Robotic automation has found a foothold in a record number of industries. Robotic arms are one of the most common and iconic types of robots found on factory floors. Yet, it’s just a few key, innovative companies responsible for making most of those machines. Here are ten of the best industrial robotic arm manufacturers in the industry and what makes them stand out above the rest.
FANUC Robotics
FANUC Robotics offers over one hundred models of industrial robots. Renowned for their easy-to-use, versatile products, FANUC is a leader in innovation.
Recently FANUC unveiled their new CRX series of cobots. These collaborative robotic arm units are streamlined with smart programming and highly-sensitive safety protocols, ensuring risk-free and straightforward
programming and operation.
FANUC is also well-known for their large and powerful M-2000iA series robotic arms. This “Ultra Heavy Payload” class has a working capacity of up to 2300 kg! Of course, they make arms of all sizes in between as well. Their Paint Series robotic arm uses a top-of-the-line hydraulic system that is powerful enough for automobile painting but delicate enough for smaller powder-coating jobs. Finally, their mid-range arms can do everything from pick-and-place to welding and machine tending. FANUC has a robot for virtually every automation need.
Universal Robots
Cobots are more popular now than ever, and they are quickly becoming a ubiquitous fixture in many factories. When you look back at cobot evolution, you will find Universal Robotics at the start of it all. Universal Robots introduced cobots to the industrial market. If you’re searching for a robotic arm for your factory, cobots may be on your list. If they are, it’s worth taking a look at the creator of these revolutionary and now commonplace machines.
Yaskawa Electric
Almost one hundred years ago, Yasakawa Electric was producing basic induction motors and magnetic conductors. Today, their U1000 Industrial Matrix inverter drive is revolutionizing the industry. Additionally, Yasakawa offers several welding robots, cobots, and a variety of material handling robotic arms. Today, Yawaska is known for its high-quality and energy-efficient designs. Their Motoman line, in particular, is one of the most versatile lines of robot arms available. Available for everything from the assembly line to the food industry, these arms have reaches ranging from less than a meter to well over three meters. Customers can also choose between multi-axis, cobot, and delta robots.
ABB
Swiss-based ABB has over 130 years of technological innovation. With a foothold in more than 100 countries, ABB has sold over 400,000 robots worldwide. Today, ABB is a leader in industrial digitization and a forerunner in Industry 4.0. ABB specializes in single-arm and dual-arm designs that make their robots versatile, adaptable, and durable.
Omron Adept Technologies
Intelligent automation products have made Omron the largest US-based industrial robotics manufacturer and supplier. They have a portfolio full of smart mobile robots, industrial robots, advanced software, and machine vision tools. Omron is especially well known for their TM series cobots and the 6-axis Viper robotic arm.
Kuka Robotics
When Kuka’s Quantec robotic arm came out, it went viral with commercial videos of it playing ping-pong. It’s an impressive machine that showcases unparalleled speed and precision. Since then, anyone who didn’t know the Kuka brand is now sure to be familiar with their line-up. From the small and quick Agilus line to the KR 1000 Titan (with a 1300 kg payload capacity and 3.6 m reach), Kuka produces a wide range of robotic arms. Start here, and you may not need to look any further.
UC Berkley
UC Berkley produced one of the hottest robotic arm designs in the last couple of years. Blue, as the model is known, is not designed for warehouses and factories—at least not yet. Currently, it is a fully functional robotic torso with z-axis motion and dual-arms. It has 7-degrees of freedom and can reach a peak velocity of just over 2 m/s with a 2 kg continuous payload. At $5000, Blue is designed to be an affordable testbed for companies who develop robots. It is also great for factories that may want a cheap and versatile solution that isn’t limited by lots of proprietary constraints.
Stäubli
Stäubli is an economical choice for factories in need of SCARA, six-axis, and fast-picker robotic arms. They are also well known for their end-effectors and connectors. Stäubli markets its products as fast and lightweight. They are ideal for lighter applications, like plastics, but also suitable for heavier jobs. If you’re just starting and want to make a smaller investment, Stäubli might be a great place to start.
DENSO
For fifty years, DENSO has been a leader in manufacturing. They are the world’s biggest manufacturer of automotive parts. While DENSO is their own biggest client, employing over 27,000 of their own units to make automotive parts, over 130,000 DENSO robotic arms are hard at work in factories worldwide. From SCARA to six-axis to pharmaceutical robots, DENSO has provided robotic arms and automation solutions to some of the most important industries for the past century.
EVS Tech Co. LTD.
EVS makes tough, durable robotic arms for demanding jobs in harsh environments. These arms can handle the toughest welding jobs, high temperatures, and payloads up to 1000 kg. EVS robotic arms are designed for welding, painting, polishing, stamping, and machine tending. When you need a robotic arm that is rugged but also has a small footprint, you’ll want to make sure EVS Tech is on your list.
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