Although collaborative robots (cobots) can theoretically take many forms, the most common is the articulated robotic arm, capable of screwing, grinding, gripping, stamping, gluing, welding, and more. In this sense, cobots share many characteristics with industrial robots, but they also have unique features that make them suitable for a much broader audience.
Industrial robots are manufactured in large batches with low variability. This makes them ideal for large companies producing high volumes of identical products over long periods. Cobots, on the other hand, are designed for low-volume, mixed-use production, where the robot is frequently redeployed across different processes.
An industrial robot repeats the same movement with the same tool for years and is integrated into a specific process, whereas a cobot must accommodate different tools to maximize its versatility. Cobots have the advantage of being easy to configure and reprogram, even by employees with no prior robotics experience. Industrial robots require in-depth programming knowledge.
Finally, purchasing a cobot is generally cheaper, and its easier installation and programming result in a lower initial investment and faster return on investment. Industrial robots, system integrators, and more expensive operator training require significant upfront investment and therefore a longer ROI period.
Why Use Industrial Robots to Optimize Production Lines?
To truly save time, industrial companies use robots to perform repetitive, difficult, and sometimes hazardous tasks. Industrial robots offer a real advantage for production lines. They keep your company competitive under all circumstances, reduce production costs, never experience downtime, and optimize production time. This enables the manufacture of high-quality products at lower costs within designated timeframes.
Industrial robots are employed across a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Essentially, robots perform dangerous or challenging tasks, allowing companies to address multiple safety, competitiveness, and workforce management challenges effectively.