Frequently Answered Questions

Collaborative cobots, also known as cobots, work alongside humans in a shared workspace or production line. Cobots are designed with extra security features to ensure worker safety. They are lightweight, compact, and nimble. Cobots are easy to program and are capable of performing multiple tasks.

Industrial cobots can be used to take over dangerous and repetitive tasks. Your associates can then focus their attention on more fulfilling, high-value work.

In addition, manufacturers can take advantage of the industrial cobots inherent aspects such as:

INCREASE QUALITY

Higher quality products are produced due to the consistency and precision of industrial cobots

SAVE MONEY

Industrial cobots have a relatively quick return on investment. Cobots are consistent and dedicated “employees”. They don’t take breaks or paid time off. Manufacturers can recuperate from the initial cost fairly quickly.

REDUCE WASTE

Your valuable materials aren’t wasted because industrial cobots are so precise and accurate they make fewer mistakes.

INCREASE PRODUCTION

Cobots move at moderately high-speeds, so production time is reduced. The profits manufacturers receive in throughput are sometimes enough to expand and produce even more.

SAVE SPACE

Because industrial cobots have compact bases, they can be installed just about anywhere, on rails, ceilings, walls, or tables. Cobots are designed to work safely in a shared space with people. Cobots are equipped with sensors and emergency stops for increased safety.

INCREASE SAFETY

Fumes, sparks, dust particles, arc glare are some of the applications that are hazardous to people. Industrial cobots can be placed in those environments, so people don’t have to be exposed to those extreme hazards resulting in a safer work environment.

ENGAGED WORKFORCE

Associates can engage in more rewarding jobs while the cobot takes over the manual, mundane, and hazardous tasks. Your employees can also take the opportunity to learn new cobotic skills like maintaining, operating, or programming the cobot.

Here are some tips from our team for implementing an automated cobotic system in your plant.

DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
By defining your expectations from the start, both you and ProVision’s Automation Team will be on the same page when we’re developing an automated cobotic integration. ProVision will help you find the right cobot for your application.

PROVIDE CURRENT DRAWINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND VIDEOS
Our team can better understand your cobotic and automation expectations by furnishing these visual aids. They allow us to better understand your process and anticipate any limitations that we might face. Detailed drawings, schematics, pictures, and samples of your part let our EOAT experts determine an action plan.

USE EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY
ProVision’s Automation Experts include our sales, engineers, and technicians who are well versed in developing real-world, field-proven automation plans. They are knowledgeable in automated cobots, controllers, software, and data management. Our team is determined that each of our customers will have the best return on their investment.

CONFIRM YOUR PROCESS IS THE MOST EFFICIENT TO AUTOMATE
There are some applications that aren’t the most effective to fully automate. ProVision’s engineers can identify the type of automation that is best suited for your process and the percentage range of automation that is the most cost-effective for your facility. Our Automation Team provides options, giving you the opportunity to choose the solution that fits your budget and meets your expectations for performance.

ASK FOR A PROJECT COST ESTIMATE
To get your project off the ground, ProVision’s Automation Engineers are prepared to provide budgetary estimates. Our team can perform a feasibility study to determine the value before you make an investment.

ESTABLISH THE SKILL SET NEEDED TO SUPPORT YOUR cobot
Before implementing your automated cobotic system, we suggest that you take into consideration the technical expertise of your associates. At ProVision, we encourage your company to participate in training at our facility prior to shipment. A few members of your team will work with our Automation Experts so they can learn how to operate and program your cobot. We encourage each associate to operate the teach pendant and to run the cobot. Your associates should understand every aspect of the cobotic system you’re purchasing. This increases productivity and reduces the learning curve.

INCLUDE EACH DEPARTMENT IN THE PROCESS
Every department that will be affected by your new cobotic system needs to be involved early in the process. Giving them a chance to participate early on helps generate different perspectives and bring up important questions. This also helps define the cost of your automation project.

COMMUNICATE
It is vital to remain in communication throughout the integration process. ProVision is committed to following-up with our customers. We also encourage you to reach out with any questions during the process.

RECEIVE TRAINING AND COMPLETE A BUY-OFF BEFORE YOUR SHIPMENT
Our goal is for every project to exceed expectations. By participating in training before shipment of your cobotic system is one way to ensure your company is getting a top-notch product. Another way is to complete a buy-off in which you visually inspect the cobotic system before it ships to ensure it meets your expectations.

Rest assured that ProVision’s Automation Engineers will consult with you throughout your automation project.

Industrial cobots are an investment that can pay off quickly. Our Automation Experts aren’t here to just sell cobots. We stay in communication with our customers throughout the entire process from sales, training, commissioning, support, and beyond. Our team will even tell you if a cobot isn’t the best solution. We truly want a partnership.

New industrial cobots can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000.

The application to be performed has a direct impact on the cost of a cobotic system. The application governs the end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT), the peripherals, and the safety mechanisms.

To choose the right cobot for your application, our automation experts suggest that you take into consideration the workspace requirements, the reach and payload limits, and the product needs. ProVision’s automation experts share more insight on selecting the right cobot.

It’s recommended that you have a clear understanding of the scope of your cobotic system during the research phase. Some things to consider are your current costs for the number of employees per shift, the number of shifts per day, your employee(s) yearly cost, downtime costs, and scrap parts costs. Industrial cobots have a quick return on investment (ROI) and can typically pay for themselves within a year.

Reach out to a member of our Automation Team to learn how industrial cobots can open the door to new opportunities for your employees so they can engage in value-added tasks and more fulfilling jobs. Discover if your company should use industrial cobots.

What application do you want to automate? Industrial cobots can automate almost anything in a plant. Start by narrowing your search by the application. The types of cobots used to automate material handling, inspection, spot welding, arc welding, pick & place, repeatability, or assembly can be different.

What payload is essential? When you are figuring out this measurement, take into consideration the end-of-arm-tooling and the product being lifted.

How far does the cobot need to reach? What type of work envelope do you want your cobot to have? The reach of the cobot will help you determine the correct solution for your application.

Does your application require a cobot or a pre-engineered cobotic work cell? cobotic work cells allow cobots to operate at their full speed and capacity. Our pre-engineered options are turn-key and ready for quick installation. Customizable work cells can also be designed to your specific dimensions, configurations, applications, or part manipulation requirements.

Do you prefer a specific cobot manufacturer? Some of our customers are careful to match their existing equipment while other customers will try something new.

Buying an industrial cobot is a big investment that can seem intimidating especially if it’s your first cobot. Here are some tips to help make the process easier for you and your company.

STAY WITHIN YOUR BUDGET
Before you begin, it is vital to know what you can and what you are willing to spend on an industrial cobotic system. Part of the budgetary process is determining how quickly you can make a return on your investment.

COBOTIC CHOICES
By determining your budget first, you can then decide on the cobot model that fits your application. ProVision has a variety of cobotic solutions from multiple manufacturers. We will help you narrow down your selections based upon your application needs, reach and payload requirements, and manufacturer preference.

CONSIDER A PRE-ENGINEERED COBOTIC WORKCELL
ProVision’s pre-engineered cobotic work cells include the cobot, controller, optional end of arm tooling, optional safety guarding, and all the programming to match a specific part and application. A custom work cell is built to fit individual specifications and requirements. ProVision is capable of both.

THINK ABOUT COBOT INTEGRATION
Cobot integration is the process of programming and outfitting industrial cobots to perform automated manufacturing tasks. This includes installing the cobot arm, peripherals, and other equipment into a unified automation system. Although it may incur initial costs, a cobot integrator plans and installs your cobotic system thereby reducing risk, optimizing processes, and meeting industry safety standards.

When you choose ProVision to integrate your cobotic system, you receive training, proof of functionality, exceptional customer service, and unsurpassed support.

This is the easiest question – ProVision! We partner with those cobotic manufacturers’ that offer adaptable and dependable solutions for the best return on your investment. Our engineers can provide a cobotic solution that fits your budget and requirements.

Industrial Automation can be complicated. At ProVision, we take the complicated and make it straightforward. That includes purchasing.

Here’s what we recommend:

CONTACT US
Fill out the contact form here. Be sure to include details about your production application and requirements.

NARROW DOWN YOUR COBOT CHOICES
Our team can work with you to stay within your budget and to make sure the cobot selections are available and tailored to your application needs and requirements.

ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER
We can begin working on your industrial cobotic solution once we receive your PO.

START IT UP!

• When your cobot arrives, your production will see increased efficiency and product throughput with reduced waste. In relatively little time, your new cobot will pay for itself. Keep in mind that ProVision’s Technicians are available for support.
• ProVision is an industrial cobot distributor and cobotics integrator. We don’t stop after the sale. Our Automation Team will be in communication with you throughout the entire process. When you’re ready to buy an industrial cobot, call us!