The decision should not start with “which robot should we buy?” Describe the work first: what needs to happen, how often, in what space, and what currently limits the people or process. Then compare platforms against that task.
Three different routes to automation
| Option | When to evaluate it |
|---|---|
| Purpose-designed or conventional automation | The task is stable and repeats at a defined station. A specialized solution may be easier to validate than a more general platform. |
| Collaborative robot (cobot) | A robotic arm performs a specific task in a process that people share or that needs flexible changeovers. Each application needs its own safety assessment. |
| Humanoid robot | Movement or manipulation needs to be evaluated in a human-designed space, or the work is a research task that benefits from a development platform. A demonstration alone does not establish readiness for production shifts. |
These categories are not a maturity ranking. A dedicated fixture may make the most sense for a predictable part movement. A cobot may be worth assessing for a reachable workstation. Evaluate a humanoid where its shape or movement offers a specific advantage over alternatives, not simply because it looks human.
Measure the work, not the video
Before selecting a platform, describe:
- The task steps, work environment, exceptions, and interactions with people.
- The baseline: cycle time, task frequency, failed or interrupted attempts, and required human supervision.
- What should improve after automation and how the change will be measured.
- Interfaces, tools, workstation layout, data, maintenance, and support.
- How stops, faults, recovery, and safety responsibilities will be handled.
Compare the whole solution, not just the robot catalogue entry. Tooling, integration, workplace changes, training, maintenance, support availability, and downtime all affect feasibility and cost. Without a defined task, no one can credibly promise a return on investment or a universal technology ranking.
“Collaborative” does not automatically mean safe
For a cobot, the application matters: the robot, tool, workpiece, speed, space, and the way people work alongside it. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work highlights the need to assess risks across the workplace. EU machinery rules likewise require assessment against the risks and intended use of the specific machinery. This article does not replace a professional project assessment.
How MALONI approaches the choice
MALONI represents robot manufacturers in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland. Customer discussions start with the intended task, operating environment, and country. We confirm offers, configurations, available technical support, and any service scope for the specific product and project. We are a commercial partner of the manufacturers we offer; readers should take that relationship into account when considering our commentary and recommendations.
Sources and further reading
- Humanoid robots in the MALONI portfolio ↗MALONI Robotics
- Collaborative robots in the MALONI portfolio ↗MALONI Robotics
- Collaborating robots: risk assessment and workplace design ↗European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
- Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery ↗EUR-Lex
Manufacturer specifications are attributed in the article. Safety references link to the relevant European sources. This article is practical orientation, not a substitute for an application-specific engineering or legal assessment.