Collaborative Robot (Cobot) — definition
Collaborative Robot (cobot) is a robot designed with features such as force limiting and speed monitoring that allow it to operate in shared workspace with human operators without full physical guarding.
Cobots typically rely on power and force limiting, safety-rated monitored stop, speed and separation monitoring, or hand-guiding as defined in ISO/TS 15066, which supplements the general robot safety standard ISO 10218. They are commonly used for lower-payload tasks such as machine tending, light assembly or inspection.
Why it matters to industrial buyers
Cobots can reduce guarding footprint and enable flexible deployment near workers, but a risk assessment is still required to confirm the application suits collaborative operation.
Key reference points
Relevant standard
ISO/TS 15066 provides guidance specific to collaborative robot applications, supplementing ISO 10218.
Typical payload
Cobots commonly handle lower payloads than conventional industrial robots, though ranges vary by model.
Commonly confused with
industrial robot
A cobot's safety features are intended for shared workspace with reduced guarding; a conventional industrial robot generally requires full guarding for its higher speed and payload.
How it is used in practice
A cobot was deployed to tend a CNC machine, working alongside an operator without a full safety fence, following a documented risk assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Does 'cobot' guarantee no guarding is needed?
No; guarding requirements depend on a task-specific risk assessment, and some collaborative applications still require partial guarding.
Are cobots slower than industrial robots?
Cobots often operate at reduced speed near people, but many can run at higher speed when isolated from human presence, depending on configuration.
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Related terms
Industrial Robot
Industrial robot is an automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulator programmable in multiple axes, used for material handling, assembly, welding, packaging or similar manufacturing tasks.
End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)
End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT) is the task-specific device, such as a gripper, vacuum cup array or welding torch, mounted on a robot's wrist to interact directly with the product or workpiece.
Functional Safety
Functional safety is the part of overall machine safety that depends on control systems, sensors and logic operating correctly to detect hazards and bring equipment to a safe state.
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Reference content only. Global B2B Group is independent of equipment manufacturers and financing institutions; definitions are provided for education and do not constitute engineering, financial or legal advice.