When a producer considers implementing automation of their operations, one of many first questions that usually arises is: What’s the price of a cobot? At first look, this looks like an easy inquiry, however the reply is way from easy. Including a cobot to your manufacturing line isn’t simply an expense—it’s a strategic funding in effectivity, consistency, and long-term financial savings.
The worth varies primarily based on the mannequin and options, however with the best grippers, software program, and setup, a cobot can rework your operations. Understanding the complete value image helps you make an knowledgeable resolution and unlocks the true worth of automation. Let’s break it down so you may see how shortly a cobot will pay for itself.
As with many merchandise, the price of cobots varies broadly. This variability might be in comparison with one thing akin to the value of a automobile. Simply as a fundamental financial system automobile might be bought for just a few thousand {dollars}, whereas high-end luxurious fashions can value tens of 1000’s, cobots additionally are available numerous value factors.
Usually talking, the price of a cobot arm can vary from as little as $15,000 for an entry-level Chinese language-made mannequin to upwards of $60,000 for top-of-the-line, high-quality fashions that boast superior reliability and superior options.
Nevertheless, a cobot arm by itself doesn’t do a lot. Simply as a automobile wants gasoline, upkeep, and a driver to function, a cobot wants further parts to operate in an industrial setting. This results in a vital second consideration: the price of the whole cobot system, not simply the arm itself.
Cobot System Prices: What’s Included?
While you’re budgeting for automation, it’s vital to acknowledge that the cobot arm is just one a part of the equation. To really get worth from the cobot, you’ll want further components, together with:
- Finish-Effector: That is the a part of the system that interacts with the product, akin to a gripper or suction cup, and its value varies relying on the precise job.
- Integration & Setup: Relying in your manufacturing line, you might want to switch present programs (conveyors, air programs, electrical infrastructure) to accommodate the cobot.
- Software program & Programming: A cobot may require customized programming to operate in your particular surroundings, or, in some instances, you might want a specialised interface to assist the cobot work together together with your present programs.
For those who’re choosing a turnkey system the place every part is pre-packaged and able to go, the price of a cobot system might be fairly affordable.
Nevertheless, in case your utility requires a extra personalized resolution, the fee can escalate shortly. In these instances, the price of engineering experience and the time required to create a tailor-made system can drive the whole value a lot greater.
Customized Options Issues
One of many largest components that may enhance the price of a cobot system is customized engineering. You probably have a posh job that requires particular tooling or specialised modifications to your manufacturing line, you’ll must put money into engineers to design and implement the answer.
Engineering expertise, significantly these skilled with automation programs, is in excessive demand and may come at a premium. Customized options additionally are likely to have longer lead instances, that means you’ll must plan forward for the potential delays in getting your system up and operating. Moreover, customized programs may face reliability challenges since they usually incorporate distinctive parts that haven’t been mass-produced or completely examined over time.
That being stated, a customized resolution could also be mandatory for sure duties, and in these instances, the elevated funding might yield precious enhancements in effectivity and productiveness.
Nevertheless, in case your job is comparatively easy, there are various off-the-shelf programs that may do the job successfully, retaining prices down.
What’s the Actual Price of Automation?
When contemplating the price of a cobot system, it’s important to concentrate on the whole value of automation, which incorporates each the preliminary funding and ongoing operational bills. That is the place the idea of Return on Funding (ROI) comes into play. ROI is the important thing metric that producers want to contemplate to evaluate whether or not the automation venture is definitely worth the funding.
To calculate ROI, you should doc the present value of working your manufacturing line or the precise job you intend to automate. This contains the labor prices related to operating the road, such because the variety of staff wanted, their hourly wages, and some other prices associated to the operation. You must also issue within the annual output of the road, each when it comes to income and gross revenue. This can present a baseline for evaluating the prices earlier than and after automation.
Upon getting the baseline, you may calculate the price of automation. This contains the price of the cobot system itself, in addition to any collateral bills akin to line modifications, downtime, and extra infrastructure prices. You should utilize our Lean Robotics ROI calculator as a device to estimate the ROI of a cobot in your manufacturing facility flooring.
The Payback Interval
Sometimes, corporations take a look at the payback interval over a five-year horizon. The payback interval is the time it can take for the financial savings generated by the cobot system to equal the preliminary funding.
For instance, some producers have seen excessive ROI instances, akin to a vaccine producer who recovered a $200,000 funding in simply two months. Whereas that is an distinctive case, it illustrates the potential for fast returns when the system allows vital will increase in manufacturing output or when gross margins are excessive.
The Price of Inaction
Whereas calculating ROI is vital, producers additionally want to contemplate the price of inaction. For those who resolve to not put money into cobot automation, you might proceed dealing with growing labor prices, rising manufacturing prices, and potential challenges with assembly buyer demand. The price of not automating can eat into your margins over time as labor turns into dearer, and also you’re much less productive than your rivals who’ve adopted automation.
In lots of industries, the stress to cut back prices and enhance output is simply rising. As labor shortages and financial challenges persist, the choice to automate turns into extra pressing. By investing in cobots now, you’re securing your future competitiveness in an more and more automated world.
The Hidden Advantages of Cobot Automation
Past the plain monetary advantages, cobots additionally supply intangible benefits that may have a big influence on your small business. These embody:
- Decreased Ergonomic Dangers: Cobot programs can tackle repetitive, bodily demanding duties, decreasing the chance of harm on your employees and enhancing office security.
- Worker Morale & Retention: By automating repetitive duties, you permit your staff to concentrate on higher-value work, which might enhance job satisfaction and morale.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Cobot programs are extremely versatile and may simply be reprogrammed for brand spanking new duties or scaled to fulfill elevated demand. This makes them superb for companies that must adapt shortly to altering market situations.
- Enhanced Buyer Notion: Many companies discover that prospects admire seeing automation in motion, which indicators innovation and a forward-thinking method.
Able to put money into a cobot?
Talking with an knowledgeable can present precious insights to make sure you make the best choices on your automation wants. Our consultants might help you assess your targets, perceive the technical capabilities of cobots, and information you thru the method of choosing and integrating the perfect resolution on your operations.
