Cobots
Last updated
Last updated
Collaborative robots, or cobots, signify a pivotal advancement in industrial automation. They are engineered to work safely and effectively alongside human employees in shared workspaces, often without the need for traditional safety barriers (pending a thorough risk assessment) . Cobots serve as a bridge between fully manual operations and complete automation, providing flexibility, user-friendliness, and a more accessible pathway into robotics, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) . This guide examines the definition, key characteristics, types, applications, the companies (including those in India) at the forefront of their development, notable research, and further resources.
A cobot is an industrial robot specifically designed for human-robot collaboration within a shared operational space . Unlike traditional industrial robots-which are typically large, operate at high speeds, and necessitate safety caging to prevent human injury-cobots are constructed with inherent safety features and are intended for direct human interaction.
Key Differentiators from Traditional Industrial Robots :
Safety: Designed for safe operation around humans with features like power and force limiting, rounded designs, and advanced collision detection.
Ease of Programming: Often feature intuitive programming interfaces, including hand-guiding (lead-through teach), enabling non-experts to program them for various tasks .
Flexibility & Redeployability: Generally lightweight, compact, and easily moved and repurposed for different tasks, making them ideal for high-mix, low-volume production environments .
No Cages (Typically): Can operate without physical safety fences after a proper risk assessment, saving valuable floor space and reducing setup costs .
Collaboration: Built to assist human workers by undertaking repetitive, strenuous, or ergonomically challenging tasks, allowing humans to concentrate on more complex, cognitive, and value-added activities .
The concept of cobots arose from the ambition to create more accessible robotic systems that could safely interact with humans, moving beyond the large, expensive, and isolated industrial robots. Introduced nearly two decades ago, cobots have seen accelerated adoption in recent years, transforming shop floors globally.
Arms and Joints:
Arm: The primary structure, available in single or multiple configurations.
Joints (Axes): Typically 4 to 10, enabling bending, rotation, and extension (rotary for twisting, linear for straight-line movement).
End-Effectors (End-of-Arm Tooling - EOAT): Task-specific tools at the arm's end.
Grippers: For picking, carrying, and placing objects.
Specialized Tools: Welding torches, screwdrivers, dispensers.
Tool Changers: For autonomous tool switching.
Sensors for Safety and Perception:
Force/Torque Sensors: Detect contact, limit applied force .
Vision Systems (2D/3D Cameras): For object location, barcode scanning, pattern recognition .
Proximity Sensors/Safety Scanners: Detect human presence to slow down or stop .
Control Systems: Intuitive software and user interfaces.
Range Extenders: Optional tracks to increase reach .
Feeding Systems: For supplying small components in assembly .
According to ISO 10218, collaborative operation involves one or more of these features:
Power and Force Limiting (PFL) Cobots: The most common type, designed with sensors to detect contact and limit force or stop, minimizing injury risk. Rounded designs are typical .
Safety Monitored Stop Cobots: Sensors halt the cobot if a human enters its workspace; requires a reset to resume.
Speed and Separation Monitoring (SSM) Cobots: Sensors detect human proximity and adjust speed dynamically, stopping if necessary, then resuming full speed when clear .
Hand-Guiding Cobots (Lead-Through Programming): Operators manually guide the arm to teach paths, simplifying programming .
Cobots are designed for ease of use:
Hand Guiding: Manually moving the arm through desired steps .
Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs): Intuitive software for task sequencing .
Skill-Based Programming: Pre-programmed skills for common tasks.
Universal Robots
Denmark
UR series (UR5, UR10, UR20), UR+ ecosystem, market leader
FANUC Corporation
Japan
CRX and CR series, high payload capabilities (up to 50kg)
ABB
Switzerland
GoFa, SWIFTI, YuMi (dual-arm)
KUKA
Germany
LBR iiwa series, LBR iisy
Yaskawa Motoman
Japan
HC series
Techman Robot
Taiwan
TM series (integrated vision)
Doosan Robotics
South Korea
M, A, H series, wide range of applications
AUBO Robotics
China/USA
i-Series, lightweight and cost-effective
Rethink Robotics
Germany (USA)
Sawyer (legacy), focus on ease of use
Omron
Japan
TM Series (integrated vision, mobile compatible)
Dobot
China
CRA, CRAS, CR, CRS, Nova series
Franka Emika
Germany
Panda (sensitive, research-focused)
Epson Robots
Japan
VT series (SCARA), some 6-axis for flexible/collaborative tasks
Stäubli Robotics
Switzerland
TX2 series with collaborative safety features
Kawasaki Robotics
Japan
duAro (dual-arm SCARA), general collaborative robots
Hyundai Robotics
South Korea
YL series, general industrial and collaborative applications
Precise Automation
USA
Collaborative SCARA and Cartesian robots
Automata
UK
Eva (desktop robotic arm)
Productive Robotics
USA
OB7 series
Comau
Italy
AURA (Advanced Use Robotic Arm)
Fairino
China
FR Series
India's cobot market is experiencing significant growth, driven by manufacturing, initiatives like "Make in India," and the need for flexible automation .
Cobot Manufacturers & Key Solution Providers in India:
Universal Robots India
Bengaluru
Market leader, strong focus on SMEs across various industries (automotive, FMCG, electronics)
Svaya Robotics
Hyderabad
SR-L series, pioneering indigenous cobot manufacturer for MSMEs
Addverb Technologies
Noida
Syncro cobot, warehouse automation solutions
Systemantics Robotics
Bengaluru
ASYSTR Collaborative Robots (3C, 5C, 10C), indigenously designed and manufactured
Bosan Technologies
Bengaluru
Cobots for industrial assembly, material handling, packaging
Omron Automation India
Gurgaon
TM Series cobots for automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, logistics
Breez Robots
Bengaluru
Affordable cobots for welding, pick-and-place, assembly, inspection (startup)
CynLr Robotics
Bengaluru
Visual object intelligence platform for industrial arms, enabling collaborative capabilities
DiFACTO Robotics and Automation
Bengaluru
Turnkey industrial automation solutions, robot simulation, training
Wipro PARI Robotics
Pune
Industrial automation solutions, including robot-assisted manufacturing
TAL Manufacturing Solutions (Tata)
Pune
TAL Brabo (India's first industrial articulated robot), solutions extend to cobot applications
Gridbots Technologies
Ahmedabad
Diverse robotic solutions, some suitable for collaborative tasks in specialized environments
Hi-Tech Robotics Systemz (Novus Flow)
Gurgaon
Focus on AMRs which often involve human-robot collaboration
Patvin Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
Cobot integrators, solutions for applying adhesives, dispensing, etc.
Neptune Systems
Pune
Manufacturer and supplier, specializing in Universal Robots integration
Suppliers, Integrators & Distributors in India (illustrative):
Suprak Technologies
Pune
Supplier/Integrator
Lingam System
Chennai
Supplier of AUBO cobots
Mayura Automation & Robotic Systems
Chennai
Supplier of Dobot cobots
Galexon Robotics
Coimbatore
Supplier of Dobot, Yaskawa cobots
(Many other system integrators across India deploy cobots from various global manufacturers)
Institutes (Research & Development):
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Conduct foundational research in robotics, AI, HRI.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore: Research in robotics and automation.
GMR Group (Robotics Centre of Excellence): Focused on innovating robotic systems for airport and aviation ecosystems, which can include cobots .
Research in cobots focuses on:
Safety Standards & Risk Assessment: Refining protocols (ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066).
Intuitive Programming & Human-Robot Interaction (HRI): Natural language, gesture control, learning from demonstration, human trust and acceptance.
Advanced Sensing & Perception: Enhanced vision, force/torque, and proximity sensing for shared workspaces.
Task Allocation & Shared Control: Dynamic task allocation, human-robot joint control.
AI & Machine Learning: Adapting cobot behavior, skill acquisition through reinforcement learning.
Applications in New Domains: Healthcare, labs, agriculture, construction.
(Specific paper links: search academic databases like IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar with keywords "collaborative robot safety," "human-cobot interaction," "cobot programming," "AI in cobots.")
Cobots: A beginner’s guide to collaborative robots
Standard Bots Blog
Definition, history, features, types, applications
https://standardbots.com/blog/what-are-cobots-a-comprehensive-guide-to-collaborative-robots
What is a Cobot? | Benefits and Applications
Hirebotics Blog
Definition, differences from traditional robots, common applications
https://blog.hirebotics.com/what-is-a-cobot
Collaborative Robots: A Comprehensive Guide
Force Design, Inc.
How cobots change manufacturing, capabilities, SME benefits
https://forcedesign.biz/collaborative-robots-a-comprehensive-guide/
What is a cobot? | The ultimate collaborative robot guide
WiredWorkers
Definition, benefits, impact, programming, vision systems
https://www.wiredworkers.io/cobot/
What Are Collaborative Robots, Cobots?
Automate.org (A3)
Official definition, safety, flexibility, market potential
https://www.automate.org/robotics/cobots/what-are-collaborative-robots
Collaborative Robots - Universal Robots India
Universal Robots
Cobot applications in Indian industries
https://www.universal-robots.com/in/cobots-in-india/
Top Collaborative Robot Manufacturers in India
ReportsnReports
Growing Indian cobot market, profiles of key manufacturers
https://www.reportsnreports.com/uncategorized/top-collaborative-robot-manufacturers-in-india-pioneering-automation-and-innovation/
Top Collaborative Robot Companies 2024
MarketsandMarkets Blog
Analysis of leading global cobot companies
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/blog/SE/Top-Collaborative-Robot-Companies-2024
Top 7 cobot companies boosting productivity
Verified Market Research Blog
Profiles of top global cobot manufacturers
https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/blog/top-cobot-companies/
Cobots: A Guide to the Brands and Pricing
Devonics Blog
Leading manufacturers and pricing insights
https://www.devonics.com/post/amp-cobots-a-guide-to-the-brands-and-pricing
Leading Cobot Manufacturer Shaping India's Industry (Svaya)
Svaya Robotics Blog
Details on Svaya Robotics and their SR-L series for MSMEs
https://svayarobotics.com/blog/svaya-robotics-cobot-manufacturer-india/
Cobots are revolutionizing automation by making robots more accessible, flexible, and safe for human collaboration, thereby boosting productivity and opening new possibilities across a myriad of industries worldwide, including significant growth in India.
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