Cobot Center of Excellence
Discover the GCG Cobot Advantage – everything you need to automate smarter. From world-class cobots, automation accessories, to turnkey integration, we’ve got you covered.
Unleashing the True Power of Cobots
In 2008, Universal Robots introduced the UR5, the world’s first commercially successful cobot—robots designed to work safely alongside humans without cages. Since then, cobots have promised simplicity and flexibility, marketed as a do-it-yourself technology.
But the reality is different. Many cobots sit idle or fail to deliver their full potential. The problem isn’t programming—it’s the ecosystem. Without the right combination of hardware, software, accessories, and workflows, even the most advanced cobot can’t achieve its ROI.
At GCG, we help customers design solutions built around the complete cobot ecosystem—optimally integrating into their operations to maximize productivity and unlock the full potential of automation.
GCG Cobot Innovation
In 2018, GCG recognized an opportunity to help manufacturers apply cobot technology in a way that amplifies and accelerates ROI by focusing exclusively on cobot system integration. Our approach and methodologies are built specifically around cobots—rather than their larger industrial robot counterparts. By concentrating solely on cobots, our business model and processes are leaner, resulting in shorter timelines and greater ROIs thanks to a reduced cost structure. Today, we continue to provide complete, customized, turnkey integrated systems while also working with customers in whatever way best meets their needs and achieves their business objectives.
What We Offer
Our Cobot Center of Excellence,can provide flexible solutions to meet your automation needs at competitive price levels:
- Automation Technology – Partner with GCG to access the world’s leading automation brands, including FANUC, Universal Robots, and Yaskawa. From cobots and bases to grippers, safety, and material handling components, our application engineers are here to support your project every step of the way.
- Value-Added Services – Whether you need extra expertise or just a little help, we provide flexible services tailored to complement your in-house capabilities.
- Pre-Engineered Systems – Get up and running faster with simplified, ready-to-deploy cobot solutions designed for today’s most common applications such as welding and palletizing.
- Fully Integrated Systems – At GCG, we deliver fully customized, turnkey solutions that go beyond off-the-shelf automation. Our integrated systems are designed to fit seamlessly into your processes while uniting every element of your cobot ecosystem—unlocking the full power of automation and driving measurable results.
The Cobot Ecosystem
There are many elements to consider when designing and implementing a collaborative robot system—what we call the cobot ecosystem. When delivering a turnkey solution, we take all of these components into account, designing systems where each element is synchronized to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and overall output.
Cobot
A cobot, or collaborative robot, is designed to safely operate near humans by using built-in sensors that detect unexpected contact and trigger a protective stop. While cobots minimize the need for hard guarding, their true value comes from how well they’re integrated into the overall application, including tooling, workspace layout, and process flow.
Selecting the right cobot means matching reach, payload, and center of gravity to your application—getting it wrong can lead to poor performance and higher costs. We help you consider brand-specific payload specs and environmental factors like dust, moisture, and temperature to ensure durability.
Staging
Effective staging considers both machine run time and the workflow needed to keep parts flowing without frequent stops. We prioritize open concept, simple designs that allow operators to easily monitor and reload parts while the system keeps running—reserving more complex solutions like 3D vision for the right applications.
Machine Base
A properly designed machine base is essential for supporting the robot’s weight, managing dynamic forces, and maintaining long-term accuracy. We build with high safety factors and plan for accessory mounting, cable routing, and stability to ensure reliable, repeatable performance
EoAT (End of Arm Tool)
The EoAT is what enables the robot to perform its task, making proper selection critical for system reliability. Gripper specs vary widely, so factors like geometry, grip force, material wear, center of gravity, and stroke must be carefully considered. In applications involving delicate parts or magnetic gripping, additional design choices and risk assessments help ensure both performance and safety.
Egress
When determining how to handle part egress from a cobot cell, common solutions include simple exit ramps or tables to minimize downtime and changeover. For applications with long cycle times and small parts, parts can sometimes be replaced where they were picked, allowing several hours of operation before intervention. Accumulation conveyors or tables are useful for reducing operator interaction and are especially effective for flat parts.
Safety
Safety is a critical part of any automation system and must begin with a legally required risk assessment. This process identifies and addresses potential hazards—such as crushing, collisions, and pinch points—based on their likelihood and severity. Safety measures like light curtains, safety scanners, and hard guarding help protect operators from accessing hazardous zones.
Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance (PM) is essential to ensure all components of an automation cell continue to operate as intended. Neglecting PM can lead to safety risks for operators or impact the cell’s accuracy and repeatability. Every manufacturer is slightly different, so it’s important to understand the PM requirements for your robot, end-of-arm tooling (EoAT), third-party components, and more.
Programming
Programming a cobot is simpler than traditional automation but still requires a solid understanding of flow and logic. From recovery routines to startup validation, we work with these elements daily and provide a reliable platform to support your automation goals. With user-friendly interfaces, easy adjustments, and helpful third-party tools like simulation software and applications, your system can be as robust and flexible as needed.
Electrical Interface
The electrical interface defines how the robot connects to your machine or process—whether through direct I/O, fieldbus protocols, or existing signals. Signal compatibility, safety I/O, cable routing, and power requirements must all be carefully planned to ensure reliable operation without disrupting the original system. A clean, well-integrated electrical setup helps the automation run smoothly and safely.
