The Truth About Collaborative Robots
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The Truth About Collaborative Robots

What every manufacturer needs to know before buying


Collaborative robots (or cobots) have become the shiny new object in the world of automation. Marketed as flexible, cost-effective, and safe enough to work alongside humans, they’ve quickly gained traction across industries.


But when it comes to end-of-line palletizing, are cobots really the best solution?


Not always. And the wrong decision can cost you—in time, money, and safety compliance.


What Manufacturers Often Miss


With new ISO 10218:2025 standards now in effect, the game has changed. Many “collaborative” palletizing systems that once promised simplicity now require:


  • Full safety fencing

  • Pressure-sensitive floors

  • Slower speeds and lower payloads


That means the very benefits cobots were sold on—flexibility, speed, low cost—may be compromised.


So, When Do Cobots Make Sense?


This guide breaks down:

  • When a cobot shines (think: low throughput, tight spaces, frequent product changeovers)

  • Where they fall short (payload, cycle time, environmental tolerance, and reach)

  • What hidden costs most manufacturers discover after deployment

  • How to apply the new ISO risk checklist to avoid fines, injuries, or stalled production


Before You Buy, Read This


From real-world case studies to ROI-killing pitfalls, this whitepaper gives operations leaders, engineers, and plant managers the truth—not the marketing pitch—about collaborative palletizing systems.


✅ Understand the safety standards

✅ Evaluate the right fit for your environment

✅ Avoid costly mistakes



And make your next automation decision a smart one.


 
 
 
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