Techman vs. Universal Robots: Which cobot brand suits you?

September 19, 2024
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Techman vs. Universal Robots: Head-to-head comparison

When it comes to collaborative robotics, Techman and Universal Robots are two pretty well-known names — although not quite at the household level. 

Both companies specialize in making robots that can work well with humans, but their approach and focus areas are a little different.

Feature

Techman Robots

Universal Robots

Market position

Strong in SMEs, OK pricing

Better for larger businesses, good with flexibility

Built-in features

Integrated vision systems

Modular, add-on vision systems

Programming

Simple, user-friendly
programming

Flexible but requires a bit more setup

Support

Limited global support network

Extensive global presence

Techman Robots

Techman Robots focuses heavily on collaborative robots with built-in vision systems. They’re known for being affordable and easy to program, making them a popular choice for small to medium-sized businesses.

Pros:

  • Built-in vision systems: You get integrated vision without the need for expensive add-ons.
  • Competitive pricing: Techman is a more budget-friendly option for companies that don't need heavy-duty robots.
  • Fast deployment: Their simplified programming means you can get up and running faster.

Cons:

  • Limited heavy payloads: If you need to move big stuff, Techman might not be the best option.
  • Smaller support network: They don’t have the global reach of bigger brands like FANUC, KUKA, or, yes, Universal Robots. 

The bottom line:

Techman is a decent choice for companies that need cost-effective robots with vision systems built right in. 

So, if you're a small business looking for fast setup and easy programming, Techman’s robots will work. 

But if you need robots with a bit more power or global support, you might want to look elsewhere.

Universal Robots

Universal Robots is a pioneering brand in the cobot space, and they’re well-known for having a strong global network. 

Also, their robots are very flexible and can fit a pretty wide range of applications. 

Pros:

  • Wide range of models: Whether you need a robot for small or heavy-duty jobs, they’ve got a model for you.
  • Strong support network: Universal Robots has a strong global presence with a wide network of distributors.
  • Flexible solutions: You can easily add different modules to suit your business needs.

Cons:

  • Higher price point: Universal Robots usually cost more than competitors like Techman. For instance, the UR20 model can set you back over $55k, and that’s without vital add-ons like machine vision. 
  • Additional peripherals: To get the most out of your robot, you might need to buy extra add-ons.

The bottom line:
If you're looking for flexibility, reliability, and top-tier support, Universal Robots are a good option. 

However, they come at a higher price and may require extra customization, which could make them less attractive to smaller businesses — all that custom stuff costs money.

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Techman vs. Universal Robots: Taking your pick 

Both Techman and Universal Robots bring serious stuff to the table, but choosing between them depends on your specific needs. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

  • Features and integration: Techman’s built-in vision system vs. Universal’s modular add-ons. The second is far more expensive, mind you. 
  • Programming: Techman is far easier for quick setups, while Universal Robots offers more customization — but a lengthier time to get going. 
  • Money up front: Techman is more affordable upfront, but Universal Robots might give you better ROI in the long run. 
  • Support: Universal Robots' global support is unbeatable if you need a lot of ongoing help. Techman is from Taiwan, and they don’t have so many support options outside of Asia. 

Summing up

So, who wins in the Techman vs. Universal Robots battle? The truth is both companies have their strengths and weaknesses. 

The TL;DR is that if you’re a small business looking for affordable robots with built-in vision systems, Techman Robots may be the better fit. 

However, if you need more flexibility, customization, and a strong global support network, Universal Robots is a choice you can’t go wrong with. 

If you’re not sure, here’s a twist: There’s a better option than both out there. 

Get a free trial of Standard Bots' cobots today

Are you looking for a cobot solution that can outmatch both Techman and Universal Robots models? RO1 by Standard Bots is the competitively priced, USA-made, six-axis cobot arm designed for diverse automation needs.

  • Competitive pricing with high performance: RO1 offers top-tier performance without the hefty price tag, coming in at a lower price point than models like Universal Robots’ UR20 or comparable Techman alternatives. 
  • Maximizing productivity: With its impressive payload capacity of 18 kg and lightning-fast speed, RO1 can make your shop floor super efficient. 
  • Simplicity meets intelligence: RO1's no-code interface and powerful AI, on par with GPT-4, make it the easiest option to set up and deploy, even for those without a tech background.
  • Safety you can trust: RO1 is equipped with safety sensors, machine vision, and collision detection to guarantee a secure and reliable operation.

Join the countless businesses already benefiting from RO1. Contact our team today for a risk-free 30-day trial and see the difference for yourself.

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