Robots

Industrial robots: Selection, applications and economic classification

When acquiring new or used industrial robots, a reliable technical assessment is paramount. Since 2007, we have supplied robotics and spare parts with documented condition, realistic delivery times, and – if desired – suitable peripherals for welding, handling, or palletizing. This ensures you receive a solution that fits your cycle time, installation space, and process, rather than requiring costly retrofitting later.

Basics: Function, types and designs

An industrial robot typically consists of a robot arm (kinematics), controller, power and signal lines, and the respective process tool. Six-axis robots are established in many applications because they can flexibly orient tools in space; additional axes (e.g., linear axes) increase the workspace depending on the layout. Depending on the task, the specific features vary.TypesandTypes of construction: Articulated robots for versatile movements, SCARA robots for fast, planar movements, delta robots for high speed in pick-and-place, and Cartesian systems for linear motion tasks.

Application areas and fields of use of industrial robots

TypicalApplication areas of industrial robotsThese include arc and spot welding, machine loading, material handling, palletizing, and general handling processes. In practice, the process itself usually determines which kinematics and payload capacity are appropriate – and whether you prioritize reach, dynamics, or robustness.

MoreApplication areas of industrial robotsThese challenges arise along your value chain: from assembly and joining processes to deburring, grinding, or polishing, all the way to packaging and intralogistics. To ensure a system doesn't just "work" but produces reliably, grippers, tools, and cycle time requirements should be considered together from the outset.

Manufacturers, solutions and typical system concepts

Among the commonManufacturers of industrial robotsThese include ABB Robotics, KUKA, FANUC, Kawasaki, and YASKAWA Motoman. Each brand offers several robot series for different payloads, reaches, and applications. For your selection, the logo is less important than the appropriate controller generation, the required interfaces, the spare parts strategy, and the availability of application packages.

Depending on the application, we offer not only individual robots, but also complete packages and cells – for example, with positioners, rotary tables, or process peripherals. This is particularly helpful if you prefer a highly customized solution for rapid commissioning.

Selection and comparison: differences, sensors, installation and accessories

For a reliable comparison, you should consider the most importantDifferencesThe choice between models is based on a few criteria: payload and reach (including tool weight), required number of axes, installation position, control system, communication interfaces, and the specific scope of delivery (robot, control system, operating unit, cable set, and, if applicable, dressing kit). The plannedAssemblyin your cell – i.e., whether floor, wall or ceiling mounting is planned and how lines and protective measures can be neatly integrated.

Depending on the process, it playsSensorsA central role: Vision systems, for example, support bin picking or the handling of parts with varying orientations; force and torque sensors help when joining processes need to be secured by applying forces. SuitableAccesoriesIt also includes grippers, welding torch packages, positioners, protective clothing for harsh environments and the necessary safety components.

BothCost of industrial robotsIt's worth looking beyond the purchase price. Relevant factors include integration effort, process tools, a safety concept compliant with current standards, as well as commissioning, training, and spare parts availability. If you wish, we can help you realistically assess the overall cost-effectiveness of a new system versus a used one.

Other typical questions

When do used industrial robots make sense?

Used industrial robotsThese are often a good option if you want to implement a robust standard application, expand capacity quickly, or implement a project with a limited budget. Crucially, the state, control, interfaces, and scope of delivery must match your planned integration.

What technical aspects should I clarify before purchasing industrial robots?

Define the process requirements (tool weight, component size, cycle time, environmental conditions) and then examine the robot class, controller, interfaces, and safety concept. Based on this, the effort required for assembly, commissioning, and potential retrofitting of sensors and accessories can be reliably estimated.

Individual robot or complete cell – which is more practical?

A single robot is a good option if you already have a standardized cell or want to continue using existing peripherals. A complete cell can offer advantages if process components are already coordinated and you want to get up and running faster. If you don't find what you're looking for in this category, please use [link/reference].contact– Together we will narrow down the suitable solution based on your requirements.