Industrial robots, also known as factory automation, have been around since the 1960s. They aided in the mass production of everyday household items such as cups, plates, straws, and so on...

A robot is a self-contained machine that performs a task without human intervention. Collaborative robots (cobot) are becoming artificially intelligent robot that works alongside human workers to complete tasks.

Here are some of the distinctions:

• Setup alongside workers

• Application flexibility

• Lower costs for SMEs

• Smaller Volume

Setup Alongside Workers

Cobots can be set up alongside workers and have the intelligence to avoid colliding with and slowing down movements while a human is present.

Application Flexibility

Unlike industrial robots, cobots can be easily and quickly repurposed for multiple applications. This helps a high-mix factory that makes a variety of parts, such as CNC metal machine shops or welding shops.

Lower Costs for SMEs

When compared to industrial robots, cobots are a fraction of the price. The prices are also decreasing. As a result, they become more affordable for small and medium-sized businesses, with additional cost savings possible through new business subscription models.

Smaller Volume

Historically, larger volumes were required to justify the cost of industrial robots. Because of their lower cost and ability to be used in lower volume and higher mix production facilities, cobots can provide a positive ROI faster.