Standard Bots Spark, Core & Thor Cobots

One Family, Three Different Strengths

Standard Bots offers three collaborative-capable robotic arms—Spark, Core, and Thor—designed to cover different levels of industrial automation. While they share a focus on precision and straightforward programming, their sizes, payloads, and reaches make each one better suited to certain tasks.

Spark is the smallest of the three, with a 7 kg payload and 900 mm reach. Its compact design makes it suitable for workbenches, laboratories, research, and light manufacturing. Applications include small-part assembly, inspection, sample handling, and other tasks requiring precise movements.

Core sits in the middle, offering an 18 kg payload and 1,300 mm reach. It's a versatile option for manufacturing processes such as CNC machine tending, welding, material handling, and surface finishing.

Thor is the heavyweight of the lineup, with a 30 kg payload and an impressive 2,000 mm reach. It's designed for larger workpieces, heavier loads, and applications such as palletizing and industrial machine tending.

Together, these three robots give businesses and researchers several options depending on the job's size and requirements.

Easy to Program, with Advanced Sensing and AI

One of the most appealing things about Standard Bots' robotic arms is their approach to programming. Rather than requiring users to write complex code for every routine, the company provides an intuitive software interface that allows operators to teach movements, build workflows, and automate repetitive tasks.

The robots also incorporate force and torque sensing to support more controlled physical interactions. This is particularly useful when a robot needs to apply force or respond to contact rather than simply move between predefined positions. Spark, for example, is promoted for delicate applications such as component insertion and laboratory sample handling.

Standard Bots also offers vision and AI-based capabilities, including robot teaching through demonstration. These technologies aim to make automation more adaptable to variations in tasks and workpieces. However, the available features depend on the model, its configuration, and the software being used.

Combined with integration options for compatible grippers, sensors, and industrial equipment, the platform is designed to make robotic automation more accessible and flexible.

Applications and Practical Benefits

The Standard Bots lineup covers a wide variety of applications, from small laboratory tasks to demanding manufacturing operations. Spark is particularly suitable for precision-focused work, including inspection, laboratory automation, and small-component handling. Core is geared towards everyday industrial processes such as machine tending, pick-and-place, welding, and finishing. Thor extends these possibilities to heavier loads and larger working areas, particularly for palletizing and handling bulky workpieces.

A major benefit of this lineup is the ability to choose a robot that fits the task rather than relying on one large robot for everything. The software also helps operators create and modify routines as production requirements change, making the robots useful for businesses handling multiple products or workflows.

Their collaborative capabilities are another important feature, but this doesn't mean they can always operate freely beside people. Safe operation depends on the application and risk assessment, and Thor's manual explicitly requires safety area scanners or hard guarding.

Overall, these robots aim to combine industrial capability with straightforward programming and flexible deployment.

Spark vs Core vs Thor: What's the Difference

Model: Spark
Payload: 7 kg | Reach: 900 mm | Robot Weight: 21 kg | Repeatability: ±0.025 mm
Best suited for: Tabletop automation, small-part assembly, laboratory work, inspection, education, research, and delicate handling tasks.

Model: Core
Payload: 18 kg | Reach: 1,300 mm | Robot Weight: 32.5 kg | Repeatability: ±0.025 mm
Best suited for: CNC machine tending, welding, pick-and-place, material handling, finishing, and general manufacturing automation.

Model: Thor
Payload: 30 kg | Reach: 2,000 mm | Robot Weight: 79 kg | Repeatability: ±0.025 mm
Best suited for: Heavy-duty material handling, palletizing, larger workpieces, machine tending, and demanding industrial automation.