Robots vs cobots – which is best for your business?

One of the more important choices to make when thinking about automating your manufacturing process is whether to  opt for industrial robots or collaborative robots (cobots). There are many differences between the two, so it’s really important that you know the advantages of both systems before making your decision.

This article will hopefully help you to understand how automation can impact your business in the right way, and which system will streamline your production process the most effectively.

The difference between robots and cobots

When we talk about robots, we are referring to those big, impressive industrial machines on the shop floor. They are ideal for large companies that manufacture high volumes of the same products for long periods of time, designed to efficiently complete repetitive and potentially dangerous tasks without the help or intervention of any human operators. These robots can take on hazardous duties so a human doesn’t have to, improving production efficiency alongside ensuring your workforce are safe at all times and leaves them free  to concentrate on more valuable tasks that require a human operator.

Collaborative robots, or cobots as they are otherwise known, are by definition designed to work alongside humans. They were created to carry out repetitive, error-prone tasks, like robots, but operate in more of an assistant role in creating a safer and more efficient workplace, without actually eliminating the need for a human worker. They are well-suited manufacturers with low-volume, high-mix production.

Both have their pros and cons, and which is best for your business will depend completely on your needs and the type of manufacturing business that you’re running. Both of these robot types have their strengths and limitations, and these are critical to weigh up in order to chart a successful future.

Industrial robots – the good and the bad

Arguably the main advantage of industrial robots is the speed at which they can perform complex tasks and the payloads that they can handle. Both exceed that of cobots. If it’s productivity gains that you are looking for, industrial robots may be your best option. With their high levels of efficiency and accuracy, they can make an enormous impact on a company’s processes.

An industrial robot’s speed and force, however, is not to be taken lightly. They come with the need for substantial safety systems and usually require a cage or something similar to keep humans out of the robot’s work envelope and safe from injury and harm. It’s worth noting that integrating industrial robots may bring with it the need for workforce training and safety equipment and procedures, all of which costs money and resources.

Speaking of cost, industrial robots do come with a higher price tag than cobots. This is because their output can be higher and they usually need to be integrated into more specialised manufacturing systems than a cobot would be. It’s also important to consider the need for professional services to programme, as this is likely to come at an extra cost.

Cobots – the good and the bad

Cobots are the less expensive of the two solutions. This is because they operate at lower speeds and payloads than industrial robots. Their relatively low cost makes them accessible for businesses of different sizes, meaning that they deliver a fast return on investment. They are also much safer to use and manage than industrial robots, meaning that they can integrate into your workspace with little disruption and minimal programming. Cobots are small and lightweight enough that they can easily be moved and redeployed to automate different processes, putting versatility and cost-effectiveness on their side.

However, cobots are not suitable for heavy manufacturing work, or to take over tasks from factory workers entirely. Cobots are specifically designed to work together with humans and perform best as a minimally disruptive solution. Cobots should not be considered a more affordable alternative to industrial robots as they are both suited to different applications.

When making the decision between industrial or collaborative robots, you need to work out exactly what you want to accomplish. Do you want to increase your production, or increase your worker safety? Perhaps you want to reduce your scrap levels? Whatever it is, speak to experts who can help you and undertake an audit to see which robot solution makes the best operational and financial sense for your needs.