New and Used Robots - Tips, Trends, Advice - March 2009

It is common knowledge that used robots offer an affordable way to automate. But exactly how much do they cost?

Cost of a Used Robot
While the exact pricing of each robot is determined by its model, RobotWorx' used robots typically cost 50% less than new robots. If a new robot system costs $100,000, then the customer can expect an equivalent used robot system to cost around $50,000. RobotWorx offers a wide variety of reconditioned used robots from all the major brands - Motoman, Fanuc, Panasonic, ABB, and more.

Remember ROI
Not only do used robots offer savings of 50% or more, but just like their new counterparts, they provide an incredible Return on Investment (ROI). Robots bring efficiency, speed, and top quality to their work. They are capable of paying for themselves in no time at all.  

Savings on the Surrounding System
In the same way, the final price of a complete used robot system is significantly cheaper than the price of a new one. The cost of a used robot system (without factoring in the robot) is 20-50% less than a new one. It comes down to which peripherals are needed - tooling, controllers, safety elements, PLC, etc.

Need a specific used robot quote? Contact RobotWorx for more information: 740-383-8383. 

The EPX2900 robot was made for painting large. When it comes to coating giant machinery or automotive parts, this new Motoman robot is the answer.

The 6-axis EPX2900's principal feature is its expansive reach. It can extend a full 2,900mm horizontally. Because of this, the robot does have to be readjusted or moved to reach every part. This efficiency pays off - saving on overall cycle times and increasing product consistency. Since they apply paint so evenly without over spraying, robots are able to conserve materials.

When painting, a hollow wrist design provides a number of advantages. The Motoman EPX2900 robot's 70mm diameter hollow wrist makes it easier and faster to mount spray EOAT. It also streamlines the entire upper arm. With all the cabling and paint hoses routed through the hollow wrist, this painting robot can work in closer proximity to parts.

The new EPX2900 offers a 20kg payload, a floor mounted setup, and a top of the line NX100-FM controller. Protected by a Factory Mutual (FM) class 1, division 1 hazardous environments rating, the EPX2900 painting robot can work long hours without incident. It is not susceptible to any health hazards associated with painting and coating - the fumes or chemicals.

For more information about the Motoman EPX2900 and other painting robots, contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383. 

This industrial robot has an elbow.

When Motoman designed their newest spot welding model, they added a seventh axis in the lower arm. The Motoman VS50 allows for extreme flexibility.

With the additional axis, the robot's EOAT is able to maintain its optimal position at all times. The seventh axis allows the VS50 to access hard-to-reach areas - such as lower sections of a car frame.

The Motoman VS50 isn't alone. The manufacturer also created an arc welding model, the VA1400, with seven axes of movement. These are the first 7-axis spot welding and arc welding robots ever created.

The VS50 robot is best suited for spot welding, assembly, loading and unloading applications. Its 50kg payload capacity accommodates the spot welding gun, or a variety of objects. This particular model can reach a full 1,485mm horizontally. The entire arm is constructed to be extremely slim - so customers can reduce the overall footprint of their system.

Motoman's VS50 robot comes with a DX100 - the latest controller. An expanded capacity for job memory storage, dust-proof design, increased input and ouput signal capabilities, and more allow this robot controller to dominate. The DX100 teach pendant is the lightest in the world. Easy to use, its multi-window capability also allows operators to multitask - watching the screen and being taught at the same time.

Looking for a new Motoman robot for spot welding jobs? Curious about the new Motoman VS50? Contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383 for pricing and information. 

Motoman broke the mold with its newest robot.

The Motoman VA1400 sports not six, but seven axes of movement. It is the first arc welding robot in the world with this feature. This seventh "elbow" axis is located mid-way up the lower arm. It provides enough twist to access hard-to-reach spots without altering the position of the welding gun.

Because parts accessibility is so much better, the Motoman VA1400 is capable of delivering more consistent, high-quality welds. The new, 7-axis design also saves space and works more efficiently. It can be placed in close proximity to other robots and easily maneuver around workpieces, jigs, and other objects.

The Motoman VA1400 raises standards for flexibility and reach. Quick, compact, and flexible, the VA1400 offers a suitable 3kg payload and a wide 1,434mm horizontal reach. All torch cabling is fully integrated in the arm, allowing the VA1400 to move with even greater freedom.  

The VA1400 is operated through a new DX100 controller. This particular controller has the capacity to store 200,000 steps and 100,000 instructions. In addition, Motoman has made an effort to keep this robot free of corrosive and explosive gasses and liquids as well as electrical noise.

Interested in a new Motoman robot? Contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383 for information and pricing.

The newest Motoman painting robot makes part accessibility effortless. The compact EPX2800R is specifically designed for shelf-mounting, but it is also ideal for ceiling mounting.

Both mounting options save space while allowing for better accessibility and wider work envelopes. The 6-axis Motoman EPX2800R robot can extend a full 4,781mm vertically and 2,825mm horizontally. Specifically built for flexibility and painting jobs, this new Motoman robot is powered by a cutting edge NX100 controller. It lifts up to 15kg.

One critical feature of the Motoman EPX2800R is its hollow wrist design. All the wiring is fed through the arm, protecting it from paint spray and minimizing wear and tear. This same hollow wrist and the entire upper arm is able to be wiped down - another paint-friendly feature.  

Robotic painting, especially with such a sophisticated and flexible new Motoman robot, has many advantages. Above all, it is extremely efficient. Material is saved because there is less over-spray. Plus, iwith a robot, coatings and/or paint is applied consistently - increasing overall part quality. Finally, workers are saved the health hazard of paint and coating fumes and the strain of taxingly repetitive applications.

Interested in a Motoman painting robot? Contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383 for pricing and other information.

It's no mistake that ABB's newest robot series is called Sharp. These four robots are extremely accurate and controlled.

The unique capabilities of the ABB IRB 4600 Sharp Generation robots allow them to perform anything from arc welding and polishing to palletizing and pick and place. These robots weigh less than previous models - which leads in turn to shortened cycle times (up to 25% shorter).

The ABB 4600 robots offer a variety of payload increments: IRB 4600-20/2.50 (20kg); IRB 4600-40/2.55 (40kg); IRB 4600-45/2.05 (45kg); and IRB 4600-60/2.05 (60kg). This way, customers can closely match their robot's load capacities to their application requirements.  

The ABB 4600 robot series is highly flexible. Their reaches range from 2.05m to 2.55m. A compact footprint and arm design allow these 6-axis robots to work from any location - floor, semi-shelf, inverted, or at a tilt. The ABB IRB Sharp Generation robots are all protected with an IP67 rating, making them even more versatile.

Interested in an ABB IRB 4600 robot? Contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383 for more information.  

A multitude of parts require sealing. When done by hand, the job can be repetitive, hazardous, and detail-oriented. Today,  more and more sealing jobs are handled by robots.

Robots easily overcome a number of sealing challenges. Accurate, tireless, and flexible, they are changing this application considerably. 

Advantages to Sealing Robots 

• Quality: When it comes to sealing, robots offer consistency and excellent repeatability. Robots are designed with application parameters: air assist, speed, anticipations, atomization, etc. They can be programmed to drastically improve the product and raise standards. 
  
  
• Savings: Manual welding can involve a lot of over-application, which in turn wastes material and requires more clean-up. With robots, this waste is eliminated. Plus, the entire sealing process is accomplished faster. 
  
  
• Health: Sealing workers can suffer from repetitive stress injury or risk exposure to unhealthy substances like PVC. Robots are able to perform sealing application without any danger. This allows companies to reorganize their workforce too - moving sealing workers to more advanced and challenging job posts.

RobotWorx has an extensive inventory of new and used sealing robots. Contact RobotWorx for more information:740-383-8383.   

There's a new industrial robot series in town.

The OTC AII series includes five robots designed specifically for arc welding applications. Offering a range of payloads from 4kg to 20kg, these slender models are fast and efficient workers.

At the lowest end of the spectrum, the OTC AII-B4 offers through-arm cabling and a rear extension reduction of 90mm - both space-saving measures. A long-reach version, the OTC AII-B4L gives customers a larger work envelope for more versatility.

The next AII series level provides 6kg payloads: OTC AII-V6 and AII-V6L. The AII-V20 is a multi-purpose heavyweight robot with ability to lift up to 20kg. All AII robots are ceiling, floor, and wall mountable. They provide terrific repeatability and are powered by the OTC AX21 controller.

Contact RobotWorx with questions about these new OTC robots - 740-383-8383.   

Looking for dependable Motoman robotics equipment at affordable prices? RobotWorx' Under $10,000 Special is a good place to start your search.

In fact, right now RobotWorx is offering six top-quality Motoman robots at dramatically reduced rates. Three Motoman UP series robots (UP6, UP50, and UP130) and three SK series robots (SK6, SK16, and SK120) are being offered as part of the Robots Under $10,000 Special. Each of these Motoman robotics deals includes a robot, controller, cables, and a teach pendant.  

These cost-effective robots are versatile. They offer a range of payloads from 6kg to 130kg. Depending on the model you choose, you can arc weld, spot weld, tend machines or pick and place objects.

Choose a Motoman robotics solution that best suits your budget, footprint requirements, and desired work envelope. The robots are covered with complete, 30-day warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

For more information about RobotWorx' inventory of Motoman robotics equipment, call 740-383-8383.

The newest special from RobotWorx passes savings on to the customer. RobotWorx is selling its robots for less than $10,000!

The current economic situation has introduced more robots into the market. In fact, top of the line robot models are more plentiful and affordable than ever before. It's a great opportunity for integrators like RobotWorx to expand their inventories.

Now, with a new special from RobotWorx, customers stand to benefit too. RobotWorx is selling a wide variety of robots for less than $10,000! Automation is finally within reach! RobotWorx' high quality reconditioned robots from Motoman, Panasonic, Fanuc, and Nachi for less!

This is a chance for companies to try robotics for the first time, or add a more reliable model to preexisting production lines. Save money with a robot from RobotWorx.

RobotWorx' Under $10,000 Robot Specials

Take advantage of this unique opportunity! For more information about this and other RobotWorx' specials, contact the sales department at 740-383-8383. 

A new video offers customers a closer look at the RW900 pre-engineered workcell.

This complete workcell is easily customized to fit specific arc welding or other applications.

Advantages of Manual Turntable:
The RW900 is a unique robot system, featuring a 180 degree manual turntable configuration. The manual turntable allows the robot operator to load and unload parts on one side of the table while the robot is welding another set on the opposite side. After the turntable is rotated manually, the operator can activate the robot with a command from the operator's station.

A manual turntable allows the robot operator to interact and regulate the system directly. This type of turntable also reduces the overall footprint of the workcell, because no light curtains or safety floor mats are needed.

Safety Surround:
The RW900 workcell is outfitted with many safety features. Compact and portable, this workcell is completely enclosed and protected with arc glare covers and interlocks on both side doors. The two sides of the 60 inch diameter turntable are protected with an arc glare divider.

Take a tour of the RW900 Workcell!

Contact RobotWorx for RW900 workcell pricing and information: 740-383-8383. 

Industrial robots are changing the face of milling.

Milling is a machining process that uses a spinning, multi-tooth cutter to remove material. Milling is the preferred method for prototyping and mold creation.

Up to this point, milling has been accomplished with special milling and CNC machines. But robots offer advantages over these traditional milling methods.

• Flexibility - The typical 6-axis articulated robot offers more movement flexibility than a normal milling machine. A robot can mill a complex part from multiple angles. Instead of having to reposition and re-clamp the prototype or mold again and again, the robot can remain stationary. 
  
  
• Throughput - Milling with a robotic arm can increase overall throughput. A robot is more consistent and accurate. With fewer mistakes, and less time spent repositioning a robotic arm mills faster.   
  
  
• The Right Touch - Many of the materials used for prototyping and molds are soft - clay, foam, REN board. A robotic arm is well-suited for responding to and working with all types of mediums.  
  
  
• Affordability - Milling with a robotic arm is extremely economical. Unlike milling machines, robots can be reassigned to perform other assignments in a shop - arc welding, material handling, etc. They can improve throughput, saving valuable time and increasing production. In addition, a robotic arm can handle more of the milling task without needing human intervention.
  
  Interested in milling with a robot arm? Call RobotWorx' sales department for information - 740-383-8383.   

The season finale of NBC's Knight Rider aired last night, but the careers of industrial robot actors Katie, Lisa, and Hank are far from over.

In fact, they're ready for their next assignment, whether it be acting or manufacturing. Interested in purchasing one of the NBC stars? Contact RobotWorx for pricing information - 740-383-8383.

KR Robots Home Again:
The robot trio recently returned to RobotWorx' Marion, Ohio facility, after spending roughly eight months at the production studio in California. Following a cross country truck ride, the robots emerged in good condition - their acting names painted on their upper arms.

The transition back from stardom and the Knight Rider T.V set has been smooth. Katie is on display in the building's lobby while Lisa and Hank are set up in RobotWorx' Integration Bay. The NBC Special Effects team has been replaced by robot technicians and engineers. Instead of interacting with actors, Katie, Lisa, and Hank now interact with customers.

On Stage:
The "job" for NBC's Knight Rider was a rare opportunity for the three reconditioned Fanuc ArcMate 100i RJ3 robots. Cast as intelligent shop assistants for KITT's Cave, the robots were programmed to carry out specific moves. Katie and Lisa inspected KITT, handed tools to other characters, and participated in a water gun fight. Hank was given a more challenging role and EOAT to match.

Read More:
RobotWorx Robots in NBC's Knight Rider
A Closer Look at NBC Knight Rider Robots
NBC Knight Rider Introduces New RobotWorx Robot

The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) recently interviewed RobotWorx President, Keith Wanner:

RIA: How is the economy effecting the used robot market?

KW: This is a good time to be in the used robot market. There are a lot of robots available from companies that are downsizing - newer models with fewer hours.

At the same time, a lot of companies are looking for ways to maintain the robots they have. We've seen an increased need for parts and replacements of existing models. In addition, the economy is definitely effecting the way companies look at their workforce. Companies are concerned that they might not be able to keep their skilled laborers. Many companies are looking to used robots as a way to automate while still conserving capital.

RIA: Has the robot customer changed because of the economy?

KW: Yes. We've had a lot of new customers who are automating for the first time. Many of these customers were waiting to automate because they didn't have an incentive and they felt they could maintain skilled labor. I think it's telling that these first time buyers are not necessarily small companies. The economy is making it so large companies are considering automating more, with less of a workforce. We use the Internet to make sure these customers have the information they need to explore automation.

RIA: Tell us about the marketing strategies your company is using to reach customers.

KW: Knowing that companies are struggling with the current economy, and that there is an interest in robots, RobotWorx is doing a few things to make it easier to automate. We're trying to put ourselves in their shoes, "If I was going to do buy a robot right now, what would interest me?"

We started by offering the simple thing of free shipping. This way we take care of all the logistics. For first-time customers the details of setting up robot shipping can seem overwhelming. This way, everything is handled for them.

RobotWorx has also extended a No Money Down guarantee on all robot systems. This way, customers don't have to pay a cent until they are completely satisfied with the finished product. We try to make customers aware of financing and leasing options. Instead of putting down a lot of capital, companies can take advantage of leasing and pay in small installments.

RIA: What kind of advice can you give to others in the robotics industry?

KW: Companies are always going to want to automate, but the robotics industry needs to make it easier for them to make this decision. Anything we can do to minimize risk, the better. Maybe the manufacturing market has slowed down, but the need for robots is always going to be there.

In addition, now is a good time for those in the robot industry to make contact with existing customers. Take this opportunity to discuss their needs and interest them in upgrading their systems with new features and safety.

If the new stimulus bill does give incentives, be prepared to cater to customers that might only buy one robot in their lifetime.  Provide as much information on your website for customers - to make it easier for them to make a decision. Those who haven't automated before will want more information.

Above all, stay flexible. Be open to things like reintegrating existing cells. RobotWorx recently helped a company that needed to change their robot system to fit a new job. We were able to use the customer's existing robot, add upgrades and reintegrate a whole new workcell. It saved them a great deal of money and hassle.

RIA: What do you think the future holds for the robotics industry?

KW: Starting with the new stimulus bill, there's going to be incentives for companies to keep production in the United States. I think there will be a trend to buy American products in order to keep jobs in the United States. In order to make that happen, U.S. products will have to be cost effective on a global basis. The only way to do that is to automate.

I think we're also going to see an increase in the need for robots in all sectors. As much as 90% of manufacturers haven't automated because they're small businesses. Robot automation is going to find its way into new industries. Clean energy is one of the major areas of growth. That's a whole new industry that will require robots to keep costs low.  

This small robot is built to handle low payloads of 3kg or less. Consider the advantages offered by a small robot:

• Precision Handling: Jobs that require high repeatability, short reach capabilities and precision-driven movement are best handled by a Motoman SV3X. It is best used for applications such as arc welding, material handling, and dispensing tasks.
  
  
• Greater Affordability: If a smaller robot fits your application, another reason to purchase one is its lower cost. Some smaller robots, particularly reconditioned models, cost less than larger ones. 
  
  
• Close Quarters: Does the environment where you need a robot have space limitations? The Motoman SV3X robot can sit on a shelf, attach to tracking, or reach spots other robots can't. 
  
  
• Educational: When teaching about the capabilities of industrial robots, many universities rely on a smaller, more manageable system such as the Motoman SV3X. Constructed just like any other 6-axis articulated robot, this Motoman robot demonstrates all the typical functionality.   

Contact RobotWorx for more information about Motoman SV3X robot pricing: 740-383-8383.

Reach it, move it, stack it! The Motoman HP165 robot lives up to its "Handling Precision" title and provides the ultimate material handling answer.

A Motoman HP165 robot can make your business run more efficiently. It takes over the repetitive, thankless jobs - palletizing, pick and place, machine tending. Don't waste valuable resources on manual labor. Instead, install a Motoman HP165 robot so you can redistribute your labor force. This way, you can streamline your processes through automation and free up your employees to take on more rewarding, technical jobs.  

The return on investment (ROI) for the Motoman HP165 is considerable. With a Motoman HP165 robot, your material handling processes are consistent and safe. When you don't have to factor in the cost of vacation, sick leave, breaks; throughput can increase drastically.

Six-axis flexibility paired with a sizeable work envelope (vertically - 3,372mm /  horizontally - 2,651mm) allow the Motoman HP165 robot to expertly manipulate objects, respond to unique environments, and move with precision. Its movements are controlled by the cutting edge NX100.

For Motoman HP165 robot information and pricing, contact RobotWorx at 740-383-8383.