What is the difference between collaborative robots and industrial robots?

There are significant differences between collaborative robots and industrial robots in terms of concept, usage scenarios, design objectives, operation methods, safety, and programming. For industrial production, the high efficiency and precision of industrial robots are indispensable, while collaborative robots focus more on collaborative work and safety collaboration with humans.

1. Concept difference: Collaborative robots are robots that work together with humans. They are often designed to share workspaces with humans and even directly engage in physical contact with people to achieve more efficient production. Industrial robots tend to operate autonomously, performing repetitive and high-precision tasks, and are often used in manufacturing and other environments.

2. Different usage scenarios: Industrial robots are mainly used on production lines to complete repetitive, heavy, and high-precision work tasks, such as in the automotive, casting, and furniture manufacturing industries. Collaborative robots are more commonly used in environments where humans work together, such as medical assistance, warehousing and logistics. Collaborative robots have the ability to share workspaces with humans and can safely operate together, which is also one of the biggest differences between them and industrial robots.

3. Different design goals: The main design goal of industrial robots is to improve production efficiency and product quality, and achieve automation of the production line. Therefore, industrial robots typically possess characteristics such as high speed, high precision, and high load to meet the requirements of industrial production. The design goal of collaborative robots is to achieve effective collaboration with humans, so safety and flexibility are important considerations in the design of collaborative robots. Collaborative robots need to have the ability to perceive human actions, as well as understand and respond to characteristics such as human posture and strength.

4. Different programming: Collaborative robots usually adopt simplified programming methods, making it easy for ordinary employees to learn and operate. They are usually equipped with an intuitive user interface and a simple set of instructions, which enable task settings through drag and drop operations or graphical programming. In contrast, programming industrial robots requires more professional knowledge and skills. It usually requires writing complex programming code, including joint motion path planning, sensor data processing, etc. Therefore, the programming of industrial robots generally requires specialized engineers or technicians to complete.

5. Different operation methods: Industrial robots usually execute tasks through pre written programs, and their operations are relatively independent, generally not requiring too much interaction with humans. The operation of collaborative robots relies more on the interaction and coordination between humans and robots. Collaborative robots can operate by recognizing human gestures, speech, etc., making interaction with machines more natural and convenient.

6. Differences in security: Collaborative robots are usually equipped with highly sensitive sensors and advanced security systems, which can detect changes in the surrounding environment in a timely manner, sense the presence of personnel in a timely manner, and stop working in dangerous situations to protect human safety. Industrial robots are mainly used on production lines and have less contact with humans. Its security often depends on peripheral devices or security barriers, which to some extent limits their flexibility and applicability.

Nowadays, collaborative robots have been widely used in various aspects of industry and life, bringing enormous convenience to production and daily life. If you need a collaborative robot, please contact us