Robot Yaskawa Motoman

Yaskawa Motoman Robot – Classification, Applications and Selection

Yaskawa Motoman robotThese are servo-driven industrial robot arms that have been used in manufacturing, assembly, and logistics since the 1970s. Yaskawa offers a broad portfolio ranging from compact 6-axis robots and heavy-duty robots to painting robots, collaborative systems, and dual-arm robots, which are currently operating productively in a wide variety of industries worldwide.

Functioning and basic principles of Yaskawa robotics

At the heart of every solution is a multi-axis, electrically powered industrial robot that executes highly dynamic movements via precise servo drives and a powerful controller. The standard MOTOMAN models are typically 6-axis articulated robots; in addition, there are special versions with seven axes or dual-arm concepts with up to 15 axes for particularly complex tasks. Path planning, process functions (e.g., welding or painting), and safety functions are handled by controllers from the YRC series or earlier platforms such as the NX100 or DX100.

The portfolio includes universal series such as the GP series with load capacities from a few kilograms to several hundred kilograms, as well as specialized series for handling, assembly, palletizing, painting, welding, and hygienic applications. This allows for the coverage of precise pick-and-place tasks as well as heavy handling processes and demanding process applications in production.

Areas of application and typical use cases

Yaskawa robots are used in practice for a variety of applications, including the automated loading and unloading of machines, gripping, positioning and assembling components, palletizing containers, and packaging and sorting tasks. Applications range from the automotive and metal industries to plastics technology, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory and cleanroom environments, for which specialized models with suitable surfaces and lubricants are available.

One important area is robot-assisted welding. Here, Yaskawa offers specialized arc and spot welding robots in its AR and SP series, as well as turnkey welding cells designed for high path accuracy, cycle time, and system integration. When looking for a Yaskawa welding robot, pay particular attention to suitable welding series, the appropriate control system, and integration with existing power sources and positioners.

Our product range primarily includes used MOTOMAN industrial robots, which have often proven their worth as handling, welding, or painting robots in existing systems. Model designations such as MH, HP, ES, or PX typically indicate handling, welding, or painting tasks, while the payload capacity (e.g., 6 kg, 50 kg, 165 kg) and working area are crucial for designing your specific application.

Advantages and special features of Yaskawa Motoman robots

A key selling point for Yaskawa Motoman is the wide range of payload and reach combinations: The GP series, for example, covers loads from around 4 kg to 600 kg and offers numerous variants with different IP protection classes, special coatings, or food-grade lubricants. This allows you to create both compact cells with a small footprint and systems with large working envelopes.

In addition, there are collaborative robots in the HC series, which, depending on the model, offer protection ratings up to IP67, food-grade lubrication, and special coatings, making them suitable for demanding production environments. Dual-arm robots in the SDA series enable human-like movements with two arms and are ideal for complex assembly, packaging, or handling tasks in confined spaces. Overall, Yaskawa stands for a high degree of automation, robust mechanics, and long-term availability of spare parts and services.

With used Yaskawa Motoman robots, you also benefit from a significantly lower investment compared to new systems, while utilizing the same basic mechanics and control platform. For retrofit projects, pilot applications, or test cells, this is often the most economically viable way to unlock automation potential.

Selection, purchase criteria and pricing

You should proceed systematically when selecting a suitable Yaskawa robot. Key criteria include:

• Required load capacity including gripper, workpiece and safety reserve,
• required reach and accessibility of the workspace,
• Process type (handling, welding, painting, palletizing, assembly, etc.),
• Controller generation (e.g. XRC, NX100, DX100, YRC1000) and compatibility with your peripherals,
• Availability of spare parts, service and training in-house or at partner companies.

ThePrice of a Yaskawa robotThe price depends heavily on the load capacity, model series, year of manufacture, condition, and control system. In this category, you will find used Motoman machines with various years of manufacture and performance specifications; prices are in a range that is particularly attractive for small and medium-sized enterprises or for pilot projects. For detailed calculations, you should consider not only the purchase price but also integration costs, gripper/tool ​​costs, and any necessary safety modifications.

When buying a used Motoman robot, pay particular attention to the product descriptions regarding payload capacity, working range, condition, scope of delivery (e.g., controller, cable set, teach pendant, positioner if applicable), and application-specific features. This information will allow you to objectively compare models and more accurately plan the overall costs of your automation project.

Other typical questions about Yaskawa Motoman robots

A frequently asked question concerns the suitability of Yaskawa robots for welding tasks. Yaskawa offers specialized welding series and turnkey welding cells specifically designed for arc and spot welding. If you intend to use a used robot primarily for welding, you should preferably choose series and controllers already designed for this process.

We are also frequently asked about documentation and operating instructions. Basic information on operation, programming, and safety can be found in the official Yaskawa manuals and datasheets; you can also refer to the product descriptions of the robots offered here. If you are unsure, it is advisable to clarify which documents are available and in what format (printed or digital) before purchasing.

For companies investing in robotics for the first time, the question of the right entry point often arises. Used Yaskawa Motoman industrial robots offer the opportunity to start with a manageable investment and gain experience in automation without having to immediately commit to a new, very expensive system. Thanks to the widespread use of Yaskawa robotics, you will also find numerous integrators, training courses, and real-world examples to guide you.

Further information on manufacturer-specific topics can be found on the website ofYaskawa Motoman.