FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions



Click on a question to view the answer

  What are collaborative robots (cobots)
A collaborative robot, also known as a cobot, is a robot that is made to work together with the user. This is reflected in the easy user interface, the flexibility and above all the possibility to work directly next to and with a cobot, without fencing or other external safety measures. Compared to traditional robots, cobots are also a lot more sophisticated. Our cobots are so-called smart cobots.

With a smart cobot, a movement can be learned in a few minutes. By placing a cobot in 'free drive', the user can move the arm to a desired position, save the position, add actions and thus quickly compile a program.

In order to be safe on the work floor without fencing, a number of preconditions apply to cobots. For example, cobots move at a maximum of 1 meter per second, the maximum force of a movement is 150 N (15kg), cobots are finished with round shapes, the cobot is lightly constructed and cobots have internal safety systems. When a cobot detects the presence of a person or other obstacle in its movement, the cobot goes into a protection. This ensures that accidents with cobots are avoided.

Of course it remains important to remain alert around moving systems, especially when the cobot has, for example, angular grippers. Newton specifically develops additional safeguards for this.
  When do I choose a cobot?
A cobot offers the ideal solution if you want to automate efficiently, safely and flexibly. Think of repetitive tasks, tasks where an operator has to wait a lot, dirty and dangerous work in unwanted environments, to perform work outside the presence of personnel or when precision is important. The advantage of a cobot is the flexibility, when within a company several tasks are not worth automating in themselves, a cobot can be used to perform one task one day and another with a small changeover the next day.
  What is the added value of Colla Robots?
In one word: Expertise
Our organization has over 25 years of experience with industrial automation. In that period we have developed into an expert in the field of internal logistics systems, automated warehouses, supply and positioning units and assembly lines. We also supply smart software and data processing to permanently optimize your process. Nowadays we use our cobots for these systems.

Colla Robots can take care of the entire process, both hardware and software and control are developed and produced in-house. In addition to supplying a completely own system, we can also ensure integration into existing systems on location.
  What do you mean by the flexibility of the cobots?
By this we mean that a cobot can be used for multiple tasks and can easily be adapted for new tasks. For example, by having the cobot independently exchange its implement with a gripper exchange system. For example, one cobot is flexibly deployed within a process to do multiple tasks. Another way of flexible deployment in the cobot to give multiple places and / or tasks.

When task A is only performed 5 days a month to produce enough, task B 8 days a month, task C, D and E only for a few days. Then the cobot can be individually programmed and equipped for all these tasks. In this way, customers get more out of the investment and we make the ROI more favorable.

Flexible has an extra meaning with the Kassow Robot, which is literally more flexible thanks to the seventh axis. This allows the Kassow to move more smoothly, work in small spaces and work around obstacles.
  What about service around the cobots?
The cobots are maintenance-free in themselves, just like the powertrain of electric cars. That does not alter the fact that it is good to pay attention to the cobot every now and then. For example, a software update, revision of components around the cobot, checking whether the positioning and calibration are still optimal and checking the points for attention. In addition, Colla Robots can make minor changes based on a customer's user experience as a service. When a certain step in the cycle is just not optimal, or when an environmental factor has changed. Colla Robots offers service contracts for this, so that we keep the system in top condition for you.
  I don't want Colla Robots to serve my customers after I purchase a cobot.
We don't want that either. We believe in sustainable cooperation, also with fellow machine builders. Like other customers, you will receive help and advice to achieve the best result with our cobots. We work with you in the way we want suppliers to work with us.
  Which systems do you supply to and around the cobots?
Colla Robots supplies various parts to get the most out of the cobots. For example, (3D) vision, HMIs, software for data processing and presentation, compressed air and vacuum systems, frames, transport systems, grippers, control cabinets, PC and PLC software, welding, spray and glue heads, machining tools and more.
  What is the lifespan of a cobot?
Our cobots have a lifespan of at least 20,000 hours. With 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, that is at least 2 years and 3 months. At 40 hours per week, that is at least 10 years. And within that time the cobot can be reused to move with the development of your organization.
  How many cobots do I need for my solution?
Cobots not only work well with people, but also with each other. We strive to make optimal use of the cobots and to design a system according to your wishes. For this we determine which tasks a cobot gets, for which other actuators such as cylinders and conveyor belts are used and what is done by a person. This way you get the best return on your investment.
  Which gripper do I need?
A cobot application stands or falls with the correct end effector. For this we have a wide range of grippers, vacuum systems and other options. By combining or making these interchangeable, we can give one cobot several 'hands'. In this way we can grab round and straight objects, sheets of tablets and trays, boxes and crates, workpieces and tools. We also provide tailor-made advice for the choice of gripper.
  How do the cobots communicate?
The cobots' data communication has several protocols. The broad employability is a requirement for Colla Robots so that we can move in every situation and not have to prescribe the laws. The cobots have their own control box containing analog and digital IO, which includes a tablet for control. When a PC or PLC is desired, the cobots can communicate via Ethernet TCP / IP, MODBUS, EtherCAT, RS232, RS485 and ROS.

The cobots also have communication with the user, the tablet is used for the HMI (human machine interface). In addition, systems are provided with signal lamps on or around the cobot. This is visual communication.

Would you like more information? Please contact us