How to choose the appropriate collaborative robot (cobot)

In the last few years, the adoption of collaborative robot technology has increased significantly, with more and more manufacturers looking to automate their processes.

The question remains: which collaborative robot is best suited to your company?

In this article, we'll take a look at the key points to consider to help you make the best choice.

Financial aspects and return on investment

When considering the purchase of a collaborative robot, it's essential to consider the financial aspect. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What's your budget? Don't just focus on the price of the robot itself. Also consider the equipment and integration required for the robot. It's common for the manufacturer to offer a single price for the robot. It's important to keep in mind that the robot alone can't perform any tasks on its own. We recommend, therefore, that you clearly define your objectives and determine what additional elements are required to implement the desired application.
• Financing options: Explore the financing options available for your cell purchase.
• Return on investment (ROI): How long do you expect to wait before achieving ROI, and is it reasonable? It's crucial to plan how long it will take to get a return on your investment. Take a close look at the situation from different angles, because it's not just about saving payroll.

Robot dimensions and features

• Robot dimensions: Determine the size and type of robot required. You can choose from the following configurations: serial, parallel, SCARA or Cartesian.
• Reach, size, weight and payload: What are the reach, size, weight and payload specifications required to accomplish the task, taking into account a reasonable margin of error?
• Task types: Identify the tasks the robot will have to perform. Is it assembly, parts handling or something else?
• Project complexity: Evaluate the level of complexity in terms of conception, control, programming and handling. This will help determine which robot is best suited.

Employees and safety

• Interaction with employees: Does the robot need to interact with employees? Make sure the robot can operate safely in the work environment. It's important to consider the robot's work process, as this is where potential risks can arise, which might require the use of a confined industrial robot, for example, in a machining cell with a spindle running at 12,000 RPM.
• Training: Check whether the manufacturer or integrator offers training in robot operation and safety.
• Risk analysis: Perform a preliminary risk analysis for the specific application.
• Employee skills: Do you have employees with the skills needed to maintain the robotic cell?
• Software availability: Make sure you've learned the robot's software and programming languages, not just for simple pick-and-place applications. Dive deeper, explore logic sequences and fully evaluate the software's capabilities to become more familiar with and assess its capabilities.

The key to success

Finally, choosing the appropriate collaborative robot for your company requires careful thought. You need to take into account financial considerations, robot specifications and employee safety. As robotics experts, we're here to help you make the right choice to meet your company's needs and help you thrive in the age of automation.