# What are Collaborative Robots (Cobots) and Why are They the Future?

*Source: https://trginternational.com/blog/what-are-collaborative-robots-cobots-and-why-are-they-the-future/*

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A collaborative robot (**cobot or co-bot**) is a robot designed to work alongside human workers in a shared workspace. On the contrary, industrial robots typically operate autonomously and with little physical interaction with humans. The role of cobots in the [Industry 4.0](../../../com/trginternational/blog/factory-of-the-future-new-reality.html) will only get bigger.

## Cobots vs. Robots

[Traditional industrial robots](../../../com/trginternational/blog/a-new-robotic-revolution-in-manufacturing.html) are not intended to collaborate and share a workspace with people. In fact, due to safety considerations, industrial robots are usually deployed **in confined spaces**, caged and shielded from human workers.

Cobots are designed with safety as a key priority. The early cobots, introduced in the 90s, had no motive power, which was provided by the worker. Later models have limited amounts of power. Additionally, cobots **have to be smarter** than traditional industrial robots in order to safely assist human workers. They need to have awareness of the context, their movement, as well as the worker’s movement.

  
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A cobot also tends to be **smaller and more mobile** than an industrial robot. These characteristics are essential for cobots and humans to work side by side. In fact, modern cobots usually have a human-sized profile to resemble its human counterpart. A factory can, therefore, install new cobots without extensive modification of the workspace.

**Read more:** [How to Know If Your Job Will Be Stolen by Robots](../../../com/trginternational/blog/rise-of-robots-will-you-be-replaced.html)

![What are Collaborative Robots (Cobots) and Why are They the Future?](https://blog.trginternational.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Collaborative-robot-cobot-1.jpg?width=711&name=Collaborative-robot-cobot-1.jpg)

## Why cobots are the future

Cobots provide manufacturers with unprecedented flexibility. They allow for partial automation of processes that still require human workers. Compared with industrial robots, most cobots have a simpler and cheaper **setup process**. They are also easier to be adjusted **for different outputs**. Small and mid-sized manufacturers will find these benefits highly desirable.

Cobots’ compact design helps utilise shop floor space. They generally do not require more working space than a human worker. Cobots are movable and can be set up and relocated with ease. They also ensure a safer working environment.

**Read more:** [Asia-Pacific Manufacturers Spending Big on Robots](../../../com/trginternational/blog/asia-pacific-manufacturers-spending-big-on-robots.html)

Cobots provide a better human-machine interaction and efficiency. Human workers do not need to wait for the machines to finish their jobs. With the traditional setup, a broke down robot can halt the entire production operation.

  
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