What is collaborative robots?
Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are robots designed to work safely alongside humans in industrial environments. They combine multiple axes—commonly 7 degrees of freedom—with payload capacities and reach dimensions tailored for tasks such as machine tending, pick-and-place, quality inspection, and packaging. These machines offer precision, flexibility, and adaptability in modern automation systems.
Products you’ll find in this category
This category includes several models of collaborative robots, all featuring 7 axes and varying in reach and payload. Products include robots with reaches of 850 mm up to 1800 mm, and payload capacities ranging from 5 kg to 18 kg. For example, there are models with payloads of 5 kg and reaches of 1200 or 1800 mm, and others able to handle 10 kg at 1400 mm reach or 18 kg at 1000 mm. All variants share common structural and technical foundations like multi-axis arms and modular control platforms.
Applications & industry use cases
Collaborative robots in this range serve many downstream applications: machine tending, where they load or unload CNC or other manufacturing machinery; packaging and palletizing in logistics or food processing; pick-and-place operations for electronics or consumer goods; quality inspection and metrology tasks requiring high repeatability. In laboratories and dispensing environments, their precision controls and feedback systems—including force or torque sensitivity—support repeatable operations. They are commonly used in precision robotics and industrial automation applications.
Technical guide to collaborative robots
These collaborative robots are articulated manipulators with seven axes—this extra degree of freedom allows for increased maneuverability and the ability to reach around corners or into constrained workspaces. Key technical characteristics include payload, reach, repeatability, joint speed, protection ratings, and environmental tolerances. Payload specifies the maximum load at the tool flange, with values from 5 kg to 18 kg; reach measures the distance from base mounting point to the tool center point. Repeatability is the positional accuracy, often specified in millimeters. Joint speeds can exceed 200 degrees per second. Protection class IP54 is typical for parts exposed to dust or light liquid exposure. Materials such as anodized aluminum are used for structural components to balance stiffness and weight.
Typical use case contexts include enclosure-free collaborative work cells, assembly lines with restricted space, laboratory dispensing operations, and finish work where human oversight is required. Variations among models center on reach vs. payload trade-offs: longer reach often comes with reduced payload. Technical compliance considerations might include CE marking or relevant safety standards for collaborative operation. Selection considerations include operating temperature range, ambient humidity, safety force limits, compatibility with existing control systems, and tool interfaces. End-of-arm tooling and electrical I/O capabilities also factor into integration.
Why buy collaborative robots at MEMIDOS.
MEMIDOS is a global B2B platform for industrial equipment, enabling procurement professionals worldwide to source collaborative robots directly from verified manufacturers and suppliers. By eliminating intermediaries, buyers benefit from more efficient procurement and competitive pricing. Payments are handled securely via escrow: funds are held by MEMIDOS until order conditions—such as shipment—are met, protecting the buyer’s interests while assuring reliability for the supplier. The platform facilitates international sourcing with improved transparency into technical specifications, supplier credentials, and product compliance.
Frequently asked questions about collaborative robots
- What technical specifications define a collaborative robot?
- The core specifications include number of axes (degree of freedom), payload (maximum weight the robot can carry), reach (distance from base to tool center), repeatability (positional accuracy), joint speeds, protection rating (e.g., IP level), and environmental operating conditions such as temperature range.
- How do payload and reach affect robot selection?
- Payload determines the mass the robot can manipulate without compromising performance. Reach affects the workspace size and ability to access distant or awkwardly positioned items. A longer reach may reduce payload, while higher payload robots are usually less capable in tight or constrained spaces.
- What safety and compliance standards apply?
- Standards include safety force limits for collaborative operation, protection ratings for dust or moisture, and voltage or signal safety for electric and I/O interfaces. Robots typically carry CE marking or equivalent regional certifications ensuring compliance with industrial machinery directives and safety regulations.
- What environmental factors must be considered?
- Operating temperature range, ambient humidity, dust or liquid exposure, vibration, and electromagnetic interference are critical. Materials like anodized aluminum and protections such as IP54 address some of these; selecting a robot that tolerates the expected factory environment preserves performance and durability.
- What control and interface features are important?
- Important features include user interface simplicity, programming flexibility (e.g., via APIs or user-friendly menus), end-of-arm tooling compatibility, digital and analog I/O channels, signal interfaces, and modular platforms supporting extensions. These affect integration, maintenance, and adaptability to varied tasks.
