Collaborative Robot (Cobot)

A collaborative robot, or cobot, is an industrial robot designed to work in a space shared with people, typically using built-in power and force limiting or other safety functions so that fixed guarding can be reduced where a risk assessment allows.

Cobots are usually lightweight articulated arms with joint torque or current sensing, rounded surfaces and safety-rated functions that limit speed, force, power and position. ISO/TS 15066 describes four collaborative operation methods: safety-rated monitored stop, hand guiding, speed and separation monitoring, and power and force limiting. Many cobots also support lead-through programming, where an operator moves the arm by hand to teach positions.

Cobots are used for machine tending, screwdriving, packaging, palletising, inspection and assembly, particularly where floor space is limited, product changeovers are frequent or tasks are shared with operators. Their simple programming interfaces make them common among small and medium-sized manufacturers and in first automation projects.

A robot is not safe merely because it is sold as a cobot. Safety depends on the whole application: the tool, the workpiece, sharp edges, speeds and the body regions that could be contacted. Applications must be assessed under ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 and validated by qualified personnel. Payload and speed are typically lower than for conventional industrial robots of similar size.

Key points

Designed to share workspace with people when the application risk assessment allows it
ISO/TS 15066 describes four collaborative operation methods
Power and force limiting is the method most associated with cobots
Safety is a property of the complete application, not of the robot alone

Where AiVibe comes in

AiVibe designs and manufactures the AiAmbA AI Factory, whose edge devices and AI agents let people talk to robot controllers in plain language. Robotics perception is an AiAmbA use case, and robot safety functions follow ISO 10218 and never depend on the AI layer.

Explore AiVibe’s work in Robotics & Physical AI →

Collaborative Robot (Cobot)

Key points

Where AiVibe comes in

Related terms

Terms that refer to Collaborative Robot (Cobot)