How to buy a robot: A step-by-step guide for first-time buyers

Major factors to keep in mind when buying a robot

Before you start swiping that credit card, there are some crucial factors to weigh. 

Let's go over the key points first:

Purpose with a capital P

First things first, what's this robot going to do for you? Are we talking about manufacturing, packing, or even service roles?

Think about this: 

• Your robot’s role matters: If you're eyeing a robot for your production line, think about the specific tasks it needs to handle. Does it need to weld, assemble, or move heavy objects?
  
  For packing, think about the size and fragility of your products.
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• Service robots: These robots are making waves by being focused on the client side, with mostly customer support, food service, or similar roles.
  
  While this is not the main scope of this article, it can’t hurt to know that these bad boys are out there hustling every day. 

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Integration matters

Your new robot needs to complement your existing setup, fitting in like it’s always been part of your crew. 

Keep these factors in mind: 

• System synergy: Check if the robot can communicate with your current software and hardware. You don't want a bot that speaks a different language than your other machines.
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• Take a good look at your shop floor: Measure your available space and make sure your new robot won't bump into things or crowd out your human workers.

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Money matters 

How much does it cost to buy a robot? Robots come in all shapes and sizes, and, therefore, there is a wide range of prices. You can typically expect to pay between around $500 to $3,000 for a small hobby robot.

However, industrial robots can start at $25,000 and go over $150,000 for more advanced or specialized robots.
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Before asking, “How much does a robot cost?” think about these:

• Money up front: Robot prices can vary wildly depending on their capabilities. Set a realistic budget based on your needs and expected return on investment. But be prepared to spend more than you think. 
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• The long game: Remember ongoing costs — factor in maintenance, software updates, and training for your team. A cheaper robot upfront might cost more in the long run if it needs constant repairs and maintenance. 
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• ROI reality check: Calculate how long it'll take for your robot to pay for itself through increased productivity or reduced labor costs. This helps justify the expense and set realistic expectations.
  
  Typically, automation can pay for itself in 1 to 3 years, depending on the application and the efficiency improvements achieved.

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Types of robots available

When you're in the market for a robot, you'll quickly discover there's a whole world of options out there. From heavy-duty industrial machines to friendly helper bots, you’ll be spoiled for choice. 

Let’s take a look: 

• Extra-precise industrial bots: Industrial robots are the bodybuilders of the manufacturing world. These are the big, brawny bots you might picture when you think of "factory automation." They are great at repetitive jobs that require superhuman strength and accuracy.
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• Always-on welders: These robots can join metal parts with high precision, working continuously in environments that may be hazardous for humans.
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• Assembly line bots: From cars to smartphones, industrial robots piece together complex products with mind-blowing speed and consistency.
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• All-day material handling: These bots can lift, move, and stack heavy objects constantly without breaking a sweat (or an actuator).
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• Your new coworkers: Collaborative robots, or "cobots," are designed to work safely alongside humans. They can be easily programmed for a variety of tasks, making them ideal for small to medium-sized operations.
  
  Built-in sensors and force-limiting technology reduce the need for safety cages, but risk assessments must still be conducted to ensure safe operations.
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• Service with a smile (or not): Service robots are a diverse category, including customer service assistants, delivery bots, and robots designed for specialized tasks in hospitality or healthcare.
  
  Some robots can even look humanoid, which (when coupled with powerful AI) can go deep into the uncanny valley.

How to buy a robot in 6 steps

Buying a robot isn't as simple as picking up a new toaster. It's a big decision that requires careful planning and consideration. 

Let’s break down the process into manageable chunks: 

1. Do some soul-searching: Before you start browsing robot catalogs, take a step back and think about what you really need. What specific tasks are you looking to automate? For example, if you're in manufacturing, you might think about an industrial robot like RO1 by Standard Bots for precise handling and assembly.
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2. Homework time: Once you know what you need, it's time to hit the internet. Compare different robots based on their specs, like payload capacity, reach, speed, and repeatability. Don't forget to look beyond the hardware — consider factors like how easy the software is to use, whether you can customize it (through APIs or SDKs), and the total cost of ownership.
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3. Know your seller: A robot is only as good as the company behind it. Take a good look at potential suppliers' reputations, customer service track records, and training and maintenance packages. You'll want a vendor that offers rock-solid tech support and can keep your robot running smoothly for years to come.
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4. Take it for a test drive: Never buy a robot sight unseen. Request demos and trials to see how the robot performs in real-world conditions. This is your chance to check if it plays nicely with your existing systems and if it can scale with your business.
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5. Crunch the numbers: Weigh the pros and cons of leasing versus buying, and don't forget to factor in sneaky hidden costs like maintenance and future upgrades. Think long-term — how will this robot fit into your plans as your business evolves? You’ll most likely have this machine around for years. 
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6. Prep for the new arrival: Before your robot shows up, make sure you've got all your ducks in a row. Does your facility meet all the necessary space, safety, and regulatory requirements? Factor in lead times and set up timelines so you're not caught off guard between purchase and when your robot is ready to roll up its sleeves (so to speak).

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Summing up 

Learning how to buy a robot is easier than it seems — if you follow these steps. 

But you don’t want to be caught with your proverbial pants down. Think about the role you want your robot to play, overall costs, and whether it will fit nicely with your shop floor. 

After you do your due diligence, it’s just a matter of enjoying the benefits of robotics. 

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Next steps 

Ready to catapult your business to new heights of efficiency and productivity? RO1 by Standard Bots is your answer. This adaptable, budget-friendly, and user-friendly six-axis cobot arm is engineered to modernize shop floors big and small. 

• Unbeatable value: Get top-notch performance without emptying your wallet. RO1 delivers 5-star results at half the cost of comparable robots.
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• Impressive productivity: RO1's 18 kg payload capacity and lightning-fast speed and precision will greatly boost your output, leaving the competition behind.
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• Automation made easy: Forget complex coding nightmares. RO1's intuitive no-code interface and powerful AI (on par with GPT-4) make programming and setup easy.
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• Safety is non-negotiable: Your team's well-being is paramount. RO1's built-in safety features, like sensors and collision detection, help enhance workplace safety.
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Take advantage of our risk-free 30-day trial and see how RO1 can transform your shop floor into a productivity machine. Contact our team today.