Cobots & Robotic Arm FAQs, Cobot Installation, System Integration

Are there cobot installation services in the US?

Yes. US robot system integrators, application machine builders, and some distributors provide cobot installation and commissioning services. FANUC America works through Authorized System Integrators; Universal Robots states that it connects customers with suitable Certified System Integrators rather than providing installation support directly. Devonics also describes programming and integration assistance for cobot users.

Doosan Robotics A0509 collaborative robotic arm product image — Doosan Robotics A0509 — illustrative robot example

Define installation as a complete scope

Physical mounting is only one part of installation. A useful scope can include layout design, base and fixture installation, electrical and pneumatic connections, machine communication, tooling configuration, programming, risk assessment, and validation. Specify who supplies each component and who approves the completed workcell. Do not assume that a robot delivery fee includes engineering or that programming alone includes production qualification.

Prepare the site before equipment arrives

Check floor or bench suitability, anchoring, utility capacity, cable routing, network access, and safe maintenance access. Identify the machines to be connected and confirm the available interface with their suppliers. Arrange production parts and approved drawings for commissioning. If installation requires downtime, agree on access windows, isolation responsibilities, and the plan for restoring production if commissioning takes longer than expected.

Set measurable commissioning requirements

Agree on representative products, run duration, good-part output, quality criteria, and allowable interventions. The acceptance test should exercise startup, normal operation, product changeover, interrupted cycles, and fault recovery. A video of the arm moving is insufficient evidence that the station can run your process. The test should use the intended operating conditions and the safeguards required for the application.

Insist on a usable handover

Obtain robot and PLC program backups, electrical drawings, I/O lists, tooling documentation, safety records, and maintenance instructions. Operators should practice ordinary recovery while maintenance personnel receive appropriate technical instruction. Confirm how remote access is controlled and who responds to a service request. Installation is complete when the agreed system works, required documentation is delivered, and your team can operate it within the defined scope.

Explore related resources

Universal Robots company profile

FANUC company profile

How does a robotic arm communicate with a PLC or machine?

Explore the pictured robot: Doosan Robotics A0509

Sources and further reading

Universal Robots procurement FAQ, installation-support section; FANUC America system integrator information; Devonics cobot FAQ.

Cobot image gallery

Pictured examples: Doosan Robotics A0509; Universal Robots UR10e; FAIRINO FR10. Product illustrations do not represent a complete installed workcell.