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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Always-on welders: These robots can join metal parts with high precision, working continuously in environments that may be hazardous for humans.
- Assembly line bots: From cars to smartphones, industrial robots piece together complex products with mind-blowing speed and consistency.
- All-day material handling: These bots can lift, move, and stack heavy objects constantly without breaking a sweat (or an actuator).
- 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.
- 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.