Comparing Cobots in the Market: Key Factors to Analyze When Assessing Their Capabilities

In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, collaborative robots, known as cobots, have emerged as game-changers, reshaping automation practices with their ability to work harmoniously alongside human operators. Because of their unique blend of safety, flexibility, and efficiency, cobots have become sought-after solutions for businesses. Consequently, the market has experienced a big influx of various brands, each offering a diverse range of cobot models to cater to different industries and applications.

There is no shortage of brands offering cutting-edge robotic solutions. Companies like Universal Robots (UR), Techman/Omron (TM robot), Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, YASKAWA, Staubli, Kawasaki, Doosan, Dobot, Jaka, Aubo, Elite, Franka Emika, Kassow, Hanwha, Precise Automation, Comau, HAHN Robotics, Elephant Robotics, Rethink Robotics, and Rainbow Robots... have all contributed to the rapid advancement of collaborative robotics.

Selecting the right cobot for a specific application can be a daunting task amidst the plethora of options. In this blog, we will delve into the key factors that need attention when comparing cobots in the market, equipping you with the knowledge to evaluate their capabilities effectively and make an informed decision for your automation needs.

We know the market for Cobots is varied and maybe a little overwhelming. Nevertheless, there are basic things you have to take into account:

1. Range 2.Payload 3. Cost 4. Features 5. Integration capabilities

At Rebots, we are official distributors of Dobot Robots, with most of the CR series in stock in our facilities in the Basque Country.

First, a description of the most important aspects of the DOBOT CR series as a whole:

• Easy to use: Graphical programming (Blockly like scratch) is intuitive and easy to understand, making it highly accessible and ready to use. The interactive button panel on the wrist allows for hand-guided learning and free drive joint movement effortlessly with just one hand. It can be controlled in real-time on your mobile phone, tablet or computer via wireless for a seamless operation.
  

• Cost-efficient: The system requires little investment, and virtually no need for additional protective measures, all while ensuring utmost safety and flexibility in confined areas. Thanks to its impressive service life of over 32,000 hours and low power consumption of only 100 watts, it stands as a durable and highly efficient solution that yields long-term benefits while significantly reducing operational costs.
  

• Safety: The system offers real-time dynamic monitoring with a response time of 0.01 seconds, providing quick and precise feedback. It also features a pre-touch perception capability (Safe-skin )that detects objects within a ~15cm range, enabling advanced perception for proactive preventive measures, utilizing electromagnetism. By combining spatial perception and online planning, it intelligently selects the optimal trajectory to navigate around obstacles, adapting efficiently to unpredictable strains and challenges.
  

  • The unique feature: Dobot's Safe Skin.

Something special to Dobot as a manufacturer is their unique feature ''Safe Skin'''. This technology is a specialized wearable silicone collision detection. Unlike conventional collision detection solutions for collaborative robots, Dobot SafeSkin employs magnetic field sensors, providing non-contact proximity perception and collision prevention.

Quick specifications table overview of some of the collaborative robot:

DOBOT

Model	CR3	CR5	CR7	CR10	CR12	CR16	CR20	Nova 2	Nova 5
Payload	3 kg	5 kg	7 kg	10 kg	12 kg	16 kg	20 kg	2kg	5kg
Speed	2m/s	3m/s	3m/s	4m/s	4m/s	3 m/s	2 m/s	1.6m/s	2m/s
Range	620mm	900mm	800mm	1300mm	1200mm	1000mm	1700mm	625mm	850mm
Repeatability	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.03mm	±0.03mm	±0.03mm	±0.1 mm	±0.05mm	±0.05mm

UR

Model	UR3e	UR5e	UR10e	UR16e	UR20e
Payload	3 kg	5 kg	10 kg	16 kg	20 kg
Speed	1m/s	1m/s	1/ms	1m/s	2m/s
Range	500mm	850mm	500mm	1300mm	900mm
Repeatability	±0.03mm	±0.03mm	±0.05mm	±0.05mm	±0.05mm

JAKA

Model	ZU3	ZU5	ZU7	ZU12	ZU18	AI3	AI5	AI7	AI12	AI18	Pro5	Pro12	Pro16
Payload	3 kg	5 kg	7 kg	12 kg	18 kg	3 kg	5 kg	7 kg	12kg	18 kg	5 kg	12 kg	16 kg
Speed	1,5m/s	3m/s	2.5m/s	3m/s	3.5m/s	1,5m/s	3m/s	2.5m/s	3m/s	3.5m/s	3m/s	3m/s	3.5m/s
Range	626mm	954mm	819mm	1327mm	1073mm	626mm	954mm	819mm	​1327mm	1073mm	954mm	1327mm	1713 mm
Repeatability	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.03mm	±0.03mm	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.03mm	±0.03mm	±0.02mm	±0.02mm	±0.02mm

TECHMAN/OMRON

Model	TM5 -700	TM5 - 900	TM12	TM14	TM16	TM20	TM7S	TM5S	TM14S	TM12S	TM25S
Payload	6kg	4 kg	12 kg	12 kg	12 kg	14 kg	7 kg	5 kg	14 kg	12 kg	25 kg
Speed	1,1m/s	1,4m/s	1,3m/s	1,1m/s	1,1m/s	1,1m/s	1,1m/s	1,4m/s	1,1m/s	1,3m/s	1,1m/s
Range	700mm	900mm	1300mm	1300mm	1300mm	1100mm	700mm	900mm	1100mm	1300mm	1902mm
Repeatability	±0.01mm	±0.01mm	±0.01mm	±0.01mm	±0.01mm	±0.01mm	±0.01mm	±0,03mm	±0,03mm	±0,03mm	±0,05mm

DOOSAN

Model	A0509	A0912	M0609	M0617	M1013	M1509	H2017	H2515	E0509
Payload	5 kg	9 kg	6 kg	6 kg	10 kg	15 kg	20 kg	25 kg	5 kg
Speed	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s	1 m/s
Range	900 mm	1200mm	900mm	1700mm	1300 mm	900 mm	1700 mm	1500 mm	900 mm
Repeatability	±0.03mm	±0.05mm	±0.03mm	±0.1mm	±0.05mm	±0.03mm	±0.1mm	±0.1mm	±0.05mm

Now, we will proceed to compare the different models of cobots available from the major manufacturers:

• DOBOT

  1. Educational Series Affordable desktop robots designed for hobbyists, students, and STEM/STEAM education, offering an ideal platform to learn and explore robotics in an educational and engaging way.

  2. CR series The standard base for collaborative robots, distinguishing itself with its exceptional capabilities and affordability compared to other cobots. With reliable performance and user-friendly features. Ideal for tasks that involve pick-and-place operations, assembly, packaging, and other repetitive actions...

  3. CRss series The enhanced version of the cobot with a silicone cover integrated with electromagnetic sensors, providing advanced collision avoidance capabilities, ensuring a safer and more efficient human-robot interaction, as detailed in the previous section. This added feature makes it an ideal choice for applications requiring enhanced safety measures and precision in collaborative environments.

  4. Nova series The Dobot Nova is a versatile and more affordable cobot specifically designed for commercial applications, offering a powerful automation solution to streamline retail processes and boost productivity.

• UNIVERSAL ROBOTS

  1. CB series It set the benchmark for collaborative robots, standing out with its exceptional capabilities and additional features when compared to other cobots. Its reliable performance and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for businesses seeking a versatile and efficient automation solution.

  2. E-series It establishes the standard for collaborative robots and is showcasing outstanding capabilities and advanced features that set it apart from other cobots. With dependable performance and an intuitive interface, it becomes the preferred option for businesses aiming to embrace a flexible and productive automation solution.

• TECHMAN/OMRON

  1. TM/TMX series This series is the standard base model of Techman robots, the TM model comes with a camera attatched but it can be also purchased without it (TMX version).

  2. TMM series This series is the same as the standard model with camera but its power source is a DC input (Most cobots have AC 100-220V input)

  3. TMS series New series to complement their portfolio more precise and more intelligent 25% faster and 70% more precise.

• JAKA

  1. Zu series The basic, standalone cobot model without any additional features, providing a straightforward and cost-effective solution for businesses seeking an entry-level collaborative robot. With its user-friendly design and reliable performance.

  2. ZuS series It integrates a force sensor, either on the base or in the wrist (6th axis), offers enhanced capabilities for precise force detection and control during interactions with objects and humans. This added feature empowers the cobot to handle delicate tasks, achieve more complex manipulations,

  3. ZuAi series It incorporates a camera similar to the Techman series. This integration enables the cobot to analyze its surroundings, identify objects, and adapt to dynamic environments, making it highly efficient and versatile for applications requiring smart and autonomous decision-making in industries like logistics, manufacturing, and quality control.

• DOOSAN

  1. A series As the basic model, do not come equipped with force torque sensors. However, they still provide a cost-effective and efficient automation solution for a wide range of applications that do not require force sensing capabilities.

  2. M series The M Series cobots are known for their versatility and high torque sensors in all of the axis. With a higher payload capability, they can handle heavier objects, making them suitable for tasks that require lifting and manipulating larger components. These cobots are often used in industries such as automotive, logistics, and machine tending.

  3. H series The H Series cobots are designed for heavy-duty applications, providing robustness and strength to handle challenging tasks. With a higher payload and longer reach, they are well-suited for tasks that involve lifting and moving heavy loads, welding, and material handling in demanding industrial environments.

  4. E series The E Series cobots represent Doosan's entry-level collaborative robot offering. These cobots are user-friendly and easy to integrate into various applications. While they may have a lower payload and reach compared to other series, they are cost-effective and suitable for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to automate repetitive tasks and improve productivity.

• KUKA

  1. iiwa series The KUKA iiwa is a pioneering cobot tailored for advanced programmers, employing Java as its primary programming language. It caters to research centers and precision-critical applications, although its complexity might present a higher learning curve for users compared to more user-friendly cobots.

  2. iisy series The iisy series represents the future of KUKA cobots, emphasizing a simplified user experience. With a focus on ease of use, KUKA aims to implement the iisy design and software across their industrial robot lineup, offering a more accessible and user-friendly automation solution.

• ABB

  1. YuMi series Yumi cobot series is designed for dual-arm collaborative applications, boasting precise movements and intuitive programming. Very limited and fragile due to its low payload (250g).

  2. GoFa series This cobot series features versatile collaborative robots with built in torque sensors in each axis like the doosan M series. Built to optimize productivity and efficiency in industrial settings. Gofa cobots are known for their easy setup, seamless integration, and adaptability.

  3. Swifti series Combines the robustness of an industrial robot with the collaborative capabilities of a cobot, offering a versatile automation solution. With its enhanced speed and user-friendly programming, Swifti bridges the gap between traditional industrial robots and collaborative automation, catering to a wide range of applications with efficiency and ease.

• FANUC

  1. CR series This series blends the strength of an industrial robot with the collaborative features of a cobot, presenting a flexible automation solution. Its increased payload capacity is achieved through the utilization of industrial arms enveloped in an airskin material, enhancing safety and adaptability for various applications.

  2. CRX series Is the new and advanced lineup that bridges the gap between traditional cobots and industrial robots, offering a perfect balance of robustness and collaborative capabilities. Tailored for welding and other industrial applications that require human-robot collaboration, the CRX series provides a safe and efficient automation solution, enabling an easier programming.

• YASKAWA:

  1. HC series Similar to the Fanuc CRX lineup, is designed for semi-industrial applications. It offers a balance between collaborative capabilities and industrial performance, making it suitable for tasks that require human-robot interaction in shared workspaces within manufacturing and other industrial environments.

Ultimately, the best fit depends on your specific application requirements and budget constraints. As an official distributor of Dobot, we are here to assist you in exploring the CR series and finding the ideal Cobot solution for your needs. However if you need any other cobot do not hesitate to contact our partner EUROBOTS.

Let us know what you think in the comments below!