Collaborative robots have become one of the most accessible ways for manufacturers to automate repetitive tasks. Whether you’re looking to improve productivity, address labour shortages or increase production capacity, a cobot can deliver significant benefits.
However, choosing the wrong solution can lead to unnecessary costs, implementation delays and disappointing results.
Before investing in a cobot, make sure you avoid these three common mistakes.
1. Choosing a cobot based on payload alone
When comparing cobots, many buyers focus primarily on payload capacity. While it’s important to ensure a robot can handle the weight of your product, payload is only one part of the equation.
Other factors to consider include:
- Reach requirements
- Cycle times
- Workspace limitations
- Mounting position
- Future application flexibility
For example, a robot may have sufficient payload but lack the reach needed to service multiple stations efficiently. Alternatively, you may end up paying for a larger robot than your application actually requires.
The best approach is to start with the application and determine the robot specification from there.
2. Forgetting About End-of-Arm Tooling
A cobot is only as effective as the tooling attached to it.
The end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) is what enables the robot to interact with products, components and machinery. This could include:
- Grippers
- Vacuum systems
- Vision systems
- Sensors
- Screwdriving tools
Choosing the right tooling can have a major impact on productivity, flexibility and overall project success.
This is why we always recommend considering the complete automation solution rather than viewing the robot as a standalone purchase.
3. Focusing on Purchase Price Instead of ROI
It’s natural to compare cobots based on upfront cost, but purchase price alone rarely tells the full story.
The true value of automation comes from the long-term benefits, including:
- Reduced labour costs
- Improved product consistency
- Increased throughput
- Reduced waste and rework
- Greater production capacity
A slightly higher initial investment can often generate a significantly faster return if it delivers better performance and reliability.
Rather than asking “What’s the cheapest cobot?”, the better question is “Which solution will deliver the greatest return for my business?”
Choosing the Right Automation Partner
Selecting the right cobot is about more than just comparing specifications. Understanding your application, production goals and future requirements is essential to achieving a successful outcome.
At LG Motion, we’re the sole distributor of TM cobots in the UK and work with manufacturers across a wide range of industries to identify, supply and support the right automation solution.
From machine vision and end-of-arm tooling to installation, training, ongoing support and service contracts, we help businesses get the most from their investment in automation.
Interested in Exploring Automation?
Book a free Coffee & Cobots session and get hands-on with a Techman Robot system while discussing your application with our automation specialists.
Contact our team today to find out how automation could benefit your business!
