Why Buying a Used Robot is Like Buying a Used Car
Buying a used robot can be an exciting purchase as manufacturers move towards automating with industrial robots or improving their current robotic system. However, the process may be a little overwhelming, especially for first time buyers. Buying a used robot is comparable to buying a used car. Having experience buying a used car can be helpful for purchasing a used robot as the considerations for both are similar to one another.
Where to Buy?
In order to begin your used robot search, you first must find where or who to buy from. Just as there are car dealerships, used car lots, and websites for used car sales, there are also used robot suppliers. Used robots can be purchased through used robotic equipment companies, such as Robots Done Right, or online auction sites. When buying a used robot, it is important to be sure you are buying from a reputable source to protect your investment. The same goes for purchasing a used car.Type
There are a number of different types of vehicles buyers can choose from when purchasing a used car including sedans, SUVs, and crossovers. The same goes for industrial robots. Buyers can choose from gantry, Delta, SCARA, articulated, among many other types when in the market for a used robot. The type of used robot you choose should be based upon your manufacturing requirements.Brand/Model
When buying a used car, the brand is often referred to as the “make” of the car. Examples of vehicles makes include Ford, BMW, and Honda. For used robots the brand refers to the robot manufacturer. The most popular robotic manufacturers include FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, and KUKA. While the model is the name of the robot its self, just like a car model. Examples of FANUC models include the FANUC R-2000ib and the FANUC Arcmate 120ic, while the Motoman HP20 is a Yaskawa robot model.Year
The year a car was manufactured is often displayed front and center as it is viewed as a key selling point. Used robots also go by the year they were manufactured. However, robot manufacture dates while important, do not hold the same value as for cars. Robots can operate for over 100,000 hours or for several decades if well maintained, so the year they were produced may not be a big factor in the second-hand market.Mileage vs. Operation Hours
A car’s mileage is used to determine how much it has been used or driven. While used robots go by the number of operation hours they have for determining how long they have been operating. For used cars it is more desirable to have less mileage than more. However, this is not necessarily the case for used robots since if they are well maintained they can run for several thousands of hours. Higher hour robots can be a cost effective way to automate.Use
While the use of cars is solely for transportation purposes and not a factor in the sale of used cars, it is a factor for used robots. Robots are designed for a number of uses or robotic applications. Not all robots can perform all application types, so it is important determine if a used robot can perform the application you are automating when , selecting an industrial robot. If your application involves arc welding, you would not want to purchase a used FANUC M-410ib/450, instead you would need a FANUC Arcmate 100ic.Robots Done Right is the place to start when it comes to used robots. Contact us if you are interested in buying or selling a used robot.