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.
GCG’s Unique Cobot Approach
We have helped hundreds of manufacturers—from $5 million in annual revenue to over $1 billion—achieve new levels of productivity and profitability through the successful implementation of collaborative robots. Our experience spans a wide range of industries and applications, enabling us to quickly assess technical feasibility, implementation risk, and potential ROI.
As a high-tech automation distributor and experienced cobot system integrator for FANUC, Universal Robots, and Yaskawa, we can deliver everything required for a successful cobot project.
The Cobot Ecosystem
When designing and implementing a collaborative robot system, every element must work together seamlessly. We can help you design cobot systems where each component is synchronized to maximize efficiency, accuracy, uptime, 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.

Machine Base / Riser Solutions
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.
Our robotics systems engineers can help design and fabricate your end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) using off-the-shelf components, custom solutions, or a combination of both. If you’d like to discuss your cobot application with one of our Robotics Consultants, request an Application Assessment call.

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.
Our robotics system engineers can help design and fabricate your raw material parts staging using off-the shelf, custom or combination of both solutions. If you would like to discuss your cobot application with one of our Robotics Consultants, please let us know by requesting an Application Assessment call.

Egress Solutions
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.
Our robotics system engineers can help design and fabricate your egress solution using off-the shelf, custom or combination of both solutions. If you would like to discuss your cobot application with one of our Robotics Consultants, please let us know by requesting an Application Assessment call.

Safety Solutions
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.
GCG has Licensed Machinery Safety Specialists and can provide a safety assessment and help you design and program your robot safety system based on the latest ISO 10218 and ANSI/A3 R15.06 standards.
If you would like to discuss your cobot project with one of our Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist, please let us know by requesting a Safety Assessment call.

Vision Systems & Sensor Solutions
Sensors and vision systems provide robots and machines with critical data about their environment, enabling safe, efficient, and intelligent operation. GCG helps customers select and integrate the right combination of sensors, cameras, and smart vision tools to allow robots to see, inspect, and make informed decisions. The result is fast, accurate, and flexible automation tailored to each application.

Programming
Cobot programming is more intuitive than traditional automation, but it still requires expertise in flow, logic, and recovery handling. Our team works with these elements every day, delivering reliable, flexible programs supported by user-friendly interfaces and proven third-party tools like simulation software.
Programming support is included with every cobot we sell, and our systems engineers can fully program your application as part of a packaged solution.

Electrical Interface Services
The electrical interface determines how a cobot communicates with your host machine or process. Whether through I/O, fieldbus communication, or existing signals, careful planning is required to maintain safety, reliability, and system integrity. A properly integrated electrical interface ensures smooth operation without disrupting your existing equipment
Our team has experience interfacing cobots with a wide range of CNC machines, plastic injection molding equipment and other processes. We can provide electrical integration as a standalone service, packaged with the cobot, or as part of a fully engineered, turnkey solution.
See us in action at these robotics events
Events
Beer & Bots | Peoria, IL (FREE)
Distillery Labs – Peoria, IL 201 SW Adams St., Peoria, IL, United StatesJoin us for an interactive event where the latest breakthroughs in robotics and automation take center stage. From autonomous mobile robots to next-generation cobots, you’ll get hands-on exposure to the technologies redefining productivity and competitiveness. Don’t miss the chance to discover what your operation could be achieving—and what you might be leaving on the table.