In many workshops, the dilemma arises over whether to purchase a new robot or upgrade the one already installed. Thanks to advancements in controllers, sensors, software, and mechatronics, older components can be brought back to life effectively. The key is knowing when refurbishment makes sense and when it’s time to invest in new equipment. Why […]
For years, industrial automation seemed to be the exclusive realm of large conglomerates. However, the market for refurbished robots is changing that, especially in Latin America, where manufacturing SMEs are striving for efficiency without making multi-million investments. Traditionally, tasks such as mould manufacturing, welding structures, or handling parts on production lines require high precision, but
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Buying a robot is not simply a technical decision. In reality, it is a financial one. Many companies believe that the most expensive robot is the best, or that it is safer to buy new to “avoid risks”. However, when analysed from a business perspective, with numbers and strategy, the reality is quite different: what matters is not the purchase price, but the total cost of ownership (TCO). And from this point of view, a refurbished industrial robot is not only competitive—it is, in many cases, the smartest choice.
The TCO is the actual cost of owning a robot over its entire useful life. It includes not just the purchase price, but also installation, spare parts, maintenance, energy consumption, unplanned downtime, training, integration, and remaining useful life. Many companies are surprised to discover that a refurbished robot can have a TCO up to 50% lower than a new one, with the same productive performance.
Why does this happen? Firstly, because a new robot includes an upfront premium related to brand, marketing, and technological depreciation. A new ABB IRB 4600 or KUKA KR 60 can cost two or even three times more than their certified refurbished versions, even though operationally, the practical difference is minimal for typical industrial tasks such as welding, palletising, machining, handling, or inspection.
Moreover, a certified refurbished robot has already overcome its initial failure curve. In other words, it has already “proven” its mechanical and electrical stability in production. During refurbishment, gearboxes are adjusted, cables and seals are replaced, lubrication is renewed, motors are tested, and axes are precisely calibrated. The result? With proper preventive maintenance, it can continue working reliably for another 8 to 12 years.
Then there is the cost of time. Many factories lose money due to automation delays. A new robot may take months to be delivered, especially during periods of high global demand. Refurbished robots, on the other hand, are available immediately. Being able to start an automation project four months earlier has a real financial impact, as it accelerates return on investment and reduces dependence on scarce labour.
There is also a factor few companies consider: refurbished robots allow for progressive scalability. Instead of buying five new robots and restructuring the entire line, a smart plant can start with just one refurbished FANUC M-20iA or Yaskawa GP12, automate a critical operation, quickly recover the investment, and reinvest. This approach reduces financial risk and lets you refine the project step by step, without blind bets or unnecessary debt.
TCO also depends on the ecosystem. A new robot often requires new spare parts, mandatory support contracts, and sometimes more expensive proprietary software. By contrast, refurbished industrial robots have a global market for spare parts, are compatible with standard accessories (grippers, rotary tables, sensors), and many allow integration with Siemens, Rockwell, or Beckhoff PLCs without barriers.
In summary, when a plant manager, financial director or business owner truly evaluates the investment, the question is no longer: “New or used?”, but rather: “Which option gives me more productivity per euro invested?” And by that metric, the certified refurbished robot wins.
Because it is not about spending more, but about investing better.
At URC, we help companies of all sizes reduce their TCO through smart automation with refurbished ABB, KUKA, FANUC, and Yaskawa robots. Each robot is delivered tested, certified, and ready for production. We speak the language of factories: productivity, reliability, and return on investment.
In today’s manufacturing landscape, process automation has become a key driver of productivity, quality, and workplace safety. In the field of welding, the integration of robotics has revolutionized how companies approach this critical operation. However, not all robotic welding solutions are the same. Two main approaches exist: collaborative welding, using cobots, and industrial welding, using high-performance traditional robots. Choosing between them depends on a variety of technical and operational factors.
Collaborative Welding: Flexibility Meets Automation
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work safely alongside humans without the need for safety fences or enclosures—under controlled conditions. They are particularly well-suited for companies seeking a gradual transition to automation, especially those with low to medium production volumes.
One of the main advantages of cobots is their ease of programming and reconfiguration. Thanks to intuitive interfaces and manual teaching systems, even operators with no prior experience in robotics can quickly learn to use them. This makes it easy to adapt the welding cell to different parts and tasks with minimal changeover time.
Cobots also have a compact footprint and can be easily integrated into existing workshops. They are an ideal solution for manufacturers of custom metal structures, short production runs, maintenance work, or on-demand manufacturing.
Industrial Welding: High-Volume Precision and Productivity
On the other hand, when it comes to repetitive welding processes with high technical demands and large-scale production, industrial robots remain the most efficient option. Equipped with high-load, high-speed, and high-precision arms, these robots are built for continuous operation with minimal downtime.
These systems require a more robust infrastructure, including safety enclosures, offline programming, positioning tools, and often sensors or vision systems. However, the return on investment is justified by the consistency, quality, and productivity they deliver—especially in industries such as automotive, heavy machinery, and mass production.
Which Solution Should You Choose?
The decision between a collaborative or industrial welding robot depends on several factors: production volume, available space, need for flexibility, budget, and staff expertise.
If your company needs a versatile, easy-to-deploy solution with low risk, a welding cobot is an excellent entry point into automation.
If your environment demands sustained performance, extreme precision, and efficiency in large batches, industrial robotic welding is the better choice.
In both cases, the key is to align the robotic solution with your production goals, the types of parts to be welded, and your company’s growth strategy. When implemented correctly, robotics not only enhances the welding process but also boosts competitiveness and adaptability in the face of evolving market challenges.
The 2024 ABB Robotics Artificial Intelligence Startup Challenge marked a milestone by highlighting the disruptive potential of Mbodi and T-Robotics. These startups, selected from over 100 global proposals, present solutions that not only simplify human-robot interaction but also promise to transform production lines across various industries.Who are Mbodi and T-Robotics?Mbodi: Redefining Human-Robot InteractionMbodi was born with a clear mission: to eliminate the technical barrier that often accompanies the programming and operation of industrial robots. This American startup, founded in 2021, specializes in developing systems that allow robots to be trained using intuitive methods such as voice commands, human movements, and physical demonstrations.Main Technology:Mbodi employs a continuous machine learning model that processes observations and commands in real-time. Its platform allows even workers without technical experience to teach new tasks to robots quickly and effectively.Industrial Advantages:• Cost and time reduction: By eliminating the need for expert programmers, companies can train robots directly on production lines, speeding up the implementation of new tasks.• Greater flexibility: Real-time learning capability allows robots to adapt to process variations without requiring extensive reprogramming.• Optimization of human resources: Mbodi frees workers from repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on higher value-added activities.Application Example:In electronic product assembly factories, Mbodi has enabled robots to learn quality inspection processes with 30% less training time, improving accuracy and reducing human errors.T-Robotics: Conversational Programming at the Service of IndustryFounded in South Korea in 2020, T-Robotics has focused on simplifying human-robot interaction through physical AI models and natural language processing. Its system allows operators to program industrial robots through conversational commands, making the technology accessible to any worker.Main Technology:T-Robotics’ solution is based on the development of a conversational interface that understands and translates commands in multiple languages, adjusting instructions to the robot’s capabilities and the productive environment in which it operates.Industrial Advantages:• Integration speed: Conversational programming reduces initial setup and update times for robots on production lines.• Universal compatibility: T-Robotics systems are compatible with a wide range of robot brands, from ABB to KUKA, facilitating their adoption in factories with heterogeneous equipment.• Operational efficiency: Thanks to its self-diagnostic capability, robots can foresee technical problems, reducing downtime.Application Example:In automotive plants, T-Robotics has implemented its system for welding robots, allowing supervisors to adjust welding parameters in real-time through voice commands. This has increased productivity by 25% and reduced defects in metal joints.Global Impact and Projects in Production LinesThese startups stand out for their focus on solving real problems within the manufacturing industry:• Adaptation to mass customization: In a market that demands increasingly personalized products, Mbodi and T-Robotics facilitate the reconfiguration of robots for quick changes on production lines.• Efficiency in industrial projects: Their solutions allow for a higher return on investment by reducing implementation costs and increasing productive capacity without the need for prolonged interruptions.• Democratized access to robotics: By making robotic systems easier to use, these startups are opening doors to small and medium-sized enterprises that previously could not afford advanced automation.The victory of Mbodi and T-Robotics in the ABB Robotics challenge not only recognizes their innovations but also highlights the crucial role of artificial intelligence in the evolution of industrial robotics. Their solutions not only promise to transform current production lines but also make automation an inclusive and accessible tool for any industry.By supporting these startups, ABB reinforces its commitment to developing technologies that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in globalmanufacturing.
In the competitive world of industrial automation, the Fanuc M-900iA/600 stands out as a robust and versatile solution offered by URC. This industrial robot provides significant advantages for handling large parts, palletizing, and machining, key sectors where efficiency and precision are essential.
Technical Specifications
The Fanuc M-900iA/600 is a 6-axis robot powered by electric servomotors, designed to operate with extreme loads. A look at its technical specifications highlights its exceptional capabilities:
• Payload capacity: 600 kg, with an option to extend up to 700 kg.
• Reach: A horizontal arm reach of 2832 mm facilitates the precise handling of large parts.
• Repeatability: With a repeatability of 0.3 mm, it ensures high precision in all operations.
• Mounting: Its design allows for floor mounting, easily adapting to different plant configurations.
Competitive Advantages
The robustness and adaptability of the M-900iA/600 make it a preferred choice for optimizing industrial processes:
• High Payload Capacity: Ideal for heavy load handling operations, crucial in sectors dealing with bulky materials.
• Reliability and Efficiency: FANUC’s servo systems ensure high uptime and productivity, minimizing downtime due to technical failures.
• Durable Mechanical Design: Its sturdy structure drastically reduces downtime, increasing mean time between failures and reducing the need for spare parts.
• Environmental Protection: With an IP67-rated wrist design, it is resistant to harsh environments. An optional package for severe dust and liquid protection is also available.
• Minimal Interference: Slim arms and wrists allow operation in confined spaces without interference, maximizing workspace utilization.
• Visual Guidance: Capable of integrating with vision systems for camera-guided and error-proof applications.
Industry Impact
Sectors dedicated to handling large parts, palletizing, and machining greatly benefit from the M-900iA/600 due to its ability to handle heavy and repetitive tasks with high reliability. These robots not only improve operational efficiency but also ensure a return on investment with increased production and reduced downtime.
In summary, the Fanuc M-900iA/600 represents a significant advancement in industrial robotic automation, promising companies the flexibility and durability needed to face the challenges of an ever-evolving market. With the introduction of such advanced technologies, URC continues to lead the way towards a more automated and efficient future.
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