We have been programming and integrating Dobot robots in real manufacturing environments for years. This overview shows how the MG400, the M1 Pro and the CR series differ in payload, design and use, so you can place the product lines we work with.
The three product lines at a glance
- Dobot MG400: compact four axis desktop robot with a payload of around 750 g and a reach of about 440 mm. Ideal for pick and place, test stations, dispensing and training. Fits on any workbench.
- Dobot M1 Pro: SCARA design with a payload of 1.5 kg and a reach of 400 mm. Strong at fast, precise movements in a single plane, for example component placement, screwdriving and assembly.
- Dobot CR series (CR3 to CR16): six axis cobots with payloads of 3 to 16 kg and a reach of up to 1300 mm. For machine tending, palletizing, welding and anything that needs freedom of movement in space.
How the product lines differ
- Payload including the gripper: the tool weight always counts. A 2 kg workpiece with a 1 kg gripper is a CR5, no longer a CR3.
- Working envelope: tasks in a single plane (SCARA or MG400) are cheaper to solve than tasks in space (CR series).
- Cycle time: for fast 2D cycles, a SCARA beats a six axis arm almost every time.
- Collaboration: the CR series is designed as a cobot for operation without a safety fence. A risk assessment remains mandatory nonetheless.
- Integration: all three speak Lua through DobotStudio Pro. Peripherals, IO and monitoring decide whether a project succeeds, not the data sheet.
From the field: typical uses
In practice we see the MG400 for getting started and for training, the M1 Pro for fast assembly tasks, and the CR series in flexible cells. Once the product line is set, we take on the programming, the control and operator software, the rework of the process scripts and the integration with central monitoring via Leif.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dobot is suitable for beginners and for training?
The MG400: compact, robust, affordable and using the same Lua programming as the larger models. Anyone who learns to program on it can transfer that knowledge directly to the M1 Pro and the CR series.
Can I operate a Dobot without a safety fence?
The CR series is designed as a collaborative robot for exactly that. The prerequisite is always a documented risk assessment of the complete application, including the gripper and the workpiece.
How do I monitor several Dobot robots centrally?
With a central log and asset server such as Leif: all robots send their messages via TCP or REST, and you see status and faults live in the browser and on the floor plan.