Cobots Vs. Robots

While THG Automation is technically a robotics company, the product we sell is actually called a cobot.  So why not just call it a robot?  What’s the difference? There’s a few and they not only differentiate products, but these differences are shaping the automation and manufacturing industries day by day.  Here is a little bit about why cobots and robots are different.

                                                                              Definition

The simplest way to understand how cobots and industrial robots differ is that cobots are designed to work alongside human employees, while industrial robots do work in place of those employees.  

Types of Robots

According to the International Federation of Robotics, there are 2 types of robots.  There are industrial robots used for automation- think conveyor style factories that produce repeated products all day long.  There are also service robots for domestic and professional use- yes that includes the fun robots that serve food in restaurants or help give information in some airports.

Types of Cobots

However, there are several varieties of cobots to choose from.  The IFR has designated 4 different categories.  These categories include coexistence robots where humans and robots work alongside each other.  There are sequential collaboration cobots that are designed for humans and robots to work in the same area but don’t need to work on the same task together; the human is essentially needed as backup to keep an eye out for mistakes.  

Another category is cooperation cobots.  These cobots are designed for humans and robots to work simultaneously on the same project at the same time.  The last category is responsive collaboration cobots.  These systems are designed for a robot to work in response to a human’s actions.  

Our Systems 

With that explained, our systems are considered cooperation cobots.  While the system does all the welding, a human is needed to program the system, set everything up and press the buttons to start, control and stop the system as needed.  

Did these differences surprise you at all?  What are your thoughts on the high rates of cobot integration in companies?  We would love to hear them.  Fill out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you.  Want to read more about cobots and their differences from robots?  Check out this video by MTD Global.  Don’t forget to go to our website’s blog page to read any blog posts you’ve missed in past weeks.