ST Robotics R12 & R17 Collaborative Robot Arms

Two Robot Arms, Two Different Jobs

The R12 and R17 share the same basic idea: provide a relatively compact articulated robot that can handle professional automation tasks without requiring the size of a traditional factory robot. The main difference is simply how much workspace and load capacity you need.

The R12 is the more compact option. Its 500 mm reach, lighter 12.8 kg body and nominal 500 g payload make it particularly suited to small bench-top cells, laboratory equipment, testing, sample handling and light machine-feeding applications. The current R12 is also the newer design lineage of the pair, having been developed from ST's earlier R17 technology.

The R17 extends the reach to 750 mm and increases usable payload. That extra reach makes it more practical when the arm needs to access equipment, machines or locations that are farther from its mounting point. ST specifically describes it as being designed for long-reach and difficult-access processes.

So the choice is fairly straightforward: R12 for compact/light automation; R17 when reach and load capacity matter more.

Model Comparison

Model: R12
Reach: 500 mm | Payload: 0.5 kg nominal | Max Payload: 1 kg at flange | Robot Weight: 12.8 kg | Repeatability: 0.1 mm | Axes: 5, optional 6
Best suited for: Light bench-top automation, laboratory/sample handling, testing and smaller machine-feeding tasks.

Model: R17
Reach: 750 mm | Current headline Payload: 2 kg | Max Payload: up to 3 kg; specialised higher-payload version documented up to 5 kg | Robot Weight: about 22 kg for standard 5-axis configuration | Repeatability: 0.2 mm | Axes: 5 or 6
Best suited for: Larger workspaces, longer-reach machine access, heavier handling, testing and sample-handling tasks.

Programming, Tools and Integration

One of the more interesting aspects of the R12 and R17 is that ST Robotics sells them as complete automation systems rather than just bare mechanical arms. The R12, for example, is supplied with its controller, cabling, software and manuals, while both product families use ST's ROBOFORTH II programming environment. RobWin provides a PC-based project-management interface, and a teach pad lets the operator manually position the robot and record locations.

They are also fairly flexible at the tool end. Depending on the model, ST offers pneumatic and electric grippers, vacuum pickup systems and tool changers. Users can also mount their own device to the end flange, which opens the door to applications beyond straightforward pick-and-place.

For more advanced users, support for ROS, MATLAB and LabVIEW is useful, especially in research, education or customised automation projects. ST also provides industrial I/O capabilities for interfacing the robots with other machinery and peripherals.

Are the R12 and R17 Really Cobots

There is a little nuance here. ST Robotics currently categorises both the R12 and R17 as “Collaborative Robot” products. However, their safety approach should not be described in the same way as many modern force-limited cobots unless additional certification documentation is available. For example, the current R12 technical brochure describes a Class 2 stop circuit, stall detection, awareness LEDs and an optional infrared workspace system that can stop the arm before a person or object enters its working area. Encoder options can also detect position discrepancies following interference or collision. The R17 similarly uses encoder watchdogs to detect motion errors and stop operation following interference.