How much does an assembly line robot cost?

World's first industrial robot, first produced in

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Unimate was the first industrial robot,[1] which worked on a General Motors assembly line at the Inland Fisher Guide Plant in Ewing Township, New Jersey, in .[2][3][4]

History

It was invented by George Devol in the s using his original patent filed in and granted in [5] (U.S. patent 2,988,237). The patent begins:

The present invention relates to the automatic operation of machinery, particularly the handling apparatus, and to automatic control apparatus suited for such machinery.[6]

Devol, together with Joseph Engelberger, his business associate, started the world's first robot manufacturing company, Unimation.[7]

The machine weighed pounds[8] and undertook the job of transporting die castings from an assembly line and welding these parts on auto bodies, a dangerous task for workers, who might be poisoned by toxic fumes or lose a limb if they were not careful.[4]

The original Unimate consisted of a large computer-like box, joined to another box and was connected to an arm, with systematic tasks stored in a drum memory.

In the Unimate was inducted into the Robot Hall of Fame.[9]

In popular culture

The Unimate appeared on The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson on which it knocked a golf ball into a cup, poured a beer, waved the orchestra conductor's baton and grasped an accordion and waved it around.[7][10]

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Fictional robots called Unimate, designed by the character Alan von Neumann, Jr., appeared in comic books from DC Comics.[11]

References

Robot arm pricing guide

So, how much does a robot arm cost?

When it comes to automation in the workplace, the price points of Industrial robots vary depending on their specifications. This all comes down to the:

• Size
• Payload capacity
• Number of axes
• Engineering design
• Versatility
• Automation features

Just remember, there's no "one size fits all" price solution when it comes to robotic arms.

Estimated price examples

• A Six-Axis Industrial robot arm with an 11-13 lbs (5-6 kg) payload capacity that is used for welding and cutting can start anywhere in the region of $9,500 to $10,000.
• A small, Four-Axis desktop Industrial robot arm (i.e. SCARA robot) that is used for assembly can start from roughly $4,500.
• A high-speed, Six-Axis smoldering Industrial robot arm with programmable software features can range from about $15,600 to $35,000.

Affordable robotic arm options

Collaborative robots, or Cobots, offer cost-effective solutions for businesses. These affordable robots are designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace. They are often simpler in terms of engineering and design but are equipped to get the job done.

Cobots are user-friendly and offer quick integration into existing workflow systems. While they may not be as fast and as powerful as their Industrial robot counterparts (used in large-scale operations), they do serve as an affordable option for small- to medium-sized businesses.

Alternatively, a refurbished robot arm could save you a pretty penny if it's still in good working condition and performs the tasks you require.

The benefits of choosing affordable options

• Budget-friendly options reduce the initial investment costs, making automation accessible to a broader range of businesses.
• Due to the lower costs, companies can achieve a quicker return on investment (ROI).
• Affordable options are designed to be versatile, handling multiple tasks with simple reprogramming.
• Cobots are built with safety features (such as sensors) that allow them to work effortlessly with humans, preventing injury and accidents.
• Cobots typically have 'plug-and-play' mechanics, require minimal setup time, and are easily integrable.

Determining robotic arm costs

Here's a breakdown of the components and features that contribute to robot arm costs:

• Base robot: This applies to the cost of the base robot itself, which varies based on its size, payload, and the number of axes. For example, a SCARA robot typically has 4-axes while an Articulated robot has Six-axes.
• End of arm tooling (EOAT): This refers to the tools or "grippers" that are attached to the robot.
• Software: An Industrial robot arm may come with patented software which requires licensing fees.
• Safety components: Additional features - such as vision cameras, sensors, safety cages, emergency stop systems, and detectors - all contribute to the final price tag.
• Installation: You may incur an installation fee for setting up your Industrial robot arm. Some robotic manufacturing companies may require that you only use selected professionals for setup, training, and maintenance.

Exploring robot arm price ranges

Let's take a look at the types of robot arms that can be categorized into three price brackets:

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• Low range: Collaborative robots (Cobots) are the most affordable option. They are designed for simple tasks and are ideal for basic automation needs. However, they have fewer axes, basic software and machine learning, and lower payload capabilities.
• Medium range: Robotics in this price bracket offer a balance of cost and functionality. Usually, these robots have slightly more features, higher payloads, and increased flexibility when compared to lower-priced robotics.
• High range: These robots are designed for specialized tasks in large-scale industries. They have advanced software, heavy-duty payloads, and multiple axes for precision across complex tasks. They usually require programming from trained professionals and are not as user-friendly as Cobots.