How to choose the right robot?
Industrial Robot Selection FAQ covers key questions throughout the entire process, including application matching, core parameter calculation, model selection, environmental adaptation, cost‑benefit analysis, and more.With over 10 years of industry experience, RBTC provides practical answers to help you accurately match production requirements and avoid common selection pitfalls. 1. Basic Selection Principles: Clarify Core Requirements Q1: What Is The First Step In Selecting An Industrial Robot? What Information Must Be Clarified First? A1: The first step is to define the robot’s task and production capacity requirements, which form the foundation of selection and prevent over‑specification or under‑performance. Key information includes:① Specific application scenario (e.g., welding, handling, injection molding);② Target production capacity and cycle time;③ Working envelope and reach requirements;④ Workpiece weight and dimensions. Q2: What Are The Core Requirements For Industrial Robots In Different Applications? A2: Requirements vary significantly by scenario:Welding: Prioritize high repeatability, torch compatibility, and high protection ratings to resist weld spatter and dust.Handling/Palletizing: Focus on payload capacity and working radius, with emphasis on speed to improve cycle times.Precision assembly: Require high repeatability and flexible path planning; prioritize 6‑axis or SCARA robots.Painting/Coating: Select explosion‑proof robots (IP65 or higher) with smooth motion to prevent uneven coating.Injection molding: Require fast and stable pick‑and‑place performance, synchronized with mold open/close strokes, and support quick mold changeover.CNC machine tending: Focus on handling cycle time and stability, with support for rapid fixture switching for multiple workpiece sizes.Stamping: Require high payload and shock resistance, synchronized with stamping frequency, and IP65+ dedicated models with anti‑drop grippers.Metal bending: Require high repeatability and stable motion; 6‑axis robots are preferred for precise coordination.Grinding/Polishing: Focus on payload and path accuracy; select dust‑resistant models with compliant tools and force‑feedback capabilities. Q3: How To Determine Robot Speed And Cycle Time Based On Production Capacity Goals? A3: First calculate the required cycle time based on the target production capacity, then select a robot with matching speed performance.In practical industrial applications, it is recommended to reserve 10%–20% cycle time redundancy to accommodate future capacity increases and avoid production bottlenecks caused by demand fluctuations. 2. Core Parameter Matching: Payload, Reach, and Precision Q4: How To Correctly Calculate The Required Payload Capacity? Should A Safety Margin Be Reserved? A4: Payload must be calculated based on total weight: workpiece weight + fixture weight + end‑effector weight (e.g., welding torch, suction cup).For example, handling a 5 kg workpiece with a 2 kg fixture requires a robot with payload ≥ 7 kg.It is recommended to add an additional 20%–30% payload margin to avoid accelerated wear caused by long‑term full‑load operation. Q5: How To Determine The Required Working Radius (Reach) Of An Industrial Robot? A5: Measure the maximum distance of the working area, including workpiece pick‑and‑place positions and equipment spacing.For example, if two stations are 3 meters apart, a robot with reach ≥ 1.5 meters can cover both ends when installed in the middle.If the working area is irregular, a 6‑axis articulated robot can compensate for limited reach through flexible path planning. Q6: How To Select Repeatability Accuracy? Is Higher Always Better? A6: Repeatability refers to the robot’s ability to return to the same position repeatedly. It is a key indicator of positioning precision.Accuracy does not need to be overly high; select based on requirements (higher accuracy usually means higher cost):① General handling and palletizing: ±0.1 mm is sufficient.② Welding and simple assembly: ±0.02 mm to ±0.05 mm is required. 3. RBTC Robot Type Selection: Matching Scenario Requirements Q7: What Are The Differences Between 6‑Axis, 4‑Axis, And SCARA Robots? Which Scenarios Are They Suitable For? A7:① 6‑axis industrial robots: High flexibility, capable of complex trajectories; suitable for welding, assembly, painting, and multi‑purpose production lines.② 4‑axis robots: Simple structure, lower cost, used for machine tending and palletizing; fast speed and easy maintenance.③ SCARA robots: High accuracy and speed in planar motion; ideal for precision assembly and labeling in the electronics industry, with a small footprint. Q8: Why is a servo manipulator (IMM Robot) recommended for injection molding? A8: Injection molding servo manipulators offer fast response, precise and stable pick‑and‑place performance, and can be accurately synchronized with mold open/close cycles. They support quick changeover for different molds.They efficiently handle part removal, in‑mold inserts, product trimming, and other specialized tasks, making them more suitable for injection molding than general‑purpose robots. Q9: What Scenarios Are Collaborative Robots Suitable For? What Advantages Do They Have Over Traditional Industrial Robots? A9: Collaborative robots feature safety functions such as force feedback and collision detection, and will stop immediately if they come into contact with a human. They do not require separate safety fencing.They are suitable for small‑batch, multi‑variety production, confined workspaces, or scenarios requiring human‑robot collaboration.Advantages include high safety, flexible deployment, reduced floor space, and lower safety protection costs. Q10: What Are The Applications And Core Advantages Of Collaborative Palletizing Robots?A10:Applications: Small‑ to medium‑batch palletizing, warehousing and logistics in tight spaces, or end‑of‑line palletizing.Core advantages: Combine collaborative safety with high palletizing efficiency, include collision detection, require no safety fencing, and offer flexible deployment while ensuring operator safety. 4. Environment, Safety, and Usability: Keys to Long‑Term Stable Operation Q11: What Special Requirements Do Different Workshop Environments Impose On Industrial Robots? A11:① High/low temperature environments: Select robots with a wide temperature range to avoid component failure.② Dust/humidity environments: Select models with IP65 or higher protection and ensure proper sealing.③ Explosion‑proof environments (painting, chemical): Must use explosion‑proof certified robots to prevent electrical sparks. Q12: How To Configure Safety Protection For Industrial Robot Operations? A12: Configure according to the scenario:① Traditional industrial robot scenarios: Install safety fencing and light curtains to prevent personnel from entering the work area.② Collaborative scenarios: Use collaborative robots that rely on their own safety functions to ensure human‑robot collaboration without additional protective structures. Q13: For SMEs, How To Reduce Robot Training And Maintenance Costs? A13:① Programming difficulty: Choose models with graphical programming and easy‑to‑use teach pendants to reduce training costs.② Maintenance convenience: Select manufacturers with easy‑to‑source spare parts and modular designs.③ Brand service: Choose a brand with comprehensive after-sales service (such as RBTC) to ensure 7×24-hour technical support and timely spare parts supply. 5. Cost and ROI: Full Lifecycle Calculation Q14: Is It Enough To Only Look At The Robot’s Purchase Price? What Other Costs Should Be Considered? A14: No. Industrial robot selection requires calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO):① Initial costs: Robot price, fixture customization, installation and commissioning, safety protection setup.② Operating costs: Energy consumption, spare parts replacement, maintenance, and operator training.Comprehensive calculation ensures optimal investment value. Q15: What Is The Typical ROI Period For Industrial Robots? How To Shorten It? A15: The typical ROI period is 1–3 years.To shorten ROI, focus on accurate scenario matching:Select a robot that fits production needs to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs.At the same time, choose models with easy maintenance and low energy consumption to minimize operating costs. Q16: Why RBTC Helps You Choose Better? A16: RBTC is one of China’s most professional industrial robot manufacturers and suppliers, dedicated to providing cost‑effective products and customized solutions.Advantages:① High cost‑performance with lower initial investment;② Flexible customization for SME production scenarios;③ Fast after‑sales response (7×24 support) and timely spare parts supply;④ Mature technology with core parameters suitable for most industrial applications;⑤ International on‑site service capabilities, including installation, commissioning, and full‑process implementation. Contact us Need help selecting the right industrial robot for your production line?Contact RBTC for application‑based selection support and system integration.