Turnkey Robotic Workcells

Turnkey workcells are robotic workcells that have been pre-built and fully integrated by the manufacturer. Turnkey robotic workcells are often referred to as pre-engineered cells. Turnkey cells are usually designed for a specific application since all peripheral equipment is pre-selected and installed before being sold. The most common turnkey workcells are those designed for welding automation. However, there are turnkey workcell options for robotic assembly and automated material removal applications as well.

Turnkey workcells are best for manufacturing processes working with small to medium sized parts. Since these cells are standardized, they often are not big enough to accommodate large workpieces. Regular shaped parts and parts that do not require much repositioning are ideal for standardized workcells. Turnkey workcell systems are also best for those with either low or high production volumes. Applications that are fairly straightforward and repetitive can benefit from a turnkey robotic workcell.

All robotic workcell components are included with a turnkey system. This includes the industrial robot or robots, barriers, safety equipment, peripheral equipment, and operator station. Opting for a turnkey system simplifies the buying process since all equipment needed for robotic automation is included, saving time from having to select each component individually. Some manufacturers will give customers a choice between a few different robot models, robotic positioner types, and welding peripherals. Many of the top robotic manufactures produce their own turnkey workcells to go with their articulated robots. Yaskawa Motoman’s ArcWorlds are pre-engineered weld cells. The Motoman MA1400 and MA1900 are two of their arc welding robots that are typically integrated with the ArcWorlds. ABB’s FlexArcs are also pre-engineered cells designed for welding automation. The ABB IRB 1600 is often integrated with their weld cells. KUKA has two lines of weld cells, the flexibleCUBE and flexibleCELL systems. FANUC is the only manufacturer out of the big four that does not build their own turnkey workcells. However, their Arc Mate robots are often integrated with Genesis and Lincoln Electric weld cells. The FANUC Arcmate 120ic integrates nicely with either workcell brand.

Advantages of Turnkey Workcells

• • Lower Costs - The cost of purchasing a turnkey workcell is much lower than designing a customized cell. Since all equipment is bundled together as one package it is more cost-effective than buying each component separately as is the case with a customized workcell. Integration costs will also be lower as there is no need for engineering since the cell is pre-installed by the manufacturer.


• • Shorter Delivery Times - Since turnkey workcells are pre-built the turnaround time is much shorter than a customized cell. Turnkey workcells are practically sold “off the shelf” allowing buyers to be up and running in a short amount of time, avoiding long wait times and delays with automating.


• • Designed for Specific Applications - Since turnkey workcells tend to be application specific, buyers can be assured they are purchasing a proven automation system. All components are fully integrated and compatible with one another ensuring the robotic system will be completely optimized and will operate effectively.