What is a SCARA robot?

SCARA stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm, a highly efficient robot known for its speed and precision. It is primarily used in industries such as electronics manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and plastics. 

SCARA robots excel at tasks like assembly, material handling, and packaging, where fast and accurate movements are critical for high-volume production.

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Factors affecting the SCARA robot price

Not all SCARA robots are created equal, and the price tag can vary wildly depending on several factors. 

Let’s break it down:

• Brand and model variations: Some big names in the game, like Standard Bots, FANUC, Epson, ABB, and Mitsubishi, have their pricing structures. As a general rule of thumb, the more well-known a brand, the higher the price tag — like, say, the Mitsubishi SCARA robot prices may be higher than something that’s not as popular as Epson’s. 
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• Your production requirements: If your production line demands top-tier speed and razor-sharp accuracy, you’ll need a model that delivers — and that’s going to cost a bit more. (Unless you’re very smart about shopping around, as you’ll see below, but no spoilers allowed!)
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• Payload capacity and reach: The more a SCARA robot can carry, and the farther its reach, the pricier it gets. So, if you’re looking for a heavy-lifter, expect to pay a premium.
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• Extra features: Want integrated vision systems, smart sensors, or advanced programming capabilities? These add-ons can bump up the price, but they’re often worth it if you need higher-level stuff. 

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Typical new SCARA robot price ranges

Here’s what you’re looking at in terms of cost for new bots.

Entry-level models:

• Price range: $10,000 - $40,000
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• These models are great for basic, by-the-numbers stuff like simple assembly or material handling. They won’t kill your bank account, but they also (typically) won’t have all the bells and whistles.
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• Example: The FANUC SR-20iA kit SCARA robot price fits in this range and is perfect for small operations. Another ABB IRB 920 model also fits the bill — as long as you’re not looking for a hefty payload. You can also get a good basic Epson SCARA robot for $10,000. 
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Mid-range models:

• Price range: $40,000 - $60,000
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• If you need more precision, speed, and flexibility, you’ll want to look at mid-range SCARA robots. These models offer a bit more customization options and tend to handle more complex tasks and higher weights. 
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• Example: Mid-tier FANUC SCARA robot price ranges are between $40,000 and $50,000 depending on the model, and features are designed for intricate, fast-paced work. (Mind you, the link includes bulk prices.) 

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High-end models:

• Price range: $60,000+
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• For cutting-edge automation with multi-axis control and smart sensing, you’ll need to look at the high-end SCARA bots. These are typically more common in high-precision industries like electronics manufacturing.
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Example: This pricing information is normally hidden behind quote models, but many high-end FANUC, Epson, and ABB models are definitely worth more than this amount.

Used SCARA robot price

The price range for used SCARA robots is generally 30-50% less than their brand-new counterparts, which can translate to some serious savings. You can score a used Mitsubishi robot for around $5500. Or check out this used ABB SCARA robot price — it’s just around $13000. 

Things to keep in mind:

• Check the condition: Be sure to check the robot’s hours of operation and any visible wear and tear. 
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• Warrant woes: Used robots may come with limited or no warranty, so it's important to confirm warranty details and budget for potential repairs.
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• Yesterday’s tech: You might miss out on some of the latest advancements in tech with older models, so weigh the trade-offs carefully.

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Extra costs to think about

When considering the overall cost of implementing industrial robots, it's essential to account for additional operational costs beyond the initial investment. 

According to Rashidi Asari, operational costs for industrial robots like those used in the automotive industry can range between 15% and 42% of the total cost.

Here are some other costs that often sneak up on buyers:

• Maintenance costs: These can vary significantly, accounting for anywhere between 2.8% and 10% of the total operational expenses. Regular upkeep is essential to maintain robot performance and longevity.
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• Downtime costs: Unexpected downtime or robot malfunctions can contribute 6.6% to 27.5% of total operational costs, according to research. Proper planning and preventive measures can help mitigate these expenses.
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• Integration and setup costs: Don’t forget about the cost of getting the robot up and running, including software, tooling, and potential upgrades to your production line.
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• Upskilling your team: You’ll likely need to train your employees on how to operate and program the robot — that’s an expense worth planning for. (And that you’ll have to plan out for, in most cases.) Training and setup costs can range from an estimated $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the system and the level of customization required.

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How to get the best value for your SCARA robot

Here’s how to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth when buying a SCARA robot:

• Think about your business needs: The right SCARA robot depends on what you need it to do. For basic tasks, an entry-level model will work fine. If you’re looking for high precision and speed, look for a mid-range or high-end robot like FANUC SCARA. A used Mitsubishi robot might be a steal if you’re looking for something lower-tier. 
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• Compare brand performance: Research brands like Standard Bots, Epson, FANUC, ABB, and Mitsubishi. Each has strengths and weaknesses that could suit your operations. 
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• Try leasing: If the upfront cost of a SCARA robot is a little too steep, look into leasing or financing options. That way, you can spread out the payments and make it more manageable.

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Summing up: Which SCARA robot is right for your business?

Choosing the right bot comes down to your budget, operational needs, and the overall complexity of the stuff you need to do — there’s no ideal SCARA robot price. 

Several brands have good tools, but they’re not within everyone’s reach. 

The best option? Going for an option that delivers the best bang-for-your-buck mix of power, ability, and technical prowess — and you’ll have to shop around for that!

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Standard Bots’ affordable robot solutions

Standard Bots offers a versatile, cost-effective solution for businesses looking to automate without incurring excessive costs. RO1 is a highly precise and flexible six-axis cobot arm, making it an ideal choice for companies that need fast, efficient automation at an affordable price.

Here’s why:

• Cost-effective integration: RO1 integrates seamlessly into your existing systems, avoiding the usual headaches and extra expenses of automation setups.
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• Affordable pricing: At a fraction of the cost of comparable 18-20kg payload models, Standard Bots’ RO1 offers affordable and efficient automation for businesses across various industries.
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• Strong & fast: With an 18 kg payload capacity and lightning-fast movement, RO1 helps you get more done in less time without breaking a sweat.
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• AI-driven smarts: Powered by AI as sharp as GPT-4, RO1 is easy to program — no coding required! Get it running with just a few clicks.
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• Safety-first design: Built with sensors, machine vision, and collision detection, RO1 guarantees a safe working environment for your team.
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Are you ready to take your automation to the next level? Get in touch with us today to experience the power of RO1 risk-free for 30 days. We’ll help you set everything up to ensure your production line runs smoothly.