Amazon, RobotShop, and Dobot are the best websites to find high-quality robots for sale. RO1 by Standard Bots is also a hot newcomer on the block (although we are a bit biased).
Whether you're automating a warehouse or upgrading a classroom, the robot market has never been more accessible for companies wanting to optimize.
Read on to learn:
- 9 best places to shop for robots
- Factors to consider before buying your bot buddy.
- Types of robots available
- Tips for getting the most from your investment
Let’s get rolling.
Why buy robots at all?
Robots have officially gone from science fiction to everyday solutions
Let’s take a look at why:
- For businesses: Robots mean fewer repetitive jobs, more efficiency, and round-the-clock productivity. They don’t call in sick or ask for overtime. They just keep going and going (until they need maintenance).
- For educators and hobbyists: Robots make learning fun, turning programming and engineering into an adventure rather than a headache.
So, whether you're after an industrial robot to boost your assembly line or an AI robot for sale that can answer trivia questions (and win), it’s all about what fits your needs — but there’s a bot for pretty much everything.
Top places to buy robots in 2024
When you’re ready to shop, here’s where to find robots for sale that match your vision and budget.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability for the robots we recommend can vary a lot between retailers and over time. We’ve done our homework by comparing and reviewing multiple sources to bring you the best options. Still, be sure to check current prices and details directly with sellers, as these can change often.
Online marketplaces
Convenient, varied, and sometimes surprisingly affordable, online marketplaces offer something for nearly everyone. Check out:
- Amazon: From beginner-friendly bots to high-tech vacuums, Amazon is a solid starting point. Want a mini robot vacuum? The Roomba j7+ is a fan favorite.
- eBay: Great for used robots for sale or that one obscure but no one else seems to have. Refurbished industrial robots often pop up here at steal-worthy prices. Check out this FANUC SR6-iA Scara Robot starting at just over $15k.
- Alibaba: Bulk-buy heaven. It is ideal for businesses sourcing industrial robots directly from manufacturers. If you want to buy an ARC mate welder by FANUC, a set of 9 will cost you $25k… a piece.
Specialized robotics retailers
For higher-quality robots and expert advice, these stores are worth a visit:
- RobotShop: This retailer stocks everything from educational robots to industrial cobots. Got kids? Check out programmable options like the Miko Mini.
- Automation24: Perfect for buyers seeking cobots, industrial arms, and attachments like cobot vacuum grippers.
- Dobot: Known for programmable arms like the Dobot Magician, which is ideal for classrooms or small-scale prototyping. They’ve got a lot more to offer, though.
Direct from manufacturers
If you’re serious about your robot, going straight to the source has perks:
- Standard Bots: Looking for a high-grade, AI-driven robot that won’t break the bank? Based in the US, Standard Bots offers RO1, a six-axis cobot arm that’s letting SMEs and other businesses leap into high-quality and affordable industrial automation.
- Boston Dynamics: Want to own a Spot robot? It’s not cheap, but it’s undeniably cool.
- Universal Robots: For industrial cobots like the UR3 robot arm — compact, efficient, and perfect for light-duty work.
- Tesla: Wondering when Tesla robots are for sale? Their humanoid bot, Optimus, is in development with potential availability very soon. It was even seen playing paper-rock-scissors with Kim Kardashian recently.
Factors to keep in mind when buying a robot
Don’t rush to buy that shiny robot just yet. Here’s what you need to think about:
- Purpose: Are you automating production, exploring AI at home, or teaching robotics to kids? Define your goals before you shop.
- Budget: Robots range from $50 for a programmable toy to +$100,000 for industrial machines. Be realistic about what you can afford.
- Features: Look for what matters most — payload capacity, precision, programming options, and warranty support. Trust us, you’ll want that warranty.
Popular types of robots for sale
From factory floors to living rooms, here’s what’s hot in the robot world:
- Industrial robots: These are meant for serious work. These are the muscles of automation. Think FANUC arms and ABB’s ultra-heavy welding bots.
- Service robots: Need a cleaner, greeter, or delivery bot? From mini robot vacuums to snack-delivering bots, service robots handle the grunt work with a little bit of flair.
- Educational robots: Perfect for beginners, these bots teach coding and robotics in a hands-on way. LEGO Mindstorms and programmable robot kits for beginners like Jimu are really popular choices.
Tips for buying the perfect robot
Finding the right robot takes more than scrolling through a few reviews.
Here’s how to shop smart:
- Read reviews and specs: Make sure you know what you’re getting. A robot ur3 might be perfect for small-scale assembly but useless for heavy lifting.
- Check future compatibility: If you plan to expand your setup later, make sure the robot can integrate with new tools or software.
- Don’t forget about after-sales support: Good customer service is a lifesaver when your robot decides to take a coffee break.
Summing up
Whether you’re after an industrial behemoth, a teaching tool, or a cleaning robot that finally understands corners, today’s market is overflowing with robots for sale.
With so many options — including used robots for sale and super-powered AI marvels — there’s really something for everyone.
Next steps
Are you thinking about bringing top automation to your shop floor straight from a top manufacturer? Meet Standard Bots’ RO1, the US-made six-axis cobot arm that both big companies and up-and-coming SMEs love.
- Affordable and versatile: Starting at $5/hour, RO1 is the perfect six-axis arm for industrial jobs without breaking the bank. Want to buy? You can get it for half the price of competing models.
- Ready to work: With an 18 kg payload and precision of ±0.025 mm, it’s built for serious jobs like assembly and packaging.
- User-friendly design: No coding skills? No problem. RO1’s plug-and-play setup and modular attachments make integration super easy, and with AI smarts to rival GPT-4, it’s ready for flexible operations.
- Safety first: Featuring machine vision and collision detection, RO1 keeps human collaboration safe and smooth.
Book a risk-free, 30-day trial with RO1 by Standard Bots today and see how the right robot can transform your shop floor.
