10 factors to consider when choosing a robot manufacturer

You’ve decided that a robot is the right technology for your application. Now you have to select a manufacturer. When choosing a robot from a specific manufacturer, there are 10 important things to consider, according to Denso Robotics, a manufacturer of industrial robot arms:

1. Experience and reputation of the manufacturer: Look for a manufacturer who has established itself as an industry leader and whose robots have stood the test of time.

2. Documented MTBF: Robots, which are often required to operate two or three shifts per day, every day of the year, must above all be reliable. Manufacturers who stand behind their robots’ reliability will be happy to furnish documentation of their mean time between failures (MTBF).

3. High maximum allowable moment of inertia: Look for a robot with a high maximum allowable moment of inertia, a measure of how much force it can exert. The higher the maximum allowable moment of inertia, the more easily the robot can lift and move a given size of payload, putting less strain on the robot’s motors and resulting in a longer working life.

4. Continuous-duty cycle time: When comparing robot cycle times, be sure to ask whether the figures given are for continuous duty or only shorter bursts of an hour or less. If the latter, the robot will have to operate at a slower speed in normal operation.

5. Compact, efficient robot design: A compact robot design with slim arms and a small footprint makes integration easier and saves valuable factory floor space. In addition, designs with concealed air and electrical lines keep the lines from interfering with other equipment, as well as protecting them from wear and damage, thus reducing overall costs.

6. Robot controller features: Desirable features to look for in robot controllers include compact size and lightweight; fast processing speed; modular expandability to accommodate additional peripheral equipment without having to purchase a new controller; ease of integration with a vision system, PLC or other devices; and ease of servicing.

7. Affordable offline programming software: Be sure that the offline programming software being offered does not include expensive, advanced features that are unnecessary for your needs.

8. Low energy consumption: Ask about the robot’s energy consumption. Efficiently designed, slim and lightweight robot arms require less power, so their motors draw less electrical current. This can result in significant long-term cost-savings.

9. Safety codes: To protect employees and limit your company’s liability, verify that the robot meets or exceeds all current safety codes.

10. Short training: Ask about the length of required training. Unnecessarily long training can result in excessive unproductive employee time and travel costs. 

For more information, contact Denso Robotics. 

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