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

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00 min

Date

September 19, 2024
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For businesses deciding between Techman and Universal Robots, knowing their pros and cons can help you choose wisely.

Techman Robots offer affordability and built-in vision systems ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, while Universal Robots provide unmatched flexibility and a strong global support network. 

Read on to learn:

  • The differences between Techman vs. Universal Robots
  • Pros and cons of each brand
  • How to decide which one suits your needs
  • Why Standard Bots could be a better choice

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Let’s get into the titular face-off first. 

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.
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  • Competitive pricing: Techman is a more budget-friendly option for companies that don't need heavy-duty robots.
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  • Fast deployment: Their simplified programming means you can get up and running faster.

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Cons:

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

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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.

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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.
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  • Strong support network: Universal Robots has a strong global presence with a wide network of distributors.
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  • Flexible solutions: You can easily add different modules to suit your business needs.

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Cons:

  • Higher price point: Universal Robots usually cost more than competitors like Techman. For instance, the UR20 model can set you back over $63k, and that’s without vital add-ons like machine vision. 
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  • Additional peripherals: To get the most out of your robot, you might need to buy extra add-ons.

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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.

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. 
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  • Programming: Techman is far easier for quick setups, while Universal Robots offers more customization — but a lengthier time to get going. 
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  • Money up front: Techman is more affordable upfront, but Universal Robots might give you better ROI in the long run. 
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  • 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. 

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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. 

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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. 
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  • Maximizing productivity: With its impressive payload capacity of 18 kg and lightning-fast speed, RO1 can make your shop floor super efficient. 
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  • 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.
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  • Safety you can trust: RO1 is equipped with safety sensors, machine vision, and collision detection to guarantee a secure and reliable operation.

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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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