The Rise of Cobots: A Revolution in Warehouse Automation with the Top 5 Manufacturers You Should Know
As the demand for fast and efficient warehouse operations continues to grow, the use of collaborative robots (cobots) has become increasingly popular. These robots work alongside human workers, automating repetitive tasks and increasing productivity. With the rise of cobots, warehouse automation has undergone a revolution, changing the way businesses operate and improving their bottom line. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 manufacturers of cobots and how they’re leading the way in this exciting new field. Whether you’re new to the world of cobots or a seasoned professional, this guide will provide valuable insights into the latest advancements in warehouse automation.
What is cobots?
Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are a type of robot designed to work safely and efficiently alongside human workers. Unlike traditional robots that are typically caged off for safety reasons, cobots are designed to be inherently safe and capable of operating in close proximity to human workers. They are often equipped with sensors and safety features that enable them to detect and avoid collisions with humans, as well as to quickly shut down if they detect any unsafe conditions. Cobots are typically used in applications such as assembly, material handling, and packaging, where they can help to improve productivity, quality, and safety while reducing the need for human labor.
One of the key advantages of cobots is their ability to work collaboratively with human workers, rather than replacing them. This collaborative approach allows cobots to augment the capabilities of human workers, performing tasks that are too repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding for humans to perform. Cobots can also help to free up human workers to focus on higher-level tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. As a result, cobots have become an increasingly popular solution in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where they are helping to transform the way work is done.
Importance of cobots in Warehouse Automation
Some of the key benefits of using cobots in warehouse automation include increased efficiency, productivity, and safety.
One of the main advantages of cobots is their flexibility. They can be easily programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, from material handling and palletizing to assembly and inspection. This makes them ideal for use in warehouse automation, where they can help to improve efficiency and reduce the need for human labor.
Another advantage of cobots is their ability to work safely alongside human workers. Cobots are equipped with sensors and safety features that enable them to detect and avoid collisions with humans, making them a safe and reliable solution for warehouse automation.
Some of the use cases for cobots in warehouse automation include:
- Picking and Packing: Cobots can be used to pick and pack products in warehouses, reducing the need for human labor and increasing efficiency.
- Material Handling: Cobots can be used to transport materials and products within warehouses, freeing up human workers to focus on other tasks.
- Inventory Management: Cobots can be used to scan and track inventory, making it easier for warehouse managers to monitor stock levels and make informed decisions.
- Quality Control: Cobots can be used to inspect products for defects and ensure that they meet quality standards.
- Order Fulfillment: Cobots can be used to help fulfill orders, from picking and packing to shipping and delivery.
- Repetitive Tasks: Cobots can be used to perform repetitive tasks, such as sorting and packaging, that would be tedious for human workers to do for extended periods of time.
- Assembly: Cobots can be used in assembly lines to perform tasks such as inserting screws or other fasteners, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex tasks.
- Heavy Lifting: Cobots can be used to lift and move heavy items, reducing the risk of injury to human workers.
- Cleaning: Cobots can be used for cleaning tasks such as sweeping and mopping, helping to keep warehouses clean and free of debris.
- Inspection: Cobots can be used for quality control inspections, such as checking for defects in products or identifying damaged items
Overview of the top 5 Cobot manufacturers
1. Universal Robots
Universal Robots is a Danish company that specializes in the production of collaborative robots, or cobots, for industrial applications. Their robots are designed to work alongside humans, making manufacturing processes faster, more efficient, and safer. Universal Robots offers several different cobot models, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
List of Products
- UR3e: A small, lightweight cobot with a payload capacity of 3kg and a reach of 500mm. Ideal for tasks such as assembly, pick and place, and testing.
- UR5e: A medium-sized cobot with a payload capacity of 5kg and a reach of 850mm. Ideal for tasks such as machine tending, packaging, and material handling.
- UR10e: A larger cobot with a payload capacity of 10kg and a reach of 1300mm. Ideal for tasks such as palletizing, welding, and machine tending.
- UR16e: The most powerful cobot offered by Universal Robots, with a payload capacity of 16kg and a reach of 900mm. Ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as machine tending and material handling.
- UR20: The latest addition to the Universal Robots cobot lineup, with a payload capacity of 20kg and a reach of 1750mm. Ideal for tasks such as palletizing, machine tending, and material handling.
Feature Comparison Table
| Model | Payload Capacity | Reach | Repeatability | Weight | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR3e | 3kg | 500mm | +/- 0.05mm | 11kg | Assembly, Pick and Place, Testing |
| UR5e | 5kg | 850mm | +/- 0.03mm | 18.4kg | Machine Tending, Packaging, Material Handling |
| UR10e | 10kg | 1300mm | +/- 0.05mm | 33.5kg | Palletizing, Welding, Machine Tending |
| UR16e | 16kg | 900mm | +/- 0.05mm | 33.5kg | Heavy-Duty Material Handling, Machine Tending |
| UR20 | 20kg | 1750mm | +/- 0.05mm | 64kg | Palletizing, Machine Tending, Material Handling |
All Universal Robots cobots are known for their ease of use, flexibility, and safety features, including power and force limiting technology and a responsive safety system. They can be programmed quickly and easily using Universal Robots’ proprietary software, and they can be integrated with a wide range of accessories and peripherals to suit specific applications. With their advanced technology and versatile capabilities, Universal Robots cobots are ideal for a wide range of industrial automation applications.
Universal Robots’ cobots are extremely useful in warehouse automation, where they can be used for a variety of tasks to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety. Some of the use cases for Universal Robots’ cobots in warehouse automation include:
- Picking and packing
- Material handling
- Machine tending
- Quality control
- Inventory management
Overall, Universal Robots’ cobots are an excellent choice for warehouse automation due to their flexibility, ease of use, and safety features. By incorporating these cobots into their operations, warehouses can increase efficiency, productivity, and safety while also reducing costs and improving accuracy.
2. Rethink Robotics
Rethink Robotics is a US-based company that specializes in the production of collaborative robots for industrial applications. Their flagship product line is the Sawyer robot, which is designed for a wide range of tasks in manufacturing and warehouse environments.
Product
Sawyer: A small, versatile cobot with a payload capacity of 4kg and a reach of 1260mm. The Sawyer is designed to work alongside human workers, and can be used for tasks such as machine tending, pick and place, and assembly.
Feature Comparison Table
| Model | Payload Capacity | Reach | Degrees of Freedom | Joint Ranges | Operating Temperature | Power Requirements | Collaborative Standards | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sawyer | 4kg | 1260mm | 7 | J0 - J3 = 350°, J4 - J5 = 340°, J6 = 540° | 5°C - 40°C, 80% relative humidity | 100-240 V AC, 47-63 Hz, 4A Max | ISO 10218-1:2011 | Machine Tending, Pick and Place, Assembly |
The Sawyer cobot is known for its speed, precision, and advanced sensing technology, which allows it to work safely and effectively alongside human workers. It can be programmed quickly and easily using Rethink Robotics’ proprietary software, and it can be adapted to a wide range of tasks and applications.
In a warehouse environment, the Sawyer cobot can be used for a variety of tasks to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety. Some of the use cases for the Sawyer cobot in warehouse automation include:
- Picking and packing:
- Material handling
- Assembly
Overall, Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer cobot is a highly versatile and useful tool for warehouse automation, with a wide range of applications and capabilities. Its advanced technology and safety features make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to increase efficiency and productivity in their warehouse operations.
3. ABB
ABB is a Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation that specializes in robotics and automation technology. Their robotic products are designed for a wide range of industrial applications, including warehouse automation.
List of Products
- IRB 1100: A small, lightweight robot with a payload capacity of up to 4kg and a reach of up to 580mm. The IRB 1100 is designed for precision applications such as assembly and material handling.
- IRB 120: A compact robot with a payload capacity of up to 3kg and a reach of up to 580mm. The IRB 120 is designed for applications such as machine tending, material handling, and assembly.
- IRB 1300: A medium-sized robot with a payload capacity of up to 7kg and a reach of up to 1100mm. The IRB 1300 is designed for applications such as machine tending, material handling, and assembly.
- IRB 1600: A large robot with a payload capacity of up to 10kg and a reach of up to 1450mm. The IRB 1600 is designed for applications such as palletizing, material handling, and machine tending.
- IRB 2600: A large robot with a payload capacity of up to 20kg and a reach of up to 2800mm. The IRB 2600 is designed for heavy-duty applications such as palletizing, material handling, and machine tending.
- IRB 4600: A versatile robot available in four versions with payload capacities ranging from 20kg to 60kg, and a reach of up to 2.55m. The IRB 4600 can be floor mounted, inverted, or tilted up to 15 degrees around the Y-axis or X-axis.
Feature Comparison Table
| Model | Payload Capacity | Reach | Repeatability | Weight | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRB 1100 | Up to 4kg | Up to 580mm | +/- 0.03mm | 20kg | Assembly, Material Handling |
| IRB 120 | Up to 3kg | Up to 580mm | +/- 0.01mm | 25kg | Machine Tending, Material Handling, Assembly |
| IRB 1300 | Up to 7kg | Up to 1100mm | +/- 0.03mm | 73kg | Machine Tending, Material Handling, Assembly |
| IRB 1600 | Up to 10kg | Up to 1450mm | +/- 0.03mm | 225kg | Palletizing, Material Handling, Machine Tending |
| IRB 2600 | Up to 20kg | Up to 2800mm | +/- 0.05mm | 665kg | Palletizing, Material Handling, Machine Tending |
ABB’s robotic products are known for their precision, speed, and reliability, making them ideal for a wide range of warehouse automation applications. In a warehouse environment, ABB’s robots can be used for a variety of tasks to increase efficiency, productivity, and safety. Some of the use cases for ABB’s robots in warehouse automation include:
- Picking and packing
- Material handling
- Assembly
Overall, ABB’s robotic products are a highly versatile and useful tool for warehouse automation, with a wide range of applications and capabilities. Their robots can be adapted to a variety of tasks and can work alongside human workers to increase efficiency and productivity in warehouse operations.
4. KUKA
Kuka is a German manufacturer of industrial robots and automation solutions. They offer a wide range of robotic products designed for various applications, including warehouse automation.
List of Products:
| Model | Payload Capacity | Reach | Repeatability | Weight | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR CYBERTECH nano | Up to 6kg | Up to 900mm | +/- 0.03mm | 23kg | Assembly, Testing |
| KR 3 AGILUS | Up to 3kg | Up to 541mm | +/- 0.03mm | 51kg | Assembly, Material Handling, Inspection |
| KR 6 AGILUS | Up to 6kg | Up to 900mm | +/- 0.03mm | 51kg | Assembly, Material Handling, Packaging |
| KR 10 R1100-2 | Up to 10kg | Up to 1100mm | +/- 0.05mm | 120kg | Machine Tending, Material Handling, Assembly |
| KR 16 R1610 | Up to 16kg | Up to 1610mm | +/- 0.05mm | 240kg | Palletizing, Material Handling, Assembly |
| KR 40 PA | Up to 40kg | Up to 2000mm | +/- 0.06mm | 670kg | Palletizing, Material Handling |
| KR 700 PA | Up to 700kg | Up to 3320mm | +/- 0.2mm | 2,100kg | High-Capacity Palletizing |
| KR 1000 titan | Up to 1300kg | Up to 3601mm | +/- 0.1mm | 6,000kg | Material Handling, Palletizing |
| Model | Payload Capacity | Number of Axes | Pose Repeatability |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR 16L | Up to 16kg | 3 | +/- 0.1mm |
| KR 50L | Up to 50kg | 3 | +/- 0.1mm |
| KR 80L | Up to 80kg | 3 | +/- 0.1mm |
| KR 300L | Up to 300kg | 3 | +/- 0.3mm |
| KR 300LP | Up to 300kg | 3 | +/- 0.3mm |
| KR 600LP | Up to 600kg | 3 | +/- 0.3mm |
| KR 600L | Up to 600kg | 3 | +/- 0.3mm |
Kuka’s robots are designed for handling large payloads and are ideal for applications such as material handling, palletizing, and assembly. They offer high precision and repeatability, making them suitable for applications that require accuracy and consistency. The gantry robots can be used for a variety of tasks, such as loading and unloading heavy equipment, moving large products between different areas of the warehouse, and palletizing large stacks of products. With their high payload capacity, Kuka’s gantry robots can help to increase efficiency and productivity in a warehouse environment, while reducing the need for human labor and minimizing the risk of workplace injuries.
5. Fanuc
Fanuc offers a wide range of robotic products designed for various applications in different industries, including warehouse automation. Here is a list of some of the robotic products they offer:
- Collaborative Robots: Fanuc’s collaborative robots are designed to work alongside human workers, performing tasks such as material handling, assembly, and inspection. These robots are equipped with sensors and safety features to ensure that they operate safely in a shared workspace.
- Industrial Robots: Fanuc’s industrial robots are capable of handling heavy payloads and performing a wide range of tasks, including palletizing, material handling, and machine tending.
- Delta Robots: Fanuc’s delta robots are designed for high-speed pick and place applications, such as packaging and sorting. These robots are ideal for handling small parts and products at high volumes.
- Paint Robots: Fanuc’s paint robots are designed for automated painting applications, providing high-quality and consistent finishes.
- Spot Welding Robots: Fanuc’s spot welding robots are designed for automated welding applications, providing high precision and repeatability.
Fanuc’s Robot Finder tool is a useful resource for selecting the right robot for a specific application. This tool allows users to filter robots by payload capacity, reach, and application type, helping to narrow down the options and find the best robot for the task at hand.
Feature Comparison Table
| Model | Payload Capacity | Reach | Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR-7iA/L | 7 kg | 911 mm | 911 mm |
| CR-35iA | 35 kg | 1813 mm | 1813 mm |
| M-1iA | 1 kg | 200 mm | 200 mm |
| M-2iA | 2 kg | 420 mm | 420 mm |
| M-10iA | 10 kg | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| M-20iA/35M | 35 kg | 1813 mm | 1813 mm |
| M-2000iA/1200 | 1200 kg | 4110 mm | 4110 mm |
| LR Mate 200iD | 7 kg | 717 mm | 717 mm |
| R-2000iC | 165 kg | 2655 mm | 2655 mm |
Fanuc’s robotic products offer a range of payload capacities, from 1 kg to 2300kg, and reaches, from 200 mm to 5000 mm. They also offer robots with different numbers of axes, depending on the application. The CR-7iA/L and LR Mate 200iD, for example, have six axes, while the R-30iB Plus is a controller rather than a robot, so it does not have a specific number of axes.
In warehouse automation, Fanuc’s robots can be used for a variety of tasks, including palletizing, material handling, and assembly. By automating these tasks, Fanuc’s robots can help to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing the need for human labor. Their high precision and repeatability make them ideal for applications that require accuracy and consistency, while their safety features ensure that they operate safely alongside human workers. Overall, Fanuc’s robotic products offer a range of benefits for warehouse automation, including increased efficiency, productivity, and safety.
Cost Analysis of Cobots Implementation in Warehouses: A Comparison of Different Warehouse Sizes
The price for implementing cobots in a warehouse can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size of the warehouse, the number of cobots required, and the specific tasks they will be performing. Generally, the cost of a single cobot can range from around $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on its capabilities and features.
In terms of how many cobots are required for a warehouse, this will depend on a number of factors including the size of the warehouse, the complexity of the tasks to be performed, and the level of automation desired. As a rough estimate, a small warehouse may only require a single cobot, while larger warehouses may require several or even dozens of cobots to fully automate their operations.
Here is a table to illustrate the general price range for cobot implementation in different sizes of warehouses:
| Warehouse Size | Number of Cobots | Total Implementation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 10,000 sq ft) | 1-2 | $20,000-$200,000 |
| Medium (10,000-50,000 sq ft) | 3-10 | $60,000-$1,000,000 |
| Large (over 50,000 sq ft) | 10+ | $1,000,000-$10,000,000+ |
It is important to note that these are rough estimates, and the actual cost of cobot implementation will depend on many factors specific to each individual warehouse.
Challenges and Issues with Cobots in Warehouse Automation
Although cobots have many advantages in warehouse automation, there are still some challenges and issues that need to be addressed:
- Cost: Cobots can be more expensive than traditional robots or human labor, making it difficult for some warehouses to justify the investment.
- Integration: Integrating cobots into existing warehouse systems and workflows can be challenging, and may require significant changes to the layout or processes.
- Maintenance: Cobots require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure they are functioning properly and safely, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- Safety: While cobots are designed to be safe to work alongside human workers, there is still a risk of accidents or injuries, particularly if they are not properly programmed or maintained.
- Skillset: Cobots require skilled technicians or programmers to operate and maintain, which can be a challenge for some warehouses that do not have the necessary expertise in-house.
- Limited Payload Capacity: While cobots are suitable for many warehouse automation tasks, they may not be able to handle heavier loads, limiting their usefulness in some situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of cobots has revolutionized warehouse automation, making it more efficient, productive, and safe. The use of cobots in warehouses has helped to free up human workers to focus on higher-level tasks while reducing the risk of injury and improving overall productivity. The top 5 manufacturers of cobots, including Universal Robots, Rethink Robotics, ABB, Kuka, and Fanuc, offer a wide range of products with varying payload capacities, reaches, and features to suit different warehouse automation needs.
As the demand for warehouse automation continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more innovation and development in the cobot industry. With advancements in technology and the increasing demand for flexible, collaborative solutions, cobots are set to play an even greater role in warehouse automation in the years to come. As such, it is important for warehouse managers and operators to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in cobot technology and to consider incorporating cobots into their warehouse automation strategies to reap the benefits of increased efficiency, productivity, and safety.
