Robot vs. cobot: the basics.
Robots and cobots, or collaborative robots, differ primarily in their interaction with humans and their operational capabilities. While traditional robots operate autonomously in controlled environments, cobots are designed to work alongside humans, facilitating cooperation and shared tasks. Cobots feature advanced safety mechanisms such as force-limiting sensors and lightweight designs to minimize the risk of injury in collaborative settings. Additionally, cobots are typically easier to program and reconfigure, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability in dynamic work environments. This collaborative nature makes cobots ideal for tasks that require human supervision, precision assembly, or intricate manipulation alongside automated processes.
A list of pro’s and con’s
The characteristics of a cobot – used fully as a cobot – often, but not always include the following:
- Smaller footprint
- Easier installation and commissioning
- Slower
- Light tasks
- Non hazardous gripper (suction cups, force limited clamping, camera,..)
- Limited reach of cobotarm
The characteristics of a convetional robot – used fully as a conventional robot – often, but not always include the following:
- Larger footprint, guarding fences and safety lighting curtain around the robot with minimal distance between the fence/safety sensor and robot
- Fast
- Heavy and complex tasks
- No limitations to end-effector or gripper
- Larger reaches of robotarm possible
The traps.
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