What are the differences between collaborative robots and traditional industrial robots?

Are you struggling to decide between traditional industrial robots and collaborative robots? It’s easy to get lost in the technical details and costs, so this post will clear up the key differences.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed for direct human-robot collaboration, while traditional industrial robots operate independently within safety cages. Cobots prioritize flexibility and safety, making them perfect for dynamic environments.

I’ll dive into the specifics, but remember that the best choice for your business depends on your unique needs. I’ve worked with both types, so I’ll share my insights.

What is a collaborative robot?

The name "collaborative robot" may sound simple, but many people are mistaken about what it really means. Marketing terms often don’t clarify the technical details.

A collaborative robot is designed to work safely with humans in a shared area, without safety fences. It achieves this through special sensors, built-in force controls, and fast reaction times.

The first time I saw a cobot, I was surprised. Its design is different from traditional robots. It’s not just about removing fences, it’s the engineering:

Key Features:

• Rounded Shape: Cobots have smooth surfaces and rounded edges. This reduces the chance of injury. When I touched a Dobot CR Series cobot, I felt how every part was made to lessen impact.
• Force Sensing: Cobots constantly measure force. Our SafeSkin™ technology detects forces as low as 0.1N, reacting quickly to any resistance.
• Power Limits: Cobots have limited power. This is on purpose. Even at full power, they can’t cause serious harm.
• Weight and Payload: A cobot usually weighs 3-5 times its maximum load. Traditional robots weigh much more. This lighter build improves safety during contact.

What is an example of a collaborative robot?

People often ask me for examples of cobots. It helps to see them in real life.

Examples include the Dobot Nova 5 (used in retail), Universal Robots’ UR10e (for factories), and FANUC’s CR series (for handling materials). These all work well alongside humans.

I’ve set up many cobots, and each has its benefits. Here are some examples:

Model	Payload (kg)	Reach (mm)	Main Uses	Special Features
Dobot Nova 5	5	920	Retail, light assembly	Small size, IP54 rating
Dobot CR16	16	1,500	Automotive, moving large items	High payload-to-size ratio
Universal UR10e	10	1,300	Machine tending, packaging	Many available accessories
FANUC CR-15iA	15	1,441	Heavy material handling	Strong and durable
ABB YuMi	0.5	559	Small parts assembly, electronics	Dual-arm for complex tasks

Each cobot model is designed differently. The Dobot Nova Series looks good and fits in small spaces like coffee shops. Our CR Series is strong but still safe for teamwork with people.

What is a collaborative robot used for?

Many people wonder how cobots can fit into their work. The uses are wider than most think.

Cobots are used for tasks like assembly, machine tending, quality checks, packaging, picking and placing items, and even customer service roles. They handle jobs needing both automation and human interaction.

I’ve used cobots in many industries, and their uses keep surprising me. Let’s look closer:

Manufacturing:

In factories, cobots do precise and flexible tasks. I helped a medical device maker use a CR5 cobot to assemble small valve parts. The cobot handles repetitive tasks while people check quality. This teamwork increased output by 35% and reduced injuries.

Service:

Cobots are also used in service jobs. The Nova Series works as robot baristas. Their precise moves and safe design allow them to work in public. One I set up in an airport serves over 300 people daily. The cobot makes drinks while staff talk to customers.

Research & Education:

Cobots like our Magician Series help with teaching. They have easy programming for learning. Students can work with the robot safely.

How can collaborative robots be safely integrated into traditional manufacturing environments?

Safety is the main concern for factories using cobots. Many worry about rules and risks when people and robots work together.

Cobots can be safely added by checking risks, limiting speed and force, using sensors, training workers, and following ISO/TS 15066 safety rules for cobots.

I’ve helped many factories add cobots safely. Here’s how:

Risk Check:

Before installing a cobot, check the risks. This means looking at the job, the place, and how people will interact with the robot. I use ISO 12100 rules, checking:

• Tool design (sharp edges)
• What the robot will handle (weight, temperature, edges)
• Speed needed
• How close workers will be
• How often people and robots will interact

Four Safety Methods:

ISO/TS 15066 has four ways to use cobots safely:

1. Safety Stop: Robot stops when a person enters the area.
2. Hand Guiding: Person guides the robot.
3. Speed and Separation: Robot changes speed based on how close a person is.
4. Power and Force Limits: Robot’s power is limited.

We often combine methods. For example, a Dobot CR10 I set up uses power limits and speed monitoring for extra safety during fast moves.

What are the differences between industrial robots, collaborative robots, and service robots?

The terms can be confusing. Knowing the types helps you pick the right robot.

Industrial robots focus on speed and heavy lifting in separate areas. Collaborative robots balance safety and efficiency for teamwork with people. Service robots work alone in public places like hospitals or hotels for non-factory tasks.

I’ve worked with all three, and the differences are more than just how they look. Let’s see:

Design:

Each robot type has different priorities:

Robot Type	Main Focus	Other Focuses	Where Used
Industrial	Speed, precision	Durability	Caged factory areas
Collaborative	Human safety	Easy use, flexibility	Shared workspaces
Service	Moving alone	Looks, talking to people	Public places

Specs:

Feature	Industrial Robot	Collaborative Robot	Service Robot
Payload	20-2,000kg	3-20kg	0-5kg
Max Speed	Up to 6m/s	0.5-1.5m/s	0.5-2m/s
Safety	Cages, curtains	Sensors, limits	Sensors, soft materials
Programming	Complex code	Easy guiding	Little programming
Movement	Fixed	Fixed, some move	Often mobile

Knowing this helps companies choose. We focus on cobots at Dobot, but we help customers find the best robot for their needs.

How does the cycle time of a collaborative robot compare to that of a traditional industrial robot arm?

Speed differences are often misunderstood. People think cobots are always slower, but it’s not that simple.

Industrial robots are usually 15-40% faster than cobots because they move faster. But cobots can be more productive overall because they’re easier to set up and move to new tasks.

Let’s break it down:

Raw Speed:

Industrial robots do move faster. A FANUC M-20iA can reach 2,000mm/second. A cobot might max out at 1,000-1,500mm/second. Cobots are slower for safety.

Real-World Factors:

• Acceleration: Industrial robots spend time speeding up and slowing down.
• Safety Checks: Cobots have safety checks that can add a little time.
• Path Planning: Both robots need good paths. Industrial robots often need more complex plans.

I’ve found that for complex tasks, the speed difference is small. In one electronics factory, our CR10 cobot was only 12% slower than an industrial robot, but it didn’t need cages and allowed people to step in when needed.

How does the total cost of ownership for a collaborative robot compare to that of a traditional industrial robot arm?

Cost is more than just the initial price. Many people miss the hidden costs of traditional robots and the savings from cobots.

Cobots usually cost 25-40% less overall than traditional robots. This includes safety gear, programming, flexibility, and needing less floor space.

I’ve helped many companies budget for robots. Here’s a full cost breakdown:

Initial Cost:

Cost	Industrial Robot	Collaborative Robot
Robot	$40,000 – $150,000	$20,000 – $50,000
End Effector	$5,000 – $25,000	$2,000 – $15,000
Safety	$15,000 – $45,000	$0 – $5,000
Setup	$20,000 – $80,000	$5,000 – $20,000
Total Initial	$80,000 – $300,000	$27,000 – $90,000

Ongoing Costs:

1. Programming: Traditional robots need special skills and more time to change tasks. I’ve seen programming costs 3-5x higher for industrial robots.
2. Floor Space: Cages for industrial robots take up 2-3x more space, which costs money.
3. Energy: An industrial robot uses 5-10kW. A cobot uses 1-2kW, saving energy over time.
4. Flexibility: Cobots can be moved to new tasks easily. This can reduce long-term spending by up to 40% compared to robots that can only do one job.

What are the benefits of collaborative robotics?

Many companies are still unsure about cobots. They wonder if the benefits are worth switching.

Cobots improve safety, add flexibility, lower costs, deploy faster, improve worker comfort, and need less space. They allow people and robots to work together, combining human thinking with robot precision.

I’ve seen many benefits, both expected and surprising:

Direct Benefits:

1. Better Worker Experience: Cobots handle tough tasks, reducing injuries. One electronics factory saw wrist and shoulder problems drop by 62% after using cobots.
2. Shared Thinking: Robots do repetitive tasks perfectly. People handle unusual cases. I call this "hybrid intelligence manufacturing."
3. Easy Start: Small companies can start with cobots. A furniture maker I worked with began with one CR10 cobot for sanding, then added more.

Indirect Benefits:

• Better Quality: Human oversight and robot precision often reduce defects by 15-30%.
• Happier Workers: Companies that use cobots well often see workers stay longer as they move to better jobs.
• New Ideas: Cobots often lead to new ways of working. Workers suggest new uses once they understand the technology.

What obstacles do collaborative robots currently face?

Cobots aren’t perfect for every job. Knowing their limits is important.

Current challenges for cobots include limited lifting capacity (usually under 20kg), speed limits for safety, higher cost per axis than industrial robots, trouble seeing in changing environments, and the need for workers to adapt.

I’ve faced these challenges:

Technical Limits:

1. Payload: Most cobots can’t lift more than 10-20kg. This is for safety. For heavy lifting, industrial robots are still needed.
2. Speed vs. Safety: Safety rules limit cobot speed. Cobot applications usually run at 50-70% of the speed of caged robots.
3. Complex Programming: While cobots are easier to program, complex tasks with vision systems or force control still need experts.

Setup Challenges:

• Risk Assessment: Many companies don’t fully understand the risks. It can delay or stop projects.
• Worker Concerns: Workers often worry about losing jobs or safety. Clear communication and training are key.
• Integration: Connecting cobots to existing systems can be hard. It often needs custom solutions.

What distinguishes Universal Robots from other collaborative robots?

Universal Robots (UR) is well-known in the cobot world. People often ask how they compare to others.
Universal Robots are known for easy programming, a wide range of accessories, and a large user community, while other cobot brands such as Dobot focus on different niches, offering cost-effective solutions, specialized models for specific tasks, and emerging technologies.

I’ve worked with UR and other brands. Each has its strengths:

Universal Robots:

• User-Friendly: UR is praised for its simple programming. Their teach pendant is easy to use, even for beginners.
• Large Ecosystem: UR has a vast network of partners and accessories. This makes it easy to find add-ons for different tasks.
• Established Brand: UR was one of the first cobot companies. They have a strong reputation and a large user base.

Dobot Robotics:

• Cost-Effective: Dobot cobots often cost less than UR for similar specs. This makes them attractive to smaller companies.
• Specialized Models: Dobot offers models for specific uses. The Nova Series is for customer-facing jobs, while the CR Series is for industry.
• New Technology: Dobot focuses on innovation. Our SafeSkin™ technology and X-Trainer AI platform are examples.

Other Brands:

• FANUC: Known for strong, reliable robots. Their CR series focuses on heavier industrial tasks.
• ABB: Offers the YuMi dual-arm cobot for small parts assembly.
• Techman Robot: Focuses on built-in vision systems for easier setup.

The best choice depends on your needs. UR is good for general use and ease of programming. Dobot offers value and specialized models. Other brands have their own strengths.

Conclusion

Collaborative robots and traditional industrial robots each have their place in automation. Cobots offer safety, flexibility, and lower costs for human-robot teamwork. Traditional robots excel in speed and heavy lifting in separate areas.