Collaborative Robots (Cobots) — What They Are and Where They Are Used
A collaborative robot (cobot) is an industrial manipulator certified for operation alongside human workers without permanent safety fencing (EN ISO 10218-1/2, ISO/TS 15066). The defining feature compared to conventional industrial robots is integrated force-torque sensing: on contact with an operator, the cobot stops automatically. Typical payload range: 3–20 kg; working radius: 300–1,300 mm.
Application areas in Ukraine: packaging and labelling on food production lines, electronics sub-assembly, vision-guided quality inspection, small-box palletizing, and pick-and-place. The key advantage for 2024–2026: cobots deploy without facility redesign and work alongside existing staff — no dedicated robot enclosure or extended shutdown required. For higher payloads and high-speed operations, see 6-axis industrial robots.
How to Choose a Cobot for Manufacturing
| Parameter | What to evaluate | Typical values |
|---|---|---|
| Payload (kg) | Part weight + end-effector mass | 3 / 5 / 10 / 16 / 20 kg |
| Reach (mm) | Base to end-effector at full extension | 500 / 800 / 1000 / 1300 mm |
| Repeatability (mm) | Precision of repeated positioning | ±0.03 / ±0.05 / ±0.1 mm |
| IP rating | IP54 for dust/splashes; IP67 for washdown | IP54 / IP65 / IP67 |
| Safety certifications | ISO 10218, CE, STO (IEC 62061) | CE mandatory |
| Deployment time | Unboxing to first task | 4–8 hours for simple tasks |
1. Payload. Include end-effector mass: a typical pneumatic gripper adds 0.5–1.5 kg, a vacuum gripper 0.3–0.8 kg. If the part weighs 5 kg and the gripper weighs 1.2 kg, you need a cobot rated at least 7 kg.
2. Hand-guiding programming. The best cobots support lead-through (hand-guiding) teaching: the operator physically guides the arm through the required path and saves it. For food plants with frequent product changeovers, this is a critical selection criterion.
3. STO and functional safety. Safe Torque Off (STO) cuts motor torque on fault without removing power. Mandatory for shared human-robot workspaces. Verify SIL2 or PLd certification per EN 62061.
4. End-effector compatibility. ISO 9283 Tool Flange standard allows mounting any manufacturer's end-effector. Check flange diameter. Our gripper catalogue is compatible with most cobots.
5. Controller and software. Evaluate programming ease, ROS/ROS2 compatibility, and availability of Python/C++ libraries. If the facility already runs Mitsubishi or Siemens PLCs, check integration protocols (Modbus, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet).
Manufacturers in the Catalogue
Veichi VCC series — cobots for 5–16 kg payloads with direct ecosystem integration: RB drive modules, servo drives, and INVT frequency converters. Full Veichi Robotics catalogue. Also available: 6-axis industrial robots and SCARA robots.
Cobots by Specification
- Veichi VCC cobots
- Related: 6-axis industrial robots
- Related: palletizing robots
- Related: SCARA robots
- Accessories: industrial grippers
- Control: PLCs
Warranty and Support
12-month warranty. Commissioning, operator training, and service — available on request. Pre-purchase technical consultation includes task specification, payload calculation, and end-effector selection. Our team has 10+ years of experience deploying frequency converters and servo drives in production environments. Delivery via Nova Poshta or freight carrier for large-format shipments.
