robot arm, the Universal Robots UR10e is also a solid pick.
With a 12.5 kg payload capacity, the UR10e stands out for its ability to handle a wide range of tasks, including packaging, palletizing, machine tending, and assembly.
It offers impressive repeatability of ±0.03 mm, ensuring consistent precision in your processes.
One of its strongest features is the intuitive PolyScope user interface, which allows easy programming for both robotics experts and beginners alike. You can program it with simple drag-and-drop movements.
Additionally, the UR10e has great built-in safety features. With its force-sensing capabilities and configurable stopping times, it’s a good choice for those prioritizing collaboration.
Pricing for the UR10e is typically around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on the specific configuration and add-ons you need.
Check out this guide for other cobot arms that can take on various tasks.
Benefits of cobot arms
You’re probably well-acquainted with the big, lumbering industrial robots working in shuttered spaces away from human workers. Not cobots, though.
Check out some of their benefits:
- Super safe: Cobots come equipped with sensors that allow them to stop or adjust motion if they detect something in their path, like a cobot palletizer would if you step in the middle of its way.
- Very flexible: These arms are versatile! They can easily switch between tasks or integrate into different stages of a production line, which means minimal downtime and easy reprogramming for new jobs.
- Cost efficiency: Cobots are significantly cheaper to install and maintain compared to traditional robots. Smaller companies benefit from lower initial investment, making automation more accessible.
Challenges of cobots (safe but not foolproof)
Before deploying cobot arms, it’s important to consider the potential challenges.
Let’s take a look:
- Programming complexity: While cobots are easier to program than traditional robots, they still require technical expertise, especially in complex tasks. Without the right team, deployment can take longer. Go for no-code options if you can.
- Payload limitations: Industrial collaborative robots are sometimes designed for lighter fare, so if your operation involves heavy lifting or super demanding physical labor, you may need to check for a version with the appropriate payload or go non-collaborative.
- System integration: Getting cobots to sync well with your existing machinery, software, or operations might take additional custom solutions and extra time, which could cause delays in implementation.
How to choose the right cobot arm for your operations
Not so fast! Before you go online with your credit card at the ready, you should understand a few essential factors that will make choosing the right collaborative robot arm all the much easier.
Here they are:
Is it safe?
The number one thing with cobots is safety.
If safety features are not in place, then chances are your would-be cobot is missing the “Co” part. Therefore, make sure to look for cobots with multiple redundancies, force-limited joints, rounded edges, and emergency stop buttons.
The most advanced cobots even have sensors to detect human contact and will immediately stop all operations if someone accidentally comes into their work area.
Safety certifications like ISO 10218 are a good indicator the cobot meets high safety standards.
“Do you even lift?”
First, you need to know how much weight the cobot needs to lift and its required range of motion. Most cobot payloads typically range from 3 kg up to 35 kg.
Conversely, reach, the area the cobot can access, is also important to understand based on your specific application.
How hard is it to tell it what to do?
Cobots are meant to be easy to program, even for non-engineers. Some, though, will still require you to have a professional, or even a dedicated team, on hand.
But, if you’re just getting into cobots, it’s best to look for a simple, intuitive interface with features like drag-and-drop programming and simulation environments so you can test the program without the actual cobot.
Some modern cobots don’t even require coding expertise or what’s known as a no-code framework.
How much will it set you back financially?
Cobot prices have dropped significantly in recent years, ranging from $2,000 to $100,000 or more depending on the model and options.
But it’s not just about the initial cost: Programming time, potential increased production, maintenance (although this is typically not as much as you think), and reduced injury rates can help you determine the actual impact on your bottom line.
One important factor: Cobots typically have a very fast ROI of 1-3 years.
Collaborative robot arm FAQs
So, what exactly is a collaborative robot arm?
A collaborative robot arm, or "cobot," is a robot designed to work alongside and cooperate with human workers safely. Cobots are lightweight and flexible and have advanced sensors and software that allow them to operate without safety barriers.
Are cobots easy to program?
Yes, many cobots are designed to be very easy to program. While some require programming knowledge, others use teaching pendant systems where you can manually run them through a motion or even revolutionary no-code frameworks that require zero coding experience.
How much does a cobot cost?
Cobot prices can range from $2,000 up to $100,000 or more, depending on the model and features. Smaller tabletop cobots are on the lower end of the price spectrum. Conversely, larger cobots with higher payload capacities and more advanced features are usually much more prohibitive.
Manufacturers like Standard Bots offer financing and leasing options as low as $5/hr to make cobots more affordable.
Are cobots safe to work with?
Yes, when used properly. Cobots move at slower speeds with rounded edges, force-limited joints, and advanced sensors to detect collisions and stop operating upon contact. However, risk assessments are still necessary for any automated equipment. Proper guarding and emergency stops should be installed if the application requires it.
Summing up
Now you know everything you need to know to pick the perfect cobot arm.
If you’re looking to scale up, now’s the time, with these high-end cobots at competitive price ranges, making them more affordable and accessible than ever before.
But before you buy, do your research, determine your priorities, and set a budget, and you'll find a cobot that fits the bill. We promise that once you have it up and running, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Next steps
Are you interested in stepping into the cobot arm world? RO1 by Standard Bots is a top robot arm for small-scale startups and established industrial giants.
- Cost-effective: RO1 is the leading robotic arm in its class, delivering even more value at half the price of the competition.
- Fast & strong: RO1 beats out the competition in speed and accuracy despite having the highest payload capacity in its class at 18 kg.
- Smart AI: RO1 features powerful AI on par with GPT-4, allowing it to smartly adapt to changing situations on your shop floor.
- No-code: RO1 is easy to set up and program, with a no-code framework that allows you to deploy it quickly — all without writing a single line of code.
- Truly collaborative: RO1 has built-in safety sensors, machine vision, and collision detection for safe, reliable operation on your shop floor.
Talk to our solutions team now to set up a free, 30-day onsite trial and receive specialized advice on everything you need to deploy RO1.
