Most industrial robots range from $20,000 to over $100,000 for a new robot system. However, refurbished models are available at roughly half the price.
Read on for more information about:
- Factors that affect robot pricing
- Comparison of robot types and prices
- Hidden robot costs
- The cost of building your robot
- Popular examples and exact price points
Let’s look at the main factors that have a bearing on price.
Factors that affect robot pricing
The cost of industrial robots can vary dramatically depending on a variety of factors.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Brand rep: Robots from companies like Universal Robots or FANUC may be priced higher than those from newer brands like Standard Bots.
- Technology level: Advanced features like AI capabilities, six-axis movement, and vision systems can add to the price tag. For example, a high-end robot with advanced tech could cost you over $100,000, while a simple robot arm may go for around $20,000.
- Payload and precision: The higher the payload capacity and the more precise the movements, the more expensive the robot. For instance, RO1 by Standard Bots has a best-in-class payload of 18 kg at an affordable price. Robots with higher payloads (sometimes in the hundreds of kg) typically cost much more.
- Durability and maintenance: Robots designed for heavy-duty industrial applications often require more durable materials and more frequent maintenance, adding to the overall expense.
These will inevitably vary according to specification, brand, and region — so keep that in mind.
For more detailed price breakdowns, check out our guides on robot machine pricing and how much a robot arm costs.
How much does a robot cost? The price tags
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Robot Type
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Price Range
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Best Uses
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Examples
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Cartesian Robots
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$5,000 to $15,000
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Pick and Place, Assembly
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Custom Cartesian systems
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Cylindrical Robots
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$16,000 to $40,000
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Die-casting, Spot Welding
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ABB Cylindrical models
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SCARA Robots
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$8,000 to $40,000
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Precision Assembly, Electronics Handling
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Techman SCARA
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Six-Axis Robots
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$30,000 to $100,000+
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Welding, Material Handling, Complex Tasks
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FANUC CRX-10iA
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Delta Robots
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$20,000 to $50,000
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High-Speed Assembly, Food Packaging
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ABB FlexPicker Delta
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Robot costs can vary depending on whether you buy new, refurbished, or used models.
Here’s a glimpse at average costs for new robots:
Also known as gantry robots, these are some of the most affordable due to their straightforward design. They’re typically seen in pick-and-place operations and simple assembly tasks.
The igus drylin® E Cartesian robot starts at around $5,000.
Cylindrical robots: $16,000 to $40,000
With a cylindrical-shaped work envelope, these robots are great for spot welding and die-casting tasks. They offer more range of motion than Cartesian robots but cost more due to their design complexity.
A cylindrical model from the Chinese brand QUESTT will go for around $16000.
Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arms (SCARA) have really good speed and accuracy. Their price reflects the precision components needed for delicate assembly jobs.
An ABB SCARA bot will set you back around $8000.
Six-axis robots: $30,000 to $100,000
Six-axis articulated robots are some of the most versatile and expensive, handling complex tasks like welding and material handling.
The Universal Robots UR10e, a popular six-axis collaborative robot, starts at approximately $45,000.
Delta: $20,000 to $50,000
Delta robots, also known as parallel robots, are recognized for their unique design and incredible speed. They're normally used in food packaging and electronics assembly because of their ability to handle delicate items with precision. Their cost is influenced by the specialized components, advanced control systems, and technology required to ensure high-speed precision.
ABB FlexPicker IRB 360 is over $30k, even if you buy it in bulk.
Need to go in deeper? We’ve got full guides for FANUC robot pricing and ABB robot prices.
Hidden robot expenses you might have missed
Beyond the initial purchase, here are a few extra costs that can creep in when implementing robots:
- Installation: This involves programming and configuring the robot, often costing anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.
- Maintenance: Annual maintenance expenses, including software updates, could cost an additional 10-15% of the robot's price, so always factor this in.
- Training: Proper training of operators and technicians will cost you. It’s crucial for keeping things running smoothly. One week of FANUC development will set you back around $10k.
To avoid missing these hidden expenses, check out our detailed breakdown of how to buy a robot.
The cost of building your robot
Want to build your robot? While it may seem cheaper, custom robot costs can span just a few bucks to $100,000, depending on your project.
Let’s go deeper:
- Low-end: Simple DIY kits from hobbyist companies like MakeBlock can run for as little as $200 to $500.
- Mid-range: An intermediate build with custom programming and design might set you back $5,000 to $20,000.
- High-end: Advanced industrial custom robots, with specific automation requirements, can quickly reach into the sky; we’re talking $100k or more.
The verdict: Unless you have serious expertise, it's often more cost-effective to purchase a pre-built model from a trusted brand.
FAQs
How much cheaper are robots than humans?
An industrial robot can be a cost-effective solution compared to paying human workers, especially for repetitive tasks. While humans require benefits and breaks and have limits to how much work they're capable of doing, robots can operate continuously, enhancing productivity.
Over time, the investment in robotic automation can lead to substantial savings. So, robots can be a financially savvy choice for many businesses.
What is the average price of a robot?
If you're talking about a new robot, complete with controllers and teach pendants, the price typically ranges between $50,000 and $80,000. However, the final cost can increase significantly when you consider peripherals and programming. It's important to note that refurbished robots can be acquired for about half the price of a new robot.
What robots can do?
To put it simply, robots can do a lot. To break it down, they can automate manual or repetitive activities, work in unpredictable or hazardous environments, assist in surgeries, and even make music. They can deliver orders, monitor shorelines, help search and rescue efforts, and assist with food preparation. Their capabilities are changing practically every day, mainly because of advancements in robotics and AI.
Summing up
When faced with all the factors influencing robot costs – whether you're considering investing in new robots or exploring the value of used robots — understanding the financial landscape is crucial.
How much robots cost is not a matter of dollar value alone but about whether they can provide the ROI you need for your current task — and whether you can shoulder the extra expenses.
Next steps
Are you interested in stepping into the Collaborative robot arm world? RO1 by Standard Bots is the #1 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 — or with a lease model starting at $5/hr.
- Fast & strong: RO1 beats out the competition in speed and accuracy despite having the highest payload capacity in its class at 18 kg.
- No-code and AI smarts: You don’t need to know a lick of programming to get RO1 going — plus, with an AI that rivals GPT-4, it learns right along with you.
- Truly collaborative: RO1 has built-in safety sensors 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.
