Collaborative robots in businesses: how to evaluate a first project
Processes, grip, safety and test criteria: the questions to prepare to evaluate a collaborative robotics application.
A collaborative robot can become interesting when a process has repeatable activities, fairly stable components and a verifiable result. The initial question is not which arm to buy, but which part of the work should be studied. Loading a machine, arranging components in a tray and moving packages are different problems: objects, dimensions, times and interactions with people change.
EL-AI intends to explore robotics as a possible line of development. This in-depth study proposes criteria for discussing a first project; it does not announce an EL-AI robot, a service already available or an installation created. The following example is hypothetical and serves to organize questions before involving an integrator.
Observe a complete work cycle
Let's imagine a department that places small components in trays. Before hypothesizing automation, let's observe how the pieces arrive, how they are recognized and where the non-compliant ones end up. A loop includes more than just hand movement: it includes replenishment, waits, control, and exception handling.
An observation sheet can distinguish product, initial orientation, final position, frequency of changes and difficulties encountered. It is also worth collecting less favorable cases: almost empty container, rotated piece, batch with different surface. This is useful information to understand how stable the task is, without attributing performances not yet measured to the robot.
Evaluate the application, not just the arm
The Universal Robots documentation makes it clear that the risk assessment concerns the entire application: arm, tool, workpiece, workstation layout and people involved. The definition "collaborative" does not eliminate this analysis and does not automatically make any operation suitable for the proximity of an operator.
For a preliminary comparison, prepare photographs of the location, dimensions of the objects, characteristics of the material and description of the activities. The integrator will have to evaluate appropriate protections and conditions of use. This initial collection does not replace design, installation verification or training of those who will work with the machine.
Separate motion, gripping and part feeding
An arm that reaches the intended point has not yet completed the task. The gripper must be compatible with the component; the feeding system must present the component in a usable position; the destination must be ready to receive it. A problem observed in the test can belong to any of these steps.
In our example, a small change to the tray could make the position of the pieces more regular. It is an alternative to be compared with a more complex vision solution, not a universal rule. The comparison should consider product variations, maintenance and work required to change batches.
Construct a test with observable outcomes
- Define which components and variants are included in the test.
- Record completed cycles, gripping errors and required interventions.
- Measure the overall time, including waits and authorised recovery procedures.
- Verify the result of the process, not just the movement.
- Note the excluded conditions, to explore before extending the project.
The quantity of cases to be observed depends on the process and variability; there is no single number that demonstrates reliability for any use. The test must be agreed with those who know production, quality and integration. A successful demonstration may justify further study, but alone it does not describe an entire work shift.
Also consider work after startup
Clarify who will manage the product change, the replacement of components subject to wear and the availability of spare parts. A project also includes documentation, training, support and ways to report problems. These elements should be discussed while evaluating the solution, not left at the time of delivery.
The result of the first study should be a reasoned decision: continue with a larger test, change the location or choose another activity. To compare this opportunity with other forms of automation, our guide to measurable objectives before a pilot may be useful. For EL-AI, exploring robotics means starting from concrete problems and making explicit what remains to be demonstrated.
Content prepared with AI assistance; source accessed September 19, 2026. Hypothetical scenario, not customer case. Illustrative cover generated with AI.
Illustrative AI-generated cover; it does not depict actual EL-AI people, premises or installations.