Introduction
As the manufacturing industry continues to transform with the help of automation, a type of robot that has gained significant popularity over the past few years is the collaborative robot (cobot). Cobs can operate alongside human workers, increasing flexibility, safety, and efficiency in various tasks and processes. In this article, we’ll look at seven cobots released so far in 2024, highlighting their features and uses in different industries.
Cobots: A Quick Overview
Cobs, also known as collaborative robots or gentlebots, are designed to work alongside human operators to perform tasks that require precise, precise, and delicate movements. They differ from traditional industrial robots, which are heavier and have a more rigid structure.
In terms of flexibility, cobots provide the following benefits:
*
- User-friendly, no-code programming and control interfaces
- Built-in safety features that allow humans to work inside the robot envelope during operation
- Designed to be redeployable, such as being mounted on a cart and moved to different task areas
- Built-in force sensing, making certain tasks simpler without the need to configure third-party sensors
- As cobots typically don’t replace workers, cobots can have a positive effect on employees’ perception of automation and the changes automation may bring in the workplace
Cobots Released So Far in 2024
The Lexium collaborative robot line debuted in March. | Source: Schneider Electric
Unveiled at MODEX 2024, the two new Lexium cobots offer payloads of 3 to 18 kg (6.6 to 39.6 lb.), with positioning accuracy of +/- 0.02 mm (+/- 0.00079 in.) and operating radius up to 1,073 mm (42.2 in.). The robots use Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure architecture, which connects smart devices, controls, software, and services for collaborative data flow and shop-floor to top-floor machine control.
2. Doosan Robotics Prime-Series Cobots
Doosan’s P-Series robots are its longest cobots yet. | Source: Doosan Robotics
The Doosan P-Series has a reach of 2,030 mm (79.9 in.) making the longest-reaching cobot available, claimed the company. The P-series has a payload of 30 kg (66.1 lb.). Doosan said it is primarily designed for palletizing applications.
Features of the P-Series robot include a built-in gravity-compensation mechanism that reduces power consumption in comparison with similar payload cobots, the company said. It is also inherent wrist-singularity free, and has five degrees of freedom, with the fourth axis removed and sixth axis speed increased to 360 degrees/second. The P-Series also includes PL (e) and Cat 4 safety ratings.
3. Kawasaki Robotics CL Series Cobots
The CL Series cobot. | Source: Kawasaki Robotics
Kawasaki Robotics’ CL Series are powered with NEURA Robotics’ robot assistance technology and feature speed of 200°/s.
The cobots have repeatability of ± 0.02 mm with payloads and reaches of 3 kg/590 mm (6.6 lb./23.2 in.), 5 kg/800 mm (6.6 lb./31.4 in.), and 10 kg/1150 mm (22 lb./45.2 in.).
4. FANUC’s 10ia/L Cob
FANUC’s 10ia/L cobot. | Source: FANUC
The latest addition to FANUC’s CRX line of cobots, the 10ia/L, has a payload of 10 kg (22 lb.) and a reach of 1,418 mm (55.8 in.). The company claimed that it is the first collaborative paint robot to comply with explosion-proof safety standards including IECEx, ATEX, U.S., Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Brazil.
Meant for high-mix, low-volume paint applications, as well as for operators with little to no robotics experience, its “easy-teach” features including drag-and-drop programming and lead-to-teach. (Imitation learning is a common feature for cobots.)
5. Universal Robots UR30
UR’s UR30 cobot. | Source: Universal Robots
Universal Robots is a pioneer in collaborative robotics and continues to expand its product line with the UR30, offering a 30 kg (66.1 lb.) payload and 1,300 mm (51.1 in.) reach. The company said it designed the UR30 is smaller and more compact than comparable robots because of the importance of flexibility in cobot applications.
The UR30 is part of the Universal Robots’ growing portfolio of products, joining the UR3e, UR5e, UR10e, UR16, and UR20 cobots.
6. Techman Robot’s TM30
The TM30 cobot is intended for palletizing and semiconductor manufacturing. | Source: Techman Robot
Techman Robot’s TM30 cobot has a payload of 35 kg (77.1 lb.) and a reach of 1,702 mm (67 in.). With this high reach-to-weight ratio, the TM30 is suitable for palletizing applications.
The company also noted that the TM30 is useful for the semiconductor back-end process, which typically includes manual labor for lifting and loading wafer boxes weighing up to 35 kg.
7. Delta Robotics D-Bot Series
Delta’s D-Bot series of cobots. | Source: Delta
At Hanover Messe 2024, Delta Electronics Inc., a leader in power management and a provider of IoT-based smart green systems, announced a new line of six collaborative robots. Their payloads range from 6 to 30 kg (13.2 to 66.1 lb.), and their reach ranges from 800 to 1800 mm (31.4 to 70.8 in.).
These six-axis robots offer speeds up to 200 degrees per second and accuracy within ±0.02 mm. The new cobots offer “plug-and-play” installation and a user-friendly interface designed for non-technical personnel.
Applications include palletizing, pick and place, and welding, said the company.
Conclusion
Cobots have come a long way since their introduction, and these latest releases demonstrate the advancements and variety offered by manufacturers. As more businesses adopt automation, cobots continue to play a crucial role in flexible manufacturing, providing a gateway for companies to explore the benefits of Industry 4.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are collaborative robots, and how do they work?
Cobots, short for collaborative robots, are machines that are designed to work alongside human workers in shared workspaces. They have a range of sensors and safety mechanisms in place to prevent accidents or injury, allowing them to operate with maximum safety and efficiency.
Q2: What are some typical uses for cobots?
Cobots are being used for a variety of tasks, including manufacturing processes like assembly, welding, and testing; material handling; material storage and retrieval; and more.
Q3: Can I use a cobot as a simple replacement for a human worker?
No, cobots are designed to work alongside humans and are not intended to replace entire teams of workers. Instead, they aim to augment human capabilities, allowing people to work more efficiently and safely.
Q4: Can a business of any size or scale take advantage of cobots?
Yes, cobots are designed to be flexible and versatile, and can be used by companies of any size or scale. They’re an excellent option for small, agile businesses looking to automate specific processes.
Q5: Can I integrate cobots into existing systems and processes?
Yes, many cobots are designed to be easily integrated with existing systems and processes. They come equipped with a range of interfaces, communication protocols, and software tools to make integration easy.
**Note:** The above content may vary based on the requirements and client demand.
