Why Cobots? - The revolution in collaborative robotics

There has been a lot of talk about collaborative robots, or cobots for short, in recent years. Mostly in positive tones: they are set to revolutionize the world of robotics and industrial automation. Critics, on the other hand, claim that cobots are overpriced and can easily be outperformed by traditional industrial robots.

Both sides are right to a certain extent.
The fact is, however, that cobots are one of the fastest growing areas of robotics. Almost all major manufacturers - from KUKA and Fanuc to ABB - are now developing their own models. This clearly shows that the industry has recognized the potential of collaborative robotics.

But what exactly have these manufacturers recognized?
And why are more and more companies opting for the more expensive cobots instead of traditional robots?

Unchained Robotics brings transparency to robotics

On the Unchained Marketplace, you can discover and compare dozens of cobots from many manufacturers - including clearly displayed prices. In addition to robots, you will also find a large selection of grippers, cameras, starter kits and turnkey solutions.

What is a cobot?

A cobot (collaborative robot) is a robot that is equipped with special safety features. These enable it to work in close proximity to humans - or even cooperate directly with them. Hence the name "cobot".

Important features of a cobot

What distinguishes cobots from traditional industrial robots?
Three things in particular:

1. Torque sensors
   They are the central feature of a cobot. They measure the torque in each joint during movement. If an unusually high resistance is detected, the cobot interprets this as a collision - with a person or object, for example - and stops immediately.

2. Speed limitation
   To ensure that this safety mechanism works reliably, cobots must not work too fast. Typically, their maximum collaborative speed is around 1 meter per second. This allows them to stop safely before any damage is done.

3. User-friendly software
   Because cobots often work in close proximity to humans, they are easier to program, operate and retool than traditional robots. Graphical user interfaces and intuitive control systems are standard.

When is it worth using a cobot?

Cobots offer many advantages, especially in three typical application scenarios:

1. when humans and robots need to work together

Some processes cannot be fully automated - for example due to variable materials or unpredictable processes. In such cases, the cobot supports humans instead of replacing them, thus increasing efficiency and precision.

2. when space is limited

In many production environments, there is not enough space for a classic robot cell with safety fences. Cobots enable automation in confined spaces, as they can operate safely in close proximity to humans.
This allows processes to be automated that would otherwise not be possible.

3. when flexibility and simple programming are required

Cobots are ideal for environments in which tasks change frequently.
Thanks to their simple operation, they can be quickly reprogrammed or relocated to new workstations. This makes them particularly attractive for high-mix/low-volume production, i.e. areas with a high number of variants and smaller quantities.

When is a cobot not the best choice?

Despite their versatility, cobots are not always the best solution.
Their weaknesses lie in three areas:

1. High precision
   Cobots usually work with an accuracy of between 0.01 and 0.05 mm - perfectly adequate for many applications. However, if even higher precision is required, classic industrial robots are superior.

2. High speed
   Cobots are deliberately slower in order to be able to work safely. When processes require extreme speed, traditional robots are the better choice.
   Some cobots can reach up to 4 m/s in non-collaborative mode, but this only applies under certain conditions.

3. Generous space
   If there is enough space for a safe robot cell and no collaboration with humans is required, there is little to be said in favor of the more expensive cobot.

Conclusion

Cobots fill a specific but rapidly growing niche in the world of robotics.
They are ideal when space savings, collaboration with humans or flexible adaptation are important.

If any of these factors play a role in your automation project, a cobot is probably the right choice.