Technology today is about revolutionizing human resources by optimizing them, not replacing them, especially in manufacturing units. While the concept of robots in manufacturing units is not novel, it has seen a major overhaul. Today, manufacturers accept collaborative bot solutions to obtain more customization in processes. While industrial robots are generally pre-programmed and lack tailoring of settings, collaborative robots offer a greater level of customization while being safe with human interaction in the same operational setting. Let’s understand in detail:
Defining Cobots and Robots
Cobots
Cobots, otherwise called Industrial collaborative robotic systems, are specific kinds of robotic systems that are planned to be used in the same physical environment as people. They are made with aspects that include safety, flexibility, and product design in order to enhance their usage. Most cobots have force and torque sensors for perceiving contact with people or objects and responding in safe ways. They are also small in structure and flexible in form; therefore, they are easy to move and reorganize for different uses. At present, cobots are applied in various operations such as assembly, picking and placing, machine tending, and quality inspection.
Robots
Industrial robots, for instance, are self-contained mechanisms used to execute operations on their own. They are designed to be deployed for tasks that are cyclical in nature, require high accuracy, and or present a certain amount of risks to human life. Industrial robots are larger than cobots, faster, more powerful, and have greater capabilities in terms of payload and workspace. They are usually guarded by safety cages or barriers to prevent the human workers from coming close to possible risks. Robots are used in welding, painting, handling of material, packing, etc.
Key Differences Between Cobots and Robots
Let’s have a closer look at Cobots vs robots-
- Safety Features: Cobots are built for safe collaboration with humans and may have force and torque sensors, as well as smooth contours. Robots are isolated from people, with safety zones in between.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Collaborative robots are very flexible and versatile, enabling the reprogramming of various tasks and jobs. There are also great limitations to the flexibility of robots and their procedures.
- Ease of Programming and Integration: An Industrial collaborative robotic system is user-friendly and easy to program, even for those without extensive robotics experience. Robots require specialized programming languages and expertise.
- Cost and Return on Investment: Compared to industrial robots, cobots are cheaper in terms of capital outlay and offer a faster payback period. The fact that they are easy to program and integrate and that they are flexible and adaptable can mean lower setup and training costs.
- Payload and Speed Capabilities: Industrial robots tend to have higher speed and payload, which is perfect for applications that require high-speed movements. Since cobots are intended to be safe around human workers, they are usually slower moving and have less ability to carry heavy loads.
- Level of Human Intervention: Collaborative robots are intended to interact collaboratively with people and thus are frequently partially automated; hence, for example, they need to be reprogrammed, cleaned, or, in some instances, work alongside people on certain tasks. However, when industrial robots are initialized and configured, they can perform operations independently for a longer duration.
Applications of Cobots and Industrial Robots
The cobots are suitable particularly for tasks that demand precision and frequent change of sequences and locations, such as
- Assembly
- Machine tending
- Quality inspection
Industrial Robots are well fitted in activities that require accuracy, speed, and the ability to carry heavy loads with little intervention from the operators.
Choosing Between Collaborative Cobots and Robots
Some of the considerations that can made when it comes to Cobots vs robots include;
- Nature of tasks to be performed
- Degree of interaction to be made between human and robot
- Need for precision and speed, and the available space
Here’s a quick overview of the benefits of these solutions
| Cobots | Robots |
| – Improved safety and reduced risk of injury | – High precision and speed |
| – Increased flexibility and adaptability | – Ability to perform repetitive and hazardous tasks |
| – Easy programming and integration | – Increased productivity and efficiency |
| – Cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses | – Reduced labor costs |
Conclusion
Hence, cobots and robots are differentiated by their function and the requirements of the tasks to be completed. If you are searching for a robotic solution that has the capacity to provide high degrees of dexterity and adaptability to work alongside employees, a cobot could be a perfect option. At Patvin, there are both standard and customized Collaborative robots depending on your company’s requirements. Feel free to contact us today to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between cobots and robots?
Cobots are meant to operate collaboratively with people in the same or nearby working environment with enhanced safety, adaptability, and simplicity of use. Robots are controlled tools whereby their operations depend on a programmer, fit for activities that call for high accuracy or are monotonous or risky.
- Are cobots safer than robots?
One of the concepts of Industrial collaborative robotic system is safe, and therefore, the cobot is fitted with force and torque sensors to detect contact with human beings or objects.
- Can cobots and robots be used in the same workspace?
It is important to note that cobots and robots can indeed coexist and work in the same environment in many cases.
