In our research of the industry, we've found it quite difficult to get a straight answer to this question from nearly every robot manufacture. We've learned that the price of the actual robot is only about 40% of the total cost. The bulk of the money spent goes under the heading of "integration" or consulting. Customized end of arm tools, safety equipment, controller, teach pendant, a pedestal, training and a host of other add-ons round out the purchase price. Once all these elements are added together, the average cost for a typical robot system runs between $100,000 and $150,000. The good news is that we can help you spend a whole lot less!
Robots do their jobs with precision and efficiency, resulting in higher quality products at lower costs. Their accuracy reduces waste, saving valuable raw materials. They offer a definitive (and quick) ROI. Once the robot pays for itself, it turns into a money-making machine that remains a dedicated employee that works long hours without complaint. They can run three shifts, including running unattended in 'lights out' conditions. They don't require breaks, vacation, sick leave or take up time with other human relations issues. They work effortlessly in hazardous condtions such as where sparks, fumes, heat, welding glare, dust or poor lighting. Better than a loyal pet, robots may few mistakes, cost little to own and return far more value than their cost of ownership.
Simply put, robot integrators are consulting engineers that apply their expertise to help customize a robotic solution for a customer. Nearly all robot manufacturers rely on these third party, consulting engineers/ integrators. Integrators typcially represent more than one manufacturer as well as numerous associated parts vendors. Each one has his or her own 'bag of tricks' from which to pull a robotic solution for a given customer. Most manufacturers engage more than one integrator in an geographical area. This pits one integrator against another and forces the price of the robot to the absolute minimum. The end result of this practice leaves no profit margin on the robot, so the integrator makes up the revenue difference by selling their consulting services, set up fees, training, accessories, extended warranties and so on.
A welding application is one where the robot most quickly pays for itself. One of our robots typically produces the same welding output as four human welders. At a modest hourly rate of $15, the annual salary equals $31,200. Multiplying this by four gets you to $124,800. An average price for a USABotics 'bot-in-a-box' robot is $35,000. Roughly stated, the robot could be paid for in three months. Other applications don't have this kind of multiple but another rough estimate is that most USABotics robots reach their ROI after about a year of ownership.
Our one-year warranty is one of the best warranties in the industry. We believe you can tell how confident a company is about their products by the way they stand behind them with a warranty and quality customer service. In addition to our one-year warranty, we offer a two-year extensios. The investment for this year is approximately 10% of the sales price.
Copyright MMXVII • USABotics™ • All Rights Reserved