Cobot vs Robot

The manufacturing industry is a hybrid environment where man and machine work alongside each other. Whether we’re talking about a small metal cutting workshop or a full scale machine manufacturer: robotics are there to make our life easier. Tasks that are repetitive, risky or physically demanding are better left to the experts made from bytes and bolts. But how does a conventional industrial robot compare to a CNC cobot? And where lies the difference? Let’s take a closer look.

The basic difference between industrial robots and CNC cobots is that robots are designed to do work instead of humans, while cobots are designed to function alongside humans. Cobots, or ‘collaborative robots’, are there to assist your automation, not to enforce it.

The main role of cobots is to support workers by taking over tasks that are dangerous, hard or tedious. On top of the obvious rise in efficiency, quality and safety of the manufacturing process, cobots can open up time for operators to enjoy the more rewarding or creative side of their job.

The role and objectives of conventional industrial robots are largely the same, yet they usually operate on a much larger scale. Higher speed, higher accuracy, higher payload.

But that comes at a price.

Industrial robots are fixed, as they are dedicated to a specific part of the production process. They can be moved around but are not designed to do so very easily, and are therefore often stationed in the same spot for their entire lifetime.

Cobots on the other hand, because of their compact size, weight and lack of hard-wiring, can be moved around more freely, to take on different tasks as needed. They are designed to be versatile and adaptive to any environment. Whether it’s a change in the product line, work force or work space. Naturally, a collection of cobots, each taking on a specific task would deliver the best results.

Most industrial robots require considerable technical skills and knowledge to set up. CNC cobots can be deployed a lot faster than industrial robots and don’t require any technical training to operate, nor to set up. They learn quickly, and can be repurposed in seconds just by moving the arm or pressing a few buttons. Child’s play really…

RoboJob’s industrial robots for turning and milling run on the same user-friendly software as their cobots, which makes for a quick, easy setup and changeover that does not require prior experience.

One of the major differences between robots and cobots is payload - or the amount of weight the robot arm is capable of lifting. In general, the payload scale of cobots ranges from 3 to 20kg (6 to 45lbs), while heavy-duty industrial robots, like the ones used in the car industry, can carry up to 1,000kg (2,200lbs).

The advantage of low payload cobots is that they are capable of a wide range of motion (six degrees of freedom) without carrying major size or mass. They can perform a multitude of tasks like assembly, welding or pick and place, with the ability to work with parts that might be too small or delicate for human handling.

Obviously the cost of an industrial robot is much higher because it operates on a larger scale than a cobot. But other factors like a more complex system integration or the need for skilled operators come into play as well. Although their ROI may be higher in the long run, industrial robots require a considerable initial investment.

Cobots are competitively priced, almost half the price of an industrial robot, which minimizes upfront costs. Their ROI is much faster thanks to speedy integration and general ease of use. In other words: low risk, high reward.

Because of their size and operating speed, industrial robots are often caged or equipped with motion or light sensors to keep humans out of their workspace. Without extensive safety measures, accidents could be serious or even fatal. Cobots however do not require a cage or other types of safety infrastructure since they are meant to work alongside humans. Cobots are force-limited and therefore inherently incapable of causing serious harm - though basic risk assessments still apply.

Thanks to its flexibility, ease of use, cost effectiveness and fast ROI, cobot automation is ideal for small or medium sized businesses that require high mix, low volume production. Depending on the need, cobots can be repurposed in minutes, taking on any kind of job in a hybrid workforce. More importantly: cobots improve the production process without taking away the jobs and joy of human workers.

Interested to learn what a cobot can do for your business? Discover Coby, the most accessible DIY cobot in the market.