Collaborative robotics (cobots) is the fastest-growing segment of the automation market, and its rapid rise is expected to continue at a 30%+ annual growth rate for the next decade.
While cobots have had a place on the shop floor for over a decade, today’s cobots are built to do even more—especially since Vention now allows you to design, automate, order, and deploy an end-to-end cobot application directly from your web browser.
Purchasing a cobot cell is a significant investment for any business. To maximize your return on investment (ROI), let’s explore four considerations for successfully creating and deploying an end-to-end cobot application in the digital age.
1. Choose the right cobot for your application
With over 200 cobot models available on the market, selecting the right arm for your application may seem daunting. Why are there so many options, and what are the differences?
Traditional robot performance metrics, like repeatability, speed, and payload, remain important when selecting a collaborative robot. But to maximize the impact your cobot cell will have on your business, you must look beyond performance and consider a wider range of criteria.
For example, does your organization already have any robot programming capabilities? Or are there off-the-shelf components or products that could get you most of the way to your targeted application?
Consider the questions below as a starting point:
| Choosing the right cobot |
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| Cobot performance |
- What maximum reach and payload does my application need?
- How much “in-the-field” experience does this cobot manufacturer have? How much proof of reliability is there?
- Does my application have any other criteria that must be met, like a specific repeatability or IP rating?
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| Design ecosystem |
- Are there similar cobot cell designs, tested and proven in the field, that can help me get started?
- How easily can I simulate my application? Are there inherent risks in my design?
- How many cobot peripherals are compatible with this cobot? Are they relevant for my application?
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| Ease of commissioning |
- Do we have the technical expertise internally to commission this cobot cell? Can I build the expertise needed for successful commissioning?
- Are there detailed documents to guide me through assembly and commissioning?
- Who can I ask if I have questions during commissioning?
- If I need more help, are there certified integrators in my area?
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| Commercial ecosystem |
- How quickly can I get my cobot and all its peripherals delivered to my facility?
- How often will my cobot need maintenance? Does it come with a good warranty?
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Selecting the right cobot for your application is the first step towards a successful deployment. Still not sure where to start? Contact us to discuss with one of our automation experts.
2. Validate compatibility of every component in the cell
By itself, a cobot arm will accomplish little on the shop floor. It’s only when combined with the proper end-of-arm tool and cell setup—which may include a workstation, range extender, conveyor, and more—that a cobot cell comes to life and generates real value for a manufacturing organization.
As you explore products and components for your cobot cell, take a minute to consider:
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Mechanical compatibility. Are there modular, plug-and-play components available for every aspect of my cobot application, or will I need to design and manufacture some custom components?
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Software compatibility. Are there off-the-shelf plug-ins available, or will I need to start programming from a blank slate?
To simplify the process of designing your end-to-end cobot cell, Vention provides a comprehensive library of parts that have been fully tested and validated for mechanical and software compatibility.
De-risking your application before purchase helps ensure it will function as intended, be as easy as possible to deploy, and generate the highest return on investment.
Here are four ways Vention can help you use digital tools to reduce the deployment risk of your application.
| De-risk your application |
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| Contextualize your digital twin |
- Browse Vention Official designs to start from dozens of field-tested robot cells, or check out our Community Designs to draw inspiration from like-minded professionals.
- Customize the robot cell for your specific application. For example, use pre-loaded environmental assets to create a better representation of your shop floor.
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| Conduct a reach study |
- Identify the main “pick” and “place” points of your application.
- Attach the chosen end-of-arm tool to your cobot.
- Use the cobot reach study to validate that the cobot can achieve the desired pick and place points, avoiding interferences and collisions.
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| Request a remote demo |
- See how your application could work in real life. The Vention lab is ready to showcase multiple applications through remote demos, including cobot palletizing, machine tending, assembly, pick and place, and more.
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| Get a proof-of-concept |
- Define a proof-of-concept with your dedicated Account Executive. We can help you identify areas in your process that should be tested to de-risk your application. Additional fees may apply.
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By completing the four steps above, you will eliminate the grey zones in your cobot project and have full confidence in the ease of deployment of your application, with a solution tailored to your needs.
4. Secure support for a successful deployment
Ready to get started? Complement your project with a support package.
Training: Receive training on setting up your new robot cell, from mechanical assembly to wiring and power-on.
Programming support: Get expert help with installing your robot plug-ins, and leverage our program templates to start programming in minutes.
Deployment support: Deploy with confidence knowing a Vention integration coach is on stand-by during your commissioning.
We developed Vention’s Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP) to offer you the simplest way to design and order automated equipment online. It’s now available for end-to-end cobot applications too. Browse deployment packages.