What are cobots or corobots
What is a Cobot (or Corobot)?
A cobot is short for collaborative robot and is often also called a corobot. This is a kind of robot specifically designed to work together with humans. Unlike traditional industrial robots which are often locked in cages because they can be dangerous, cobots or corobots can safely operate side by side with people.
How is a cobots and corobots different from regular robots?
- Traditional industrial robots are usually large, strong, and very fast. They are built and programmed to repeat the same task over and over again without being aware of their surroundings. They are often programmed with specific work instruction software for executing one kind of task.
- Because they don’t have sensors to detect humans they can accidentally hit or crush someone if they get too close. That is the reason why these robots often work inside a secured cage or in a separate room.
- Cobots or corobots on the other hand are designed with sensors, cameras, and intelligent software that allow humans to work safely in the same space. If a person approaches, the corobot slows down or stops. They are built to collaborate with people not to replace them.
How does a corobot work?
Before starting an assignment, digital work instructions must be programmed into the corobot.
A corobot performs pre-programmed tasks like
- Picking up or holding parts
- Screwing components together
- Moving products from one place to another
Some cobots or corobots can even learn by demonstration. This means that a person shows the movement once and the robot repeats it automatically. This creates the opportunity for humans and corobots to work together efficiently.
How much does a cobot or corobot cost?
The price of a cobot depends on its size, strength, and features:
- Basic models can start around €15.000
Advanced corobots with more sensors, vision systems, or AI capabilities can cost up to €50.000 or more.
Even though this sounds expensive they are often cheaper than traditional robots. Because cobots don’t need big safety cages or heavy infrastructure they are less expensive in total. They are also flexible because one corobot can handle multiple tasks so buying several specialized machines isn’t necessary.
Who Develops Cobots and Corobots?
Cobots were first made popular by the company Universal Robots from Denmark. They are one of the leading developers worldwide. Other companies soon followed.
Examples of other companies that also build corobots are
These companies are well known for producing reliable industrial robots. They have expanded their range with collaborative robots so humans and robots could safely work together.
Benefits of using cobots
- Safety: corobots have built-in smart sensors that can detect when a person is close by. Instead of keep moving at full speed they slow down or stop completely. This makes it possible for humans to work side by side with machines in a safe manner.
- Efficiency: by letting cobots take over boring and repetitive tasks workers can focus on the more complex parts of the job. This combination usually leads to a faster production process. And very importantly fewer mistakes are made.
- Flexibility: unlike big traditional robots cobots are light. They are also quite easy to reprogram with new work instructions for a new manufacturing process. If a company changes its product line the same corobot can be given a new job instead. This prevents the company from having to buy a completely new robot.
- Support: many jobs in factories involve heavy lifting or repetitive movements that can cause injuries in the short or long term. A corobot can handle the heavy or boring parts and the humans can execute the tasks that need creativity, flexibilty or problem-solving.
Cost savings: even though the starting price may seem high these cobots are usually cheaper to install than traditional robots. This is because the company using them doesn't need to buy expensive cages or implement extra safety measures.. Over time they often save money due to increased productivity and lower error rate.
Where are Corobots used?
- Factories: in manufacturing, corobots are used for tasks like assembling cars, electronics or small devices. They can work alongside a human technician. They handle repetitive jobs while people focus on quality control.
- Logistics: warehouses use cobots to help with packing, sorting and moving boxes. This makes deliveries faster and takes pressure off workers who would otherwise do heavy lifting all day. In this way injuries are reduced. This also saves money in the long term.
- Medical labs: in laboratories precision is extremely important. Cobots can handle delicate tasks like measuring liquids or preparing samples. This helps the scientists avoid errors and saves them valuable time. And once more, this helps reduce errors.
- Schools and training centers: some schools, technical programs and robotics labs use cobots to demonstrate how humans and robots can collaborate. This is especially common in courses on engineering, automation or manufacturing.
Final thoughts
Cobots (corobots) or collaborative robots are designed to help humans but not replace them. Traditional robots are strong but need to be isolated for safety reasons while cobots are safe, flexible, and cooperative. They combine their own accuracy and strength with the flexibility and problem-solving skills of people. In workplaces where they have lots of repetitive or heavy tasks these robots make the work in general safer and faster.
