Robots have been a standard company in the production industry, conventionally working on aggregation lines to enrich capacity and effectiveness. Yet, there’s a new groundbreaker in the town of robots! These cobots are converting the way factories serve by working alongside humans in unparalleled ways.
In this blog post, we will examine the extraordinary elements that set cobots apart from traditional robots, dig into their astonishing benefits in the making industry, and introduce you to the top 8 cobot manufacturers that are making considerable advancements in this exhilarating field. So get ready to undertake a journey of automation possibilities like never before!
What Sets Cobots Apart from Traditional Robots?
Cobots characterize a groundbreaking innovation in automation. Unlike their established counterparts, cobots are specially designed to work adjacent to humans rather than replace them, characterizing them and recreating them exceptionally unique.
Their safety features stand out as a key differentiation. Provided with advanced sensors, cobots can detect human existence and respond accordingly, ensuring a secure working environment. Unlike other traditional robots, which always require physical barriers or cages to partition from human workers, cobots offer a more easy approach.
Ease of use is another noteworthy advantage. Cobots puff user-friendly designs and intuitive interfaces, allowing even non-experts to program them swiftly. This availability means that workers with limited programming knowledge can quickly grasp how to operate and program these robots.
Flexibility is yet another remarkable attribute of cobots. Far from traditional robots, which may need extensive reprogramming for different tasks, cobots can consistently adapt to new processes through clear programming reconfigurations or the addition of specialized end-of-arm tools.
Top 8 Cobot Manufacturers: A Brief Overview
Top 1: TM Robots (Techman Robots)
TM Robots, a leading cobot manufacturer, has transformed automation in the industry with its innovative and user-friendly designs. Their advanced vision system enables precise object detection and movements, enhancing productivity and safety. The intuitive programming interface makes implementation quick and efficient, even for those without prior experience.
TM Robots are offering a wide range of models for various applications, ensuring a perfect fit for specific needs. although, their durable designs withstand harsh industrial conditions while maintaining consistent performance.
Top 2: FANUC
FANUC, a global leader in cobot, has altered the sector with its precision, reliability, and versatility. Offering an extensive range of over 100 cobot models tailored to various industries, FANUC stands out for its advanced vision system, enabling adept object detection and handling. Additionally, FANUC cobots boast exceptional flexibility and user-friendliness in programming, swiftly adapting to diverse tasks.
Safety is paramount, with advanced features ensuring human collaboration nearly without risk. With a commitment to quality, performance, and safety, FANUC remains a top choice for manufacturers worldwide.
Top 3: Universal Robots
Universal Robots is an iconic company in the robotics market. Founded in 2005 by three Danish students, they recognized the potential for lighter, flexible, and safer robots in the industry. Their first commercial model, UR5, launched in 2008, addressed the automation needs of SME businesses by handling various industrial applications and being easily programmable. This led to their success and market leadership.
Universal Robots continue to evolve and define the technology of cobots. They have expanded their product lines to include stronger cobots while improving the user interface. Additionally, they are actively promoting the benefits of cobots to a wider audience.
Top 4: KUKA
Kuka, a pioneer in industrial robotics, recognized the main potential of lightweight and safer robots. In 1996, Kuka engineers designed a computer-controlled robot, and in 2004, they acquired the design of a lightweight, torque-sensing robot from the German Aerospace Center Institute. This led to the introduction of their first cobot model, the KUKA LBR 3, which could work alongside human workers. The LBR 3 impressed with its high dexterity and precision in small free-load applications, attracting numerous companies.
In 2013, Kuka expanded its flagship model with the introduction of the LBR iiwaa series. This new model featured enhanced sensory capabilities and a programmable interface, making it even more versatile. The LBR iiwa quickly found its way into various industrial and non-industrial sectors, thanks to its advanced features and adaptability.
Top 5: Yaskawa
In the 1970s, the Japanese conglomerate Yaskawa leveraged its expertise in manufacturing electrical equipment and motors to introduce the pioneering electric industrial robot, the Motoman. Particularly successful in developing arc welding robots, which utilize electricity to melt metal, Yaskawa continuously refined its industrial robots, pushing the boundaries of performance and ultimately emerging as the market leader in the 1990s.
In 2015, Yaskawa ventured into the field of robotics with its Motoman HC series, entering the market slightly later than its competitors. Emphasizing safety and hand guidance, the HCXP and HCDT models distinguish themselves through user-friendliness. Despite their late entry, Yaskawa’s offerings hold significant potential in an ever-evolving market landscape.
Top 6: Rethink Robotics
Rethink Robotics GmbH, once known as Rethink Robotics Inc. and initially founded as Heartland Robotics, was formed by the HAHN Group in 2018. The HAHN Group, a German automation specialist, has been further developing Rethink’s technology by combining it with German engineering expertise and industrial applications know-how. The company was previously based in Boston, USA, but had to shut down due to financial constraints.
Rethink Robotics’ task of creating safe, inexpensive, and easily mobile solutions for human collaboration was first realized in 2012 with the foreword of the Baxter cobot. Baxter is known for its dual-arm automation and embedded vision, which provide impressive flexibility. With its payload and reach capabilities, Baxter can perform various tasks such as packaging, kitting, line loading, and material handling.
In 2015, the Sawyer cobot was introduced as the successor to Baxter, offering even more advanced features. Sawyer shares the embedded vision technology with Baxter but is lighter and more flexible, with an extended arm reach. It is also capable of handling heavier payloads. Sawyer can perform tasks that require a higher degree of precision, such as machine tending and circuit board testing, in addition to the tasks performed by Baxter.
Top 7: Doosan Robotics
Doosan Robotic, an associate of a well-known Korean group concentrating on heavy industrial and construction equipment, is a new player in the robotics market with ambitious plans and abundant resources. Established in 2016 to accelerate the digital transformation of industries, the company has fostered a strong culture of research and development to deliver exceptional cobots.
Their initial models gained recognition for their emphasis on safety, featuring torque sensors on their 6-axis for advanced collision detection. Additionally, these cobots showcased impressive dexterity of movement. Doosan Robotics has also received acclaim for its highly praised user interface and overall user experience.
In 2019, they expanded their offerings with the launch of the M series, complementing their existing A and H series. These probiotic models demonstrate remarkable efficiency and precision, making them suitable for demanding production requirements. With its comprehensive capabilities, Doosan Robotics is well-positioned to captivate and target the large Korean and European markets.
Top 8: Productivity Inc
Productivity Inc. is a guiding manufacturer of cobots, known for its commitment to invention and customer delight. They offer a diverse range of cobots to suit various tasks and industries, with seamless integration into existing production lines. Productivity Inc.’s cobots are highly reliable and perform with exceptional precision, featuring user-friendly interfaces for easy operation.
Safety is prioritized through advanced sensors that detect and prevent accidents. With a fetish for delivering quality products, Productivity Inc. has established itself as a trusted name in the cobot manufacturing industry.
Conclusion
In fabricating, cobots are revamping performances by coherently collaborating with humans. Top manufacturers like TM Robots, FANUC, and Universal Robots offer diverse strengths, from user-friendly interfaces to industrial automation expertise.
Choosing the right cobot involves considering capabilities, ease of use, and support services. Embracing these technologies promises increased efficiency and competitiveness, requiring proper planning and collaboration between human workers and intelligent machines.