Buying a robot

Choosing the right robot can seem like a complex task, but by carefully considering the specifics of your application and a few other features of industrial robots, you can ensure you are buying the right robot for you.

Choosing a robot type

Shibaura Machine, formerly Toshiba Machine, offers a wide range of Selective Compliance Articulated Robotic Arm (SCARA), 6-axis and Cartesian industrial robots. Each type of robotics system performs slightly differently and offers its own set of features.

SCARA robots offer motion in the x, y z axes and rotation around the z axis. They are fast, accurate and cost-effective — ideal for applications in the automotive and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors.

6-axis robots can, as the name suggests, move along six different axes. These flexible industrial robots with a small footprint are a great choice for machine tending applications.

Cartesian robots can move in a linear fashion in the x, y and z axes. These fast and low-maintenance robots offer high throughput at a lower price point.

When choosing between these robot types, the first and most important thing to consider is movement. What will the robot be required to do in your desired application? In which directions will it need to move to achieve this? Of course, every application is unique so, for expert advice, get in touch.

Cost vs performance

Shibaura Machine robots are priced with cost to performance in mind, helping customers looking for low-cost industrial robotics to access high-performance machines. In particular, the THE SCARA series, consisting of the THE400 and THE600, is a cost-effective option that beats the competition in price. This robot is designed for assembly and automotive applications.

Take a look at the video below to learn more about the features of the THE600 industrial robot.

Calculating robot ROI

To calculate the return on investment (ROI) of industrial robotics, you must factor in more than just the purchase price of the robot you want to buy; almost always, there are additional costs involved.

For example, as well as installation, engineering and maintenance costs, you may need to alter the layout of your factory floor, building a segregated work area or installing additional backup power units. Plus, there’s the cost of peripheral technology, including sensors, grippers and mounting apparatus.

According to one report, by the Boston Consulting Group, to arrive at a more accurate cost estimate for industrial robotics, you should multiply a machine’s price tag by a minimum of three. This is all before factoring in variable costs such as the labor, energy, materials, maintenance and supplies needed to successfully deploy an industrial robot.

Once you’ve established the total purchasing cost you can begin to work out the ROI. Roughly, robots reduce labor costs by 75%. So, to work out the ROI for the first year, calculate the annual labor cost-saving and divide by the total cost of the robot you worked out earlier, then multiply by one hundred. Of course, this doesn’t factor in any additional profits brought in by the increased productivity of the industrial robot, but offers a rough guide.

There are many features of industrial robots to consider when making a purchase. But, buying a robot doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our automation experts who’ll be happy to advise you.

Or, take a look at the different ranges of robots you can buy, including SCARA, 6-axis and Cartesian industrial robots.

To see more of our frequently asked questions, return to our Knowledge Hub.