How DIY are cobots today?
Can you set up and run a cobot for CNC Automation yourself?
The collaborative robot, or cobot, is a rising star in the robotics industry. Massive developments in both technology and software make cobots easier to implement than ever. No longer the exclusive field of engineers and technicians, CNC Automation can now be up and running in a matter of hours, even at small and medium-sized businesses. Has the DIY revolution in CNC arrived?
Can I really set up a cobot all by myself?
The big difference between collaborative robots and industrial robots is that cobots share their work environment with human workers. They bridge the gap between fully manual assembly and automated manufacturing lines. Cobots do not require any safety infrastructure or complex integration and can be handled with relative ease.
But we are still talking about a complex interplay between hardware and software. Can a beginner without any technical background get their CNC Automation started from scratch?
Can a beginner start CNC Automation with a cobot?
The answer is a resounding “yes.”
Though the technology behind cobots has improved rapidly, until recently you would still need an external installer to set up your automation. Moreover, operating a cobot required prior experience in CNC Automation: an operator with a technical background was recommended.
Together with the price tag, these factors made it challenging for small and medium-sized companies to invest in robotics solutions.
But those limits have become a thing of the past. The new generation of cobots is designed and developed with the user in mind. Every kind of user.
How easy is it to install, program and operate a cobot?
Installation
Convenience starts with the installation process. Today’s cobots require little more than plug-and-play. Thanks to their compact size, they arrive in a single crate, ready to go, with no assembly needed. Just position the cobot next to your CNC machine, calibrate it and start programming your first tasks.
Programming
The days of hiring a professional robot programmer to set up your operation are over. How-to guides, interactive tutorials and online tools help users set up their CNC Automation themselves.
Operation
The power of a cobot lies in its software, which has become far more accessible and user-friendly. Because cobots learn through continuous feedback, it takes little effort to get them up to speed. Operators can physically guide their movements and the cobot will automatically remember what it has to do to complete the task at hand.
Has the DIY revolution in CNC Automation arrived?
Flexibility, affordability and effective high-mix, low-volume production have always been the main selling points of collaborative robots. Thanks to breakthroughs in AI and software, you can now add convenience and user-friendliness to the mix.
With Coby CNC, RoboJob offers a cobot designed specifically for smaller workpieces, lighter weights and compact factory spaces. Curious to see how easy it is to get started?
Frequently asked questions about DIY cobots
What is the difference between a cobot and an industrial robot?
A cobot, or collaborative robot, shares its work environment with human workers. Unlike an industrial robot, a cobot does not require extensive safety infrastructure or complex integration, so it is easier to handle.
Can I install a cobot for my CNC machine myself?
Yes. Today’s cobots are close to plug-and-play: they arrive in a single crate, ready to go. You position the cobot next to your CNC machine, calibrate it and start programming your first tasks.
Do I need a robot programmer to program a cobot?
No. How-to guides, interactive tutorials and online tools help users set up their CNC Automation themselves. Operators can also physically guide the cobot’s movements, and the cobot remembers what it has to do.
Is a cobot a good choice for small and medium-sized businesses?
Yes. Cobots are flexible, affordable and well suited to high-mix, low-volume production. Because installation and programming have become much easier, small and medium-sized companies can now get started with CNC Automation themselves.
Which RoboJob cobot is suited to small workpieces?
Coby CNC is RoboJob’s cobot designed specifically for smaller workpieces, lighter weights and compact factory spaces. It is ideal for managing small and lightweight batches.