Collaborative Robots come in different sizes and lengths depending on the features manufacturers are looking for. Each model also has certain features that need to meet standards set by the ISO Cobot Safety Guide. With these distinguishing characteristics and guideline assessments, collaborative robots were split into classifications, which every manufacturer must be aware of before investing in one.

While collaborative robots are made to be flexible in application, there are specific functions that cobots have that make them different from one another. This includes the safety features that the cobot utilizes as well as which area best matches the specifications of the model. Here are the 4 types of collaborative robots that are used in different industries.

4 Types of Collaborative Robots Classified By Industrial Features

1. Power and Force Limiting

The Power and Force Limiting type of collaborative robot is the most common type in robotics and automation. Generally, they are built with rounded corners and have no sharp edges as they are meant to work alongside humans without any additional safety devices like external scanners, vision systems, and barriers. 

These cobots have intelligent collision sensors that will immediately stop operation when they detect contact with a human worker. With power and force limiting collaborative robots being the predominant type used in industries, they were then classified according to their safety functionality in 4 major categories.

• Joint sensing

Joint Sensing cobots were labeled as such because of its distinct feature. These collaborative robots use their joints to monitor the forces that are applied to the robot’s body. With the current of their motor, these cobots use the force-torque sensors within their joints to sense motion.

• Skin sensing

This subset of power and force limiting robot is the least produced, though it may be the safest option. Skin sensing cobots use tactile sensing (of all kinds) to detect any impact that may come towards it. It has sensor monitors to keep an eye out of its body and sends out instructions to stop moving even before impact. This makes it a much more complex solution but is certainly safer.

• Force sensor base

Compared to the joint sensor cobot, the force sensor base is similar except for the fact that the force-torque sensors are found in the robot’s base. This feature comes in handy if the manufacturer requires a higher payload but still has a good sensitivity to work alongside other workers. With that, adjusting this cobot to meet your needs makes this model in comparison to joint sensors. However, it does make it safer and more precise as well.

• Inherently safe

The “inherently” safe cobots are dubbed by manufacturers as such because they technically cannot hurt users in any way possible. This is because they handle low payloads, which opens little to no possibilities for this cobot to hurt you.

2. Safety Monitored Stop

The Safety Monitored Stop collaborative robot is the ideal type of collaborative robot for industrial applications that would require assistance with minimal human interaction. It uses a traditional industrial robot injunction where when an employee is at proximity to the zone or work area of the robot, it stops what it’s doing and lets the human perform their task. The employee can resume the robot’s operation at a push of a button.

3. Speed and Separation

Bearing similar characteristics to the Safety Monitored Stop cobot, the Speed and Separation collaborative robot also utilizes the injunction of traditional industrial robots. The difference it bears is its features that allow more human-to-cobot interaction. Its area is constantly monitored by a vision system, which slows down operation when it detects movement in a “warning zone” proximity. If the employee oversteps to the “stop zone,” it immediately halts operation. It resumes operation when the employee has exited. 

Most collaborative have attached vision systems for clear and concise operation. There are also cobots that come with their own built-in vision system, cutting costs on any additional installments.

4. Hand Guiding

As its name implies, this collaborative robot comes with a feature that allows the programmer to “teach” the cobot by guiding it with their hand through tasks that it is meant to fulfill. This feature makes it much simpler to reprogram the collaborative robot without recoding its system. It can be taught quickly, which minimizes downtime. However, if it is not a force limit cobot, then it may still be subjected to proper safety guarding.

Also Read: Cobot Basics: 5 Differences Between Collaborative Robots and Traditional Robots

Collaborative robots can be most useful to industries that require extensive labor outside human capabilities but can still work alongside them safely. With their high flexibility to do several applications as well as the mobility feature that allows them to be moved to different divisions, your manufacturing company will benefit greatly with them in your assembly line. 

Elixir Industrial Equipment is a trusted supplier and partner of trusted brands in Robotics and Automation.  Feel free to contact us to help you understand which types and applications you require for your business.

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