H2: Introduction
Industrial automation has been a significant focus for many companies, and the use of robotics has become essential in several industries. Industrial robots have been the primary choice for automation for many years. However, the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots) is challenging the traditional way of thinking. Although cobots and industrial robots may look similar, many differences set them apart. One of the significant differences between the two is their cost-effectiveness.
H2: Industrial Robots
Industrial robots are robotic systems used to automate industrial tasks that include welding, painting, material handling, and assembly. Industrial robots are highly-accurate and precise, making them ideal for applications that require high repeatability, speed, and accuracy. Although industrial robots have been in use for a long time, their high initial cost and complexity of programming limit their adoption.
An industrial robot can cost anywhere between $50,000 to $500,000 or even more, depending on its application and capabilities. Additionally, installation costs and the need for specialized technicians for programming and maintenance adds to the overall cost of an industrial robot.
H2: Cobots
Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are a new breed of robots that work alongside humans in the workplace. Cobots are designed to be safe, easy to program and work collaboratively with human operators. Cobots are smaller in size and can be deployed in various industries as they are ideal for tasks with low repeatability and quick changeovers.
Cobots are designed to be affordable to enable SMEs and smaller businesses to adopt them for industrial automation. They are relatively simple to program and do not require specialized technicians or engineers for installation and maintenance. A cobot can cost anywhere between $30,000 to $70,000, depending on its application and capabilities.
H2: Cost Comparison
When we factor in the purchase cost, installation cost, maintenance cost, and programming cost, we can draw comparisons between industrial robots and cobots, as seen below:
- Purchase cost: Industrial robots cost significantly more than cobots.
- Installation cost: Industrial robots require specialized technicians for installation, which adds to their cost. Cobots can be set up by an average technician without specialized skills.
- Maintenance cost: Industrial robots require more maintenance and repairs than cobots, which can increase the overall cost.
- Programming cost: Industrial robots require specialized programmers, which adds to the programming cost. Cobots are simpler to program, reducing the programming cost.
Taking into account all these factors, cobots provide a more cost-effective solution for industrial automation for SMEs and smaller businesses.
H2: Conclusion
Cobots and industrial robots are suited for different applications, and their selection depends on the processes and tasks that need to be automated. However, considering the cost factors, cobots are the more cost-effective solution for industrial automation, especially for SMEs and small businesses.
As technology continues to advance and the cost of industrial robots decreases, there is no doubt that industrial robots will continue to dominate large industries. Nevertheless, the trend shows that cobots are gaining traction in smaller industries, backed by their affordability, ease of programming, and safety features.
References:
- Duffy, V. G. (2017). Handbook of industrial robotics. USA: Springer.
- Universal Robots. (n.d.). Collaborative robots [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://www.universal-robots.com/about-universal-robots/collaborative-robots/