Robotics & Mechatronics


An innovative cobot

Second Quarter 2023 Robotics & Mechatronics

In recent years, the rise of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised the manufacturing landscape, leading to the development of smart factories that are more connected, efficient and flexible than ever before. One of the leaders in this revolution is the Franka Emika Production 3, a highly innovative collaborative robot (cobot) that is playing a key role in shaping the future of smart factories.

The Franka Production 3 is a compact, lightweight, and highly mobile cobot that has been designed to work alongside human operators in a variety of industrial applications. Its seven degrees of freedom arm and advanced safety features, including force-sensing and collision detection, make it ideal for use in rapidly changing production environments and dynamic factories.

What makes it unique?

One of the key features of the Franka Emika cobot is its human-like dexterity. The cobot has seven axes that allow it to move and manipulate objects with the same level of precision and flexibility as a human arm. This makes it well suited to a wide range of applications, from material handling and assembly, to quality control and testing. Equipped with more than a hundred sensors, the cobot’s ability to mimic human-like skill sets allows it to adapt to various work surfaces and environments while dealing with inconsistencies and using force data for quality assurance.

Another standout feature of the Franka Production 3 is its intuitive and user-friendly design. The setup is plug-and-use with easy and intuitive programming using a simple graphical interface and a wide range of Franka apps. This enables quick and easy setup of new automation processes, without the need for extensive training or technical expertise. Therefore the cobot is easily integrated into the production environment, and is ideal for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to established enterprises that are looking to automate their production processes.

Furthermore, the Franka Production 3’s quick time to profit sets it apart from other automation solutions on the market. Thanks to the low expertise required, low entry barriers and ease of installation, the cobot can be deployed quickly and easily, reducing the time required to realise a return on investment. Additionally, app workflows allow for prompt reconfiguration of tasks, allowing easy and quick adaptation to the demands of dynamic and rapidly changing factories. This makes it an ideal solution for companies looking to improve their production processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.

What does it look like in a smart factory?

In a smart factory, the Franka Production 3 can be integrated with other smart factory technologies such as IoT devices and Industry 4.0 platforms to increase efficiency, improve decision-making, and optimise production processes. For example, the cobot can be connected to a centralised IoT platform to provide real-time data on production performance, allowing factory managers to make informed decisions and quickly identify and address any issues that arise.

Industry 4.0 also brings new opportunities for automation and digitisation in the production environment. The cobot is designed to be a key player in this new industrial landscape, providing companies with a flexible and adaptable automation solution that can help them to stay ahead of the curve.

In addition, the Franka Production 3 can be integrated with predictive maintenance systems, allowing for real-time monitoring of machine health, and reducing the risk of unexpected downtime. This can help companies to increase efficiency and reduce costs by allowing them to plan maintenance activities in advance and minimise the impact on production.

Finally, the Franka Production 3 is also highly cost effective, making it an accessible solution for companies of all sizes. Its compact design and low maintenance requirements mean that it requires less floor space and reduces operating costs, making it an attractive investment for companies looking to improve their operations and increase efficiency.


In conclusion, the Franka Emika Production 3 is a highly innovative cobot and a powerful tool that is playing a key role in the future of smart factories. With its compact design, advanced safety features, flexibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, it is poised to become a leading solution for companies looking to improve their operations, increase efficiency and harness the benefits of Industry 4.0 and the IoT.

For more information contact DNH Tradeserve, +27 11 468 2722, [email protected], www.dnhtrade.co.za


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