ROKAE xMate SR Series Cobots

Small Cobots, Big Variety of Applications

The ROKAE xMate SR Series may be small, but its applications go well beyond the factory floor. In industrial environments, these cobots can handle tasks such as assembly, inspection, loading and unloading, and welding. Their lightweight bodies and compact designs make them particularly suitable for smaller workstations where space is limited.

What's interesting is how ROKAE has also brought these robots into commercial environments. The company has demonstrated SR cobots preparing coffee, serving ice cream, and performing other automated food and beverage tasks. Their precise movements and flexible programming help them handle the repeated actions involved in preparing and serving products.

ROKAE has also showcased applications involving moxibustion and massage, where controlled movements and force sensing are especially relevant. These demonstrate how the series can be adapted beyond traditional manufacturing, although such applications require appropriate safety controls and, where applicable, regulatory approval.

Advanced Force Control and Collaborative Safety

One of the standout features of the xMate SR Series is its ability to sense and respond to forces. Each of the six joints contains a high-precision torque sensor, allowing the robot to detect external forces and support compliant movements. This is particularly useful in tasks involving contact with objects or interaction with people.

ROKAE has also incorporated an independent safety controller with redundant monitoring, alongside more than 21 configurable safety features. These include collision detection, virtual walls, and collaborative operating modes. Such features can help the robots operate in environments shared with human workers, although a proper risk assessment is still necessary for each application.

Another interesting capability is direct teaching. Instead of programming every movement through software, operators can physically guide the robot through desired positions or paths. Combined with graphical programming, this makes the series more accessible to users who may not have extensive robotics programming experience.

Lightweight Design, Flexible Installation, and Easy Integration

The xMate SR Series focuses on keeping things compact and relatively simple. With the SR3 weighing approximately 13.8 kg and the SR5 around 16.5 kg, both are considerably lighter than many higher-payload industrial cobots. Their six-axis articulated designs also offer flexibility in positioning tools and performing movements within their working areas.

ROKAE uses an independent controller, allowing the robot to be installed without housing the control electronics inside its base. The compact LightCab controller is one available configuration, while other controller options provide different levels of connectivity and environmental protection.

The series also supports integration with other automation equipment through digital I/O and communication interfaces. ROKAE provides programming tools, including graphical programming and RokaeStudio simulation software, to assist with developing and testing applications. Together, these features make the SR Series an attractive option for businesses looking to introduce robotic automation without requiring a large installation area.

Comparison of ROKAE xMate SR Series Models

SR3-3/0.7C
Payload: 3 kg | Reach: 705 mm | Robot Weight: 13.8 kg | Repeatability: ±0.03 mm | Max. Tool Speed: 1.5 m/s
Best suited for: Light assembly, inspection, small component handling, and compact commercial service applications.

SR5-5/0.9C
Payload: 5 kg | Reach: 919 mm | Robot Weight: 16.5 kg | Repeatability: ±0.03 mm | Max. Tool Speed: 2.0 m/s
Best suited for: Assembly, machine tending, material handling, and applications requiring greater reach and payload capacity.

The two models share the same six-axis configuration, repeatability, IP54 protection rating, and operating temperature range. The SR5 offers an additional 2 kg of payload capacity and 214 mm of reach, alongside a higher maximum tool-end speed. The suggested applications are based on the models' capabilities rather than exclusive manufacturer-defined uses.

ROKAE SR Series vs CR Series – What's the Difference

ROKAE's SR and CR Series share features such as joint torque sensing, advanced safety functions, and easy programming, but are designed for different needs. The SR Series focuses on lightweight and compact automation, with payloads of 3–5 kg and reaches of up to 919 mm, making it suitable for smaller workstations, light industrial tasks, and commercial services. In contrast, the CR Series offers greater payload capacity and reach, ranging from 5–45 kg and up to 2,246 mm, making it more suitable for demanding industrial applications. Most CR models also feature IP67 protection, compared with IP54 for the SR Series.