| Robot Type |
A six-axis collaborative robot arm suitable for repetitive assembly, machine tending, packaging, inspection, or material handling. |
Six degrees of freedom with programmable joint motion and force-limited operation. |
Confirm that the robot configuration matches the required reach, payload, cycle time, and workspace. |
| Payload and Reach |
A documented payload and reach range covering the end-effector, workpiece, mounting hardware, and cable loads. |
Collaborative arms commonly cover approximately 3–20 kg payloads and about 500–1,800 mm reach, depending on model. |
Use the manufacturer’s payload-at-reach chart rather than the nominal payload alone. |
| Repeatability |
A repeatability specification measured under defined load, speed, temperature, and testing conditions. |
Many collaborative robot arms specify approximately ±0.02 to ±0.10 mm repeatability, depending on size and design. |
Request test conditions and verify performance with a sample application. |
| Safety Compliance |
Risk-assessment documentation, safety functions, emergency-stop behavior, speed and force limits, and relevant technical files. |
Relevant references include ISO 10218-1, ISO/TS 15066, ISO 13849-1, and IEC 60204-1 where applicable. |
Check certificates, declarations, safety validation reports, and application-specific risk assessment. |
| Ingress Protection |
A clearly stated IP rating for the robot arm, controller, teach pendant, and cables. |
IP54 is common for general industrial environments; higher ratings may be required for washdown or dusty applications. |
Match the IP rating to moisture, dust, chemicals, cleaning methods, and temperature conditions. |
| Control and Integration |
Support for industrial communication, digital and analog I/O, tool interfaces, programming access, and system-level integration. |
Common options may include Ethernet-based protocols, Modbus TCP, digital I/O, analog I/O, and configurable tool I/O. |
Verify compatibility with the PLC, vision system, gripper, conveyor, and existing manufacturing network. |
| Programming and Usability |
Graphical programming, hand-guiding or teach functions, reusable templates, backup tools, and access control. |
A practical system should support waypoint teaching, conditional logic, coordinate frames, payload settings, and error recovery. |
Evaluate whether production staff can create and adjust programs without extensive specialist support. |
| Application Engineering |
Application review, cycle-time analysis, layout planning, end-of-arm tooling selection, simulation, and commissioning support. |
Strong support should include feasibility testing before purchase and documented acceptance criteria after installation. |
Request a written scope covering design responsibility, site work, training, and acceptance testing. |
| Quality Management |
Traceable production, inspection records, calibration control, change management, and corrective-action procedures. |
ISO 9001 certification is a useful quality-management reference, but it does not replace product testing. |
Review quality certificates, inspection reports, serial-number traceability, and factory acceptance procedures. |
| Reliability and Maintenance |
Preventive-maintenance schedules, spare-parts availability, service procedures, fault logs, and repair capability. |
Key evidence includes documented service intervals, mean-time data where available, and component replacement procedures. |
Compare downtime risk and spare-parts lead time, not only the initial purchase price. |
| Warranty and Service |
Clear warranty coverage, remote diagnostics, technical response channels, training, and escalation procedures. |
Commercial warranties are commonly defined by a fixed period and exclusions for misuse, wear parts, and unauthorized modifications. |
Obtain response-time commitments and confirm the availability of local or regional technical support. |
| Total Cost of Ownership |
A transparent quotation covering the arm, controller, software, gripper, vision, safety equipment, integration, training, shipping, and taxes. |
Lifecycle cost includes acquisition, installation, energy, maintenance, spare parts, software, downtime, and future upgrades. |
Select the supplier with the strongest verified value and lowest operational risk, not simply the lowest quotation. |