RealMan ECO Series Cobots

From Ultra-Compact to Extended-Reach Cobots

The RealMan ECO series offers three main models designed for different workspace and payload requirements. All three feature six degrees of freedom, but their sizes, working radii, and payload capacities vary considerably.

The smallest model, ECO62, weighs just 3.3 kg and offers a working radius of 355 mm with a 1 kg payload. Its compact design makes it particularly suitable for space-constrained applications where a larger robotic arm would be unnecessary.

For longer-reach tasks, the ECO63 provides a working radius of 900–917 mm and a payload capacity of 3 kg. This allows it to operate across larger workspaces, making it suitable for tasks that involve moving objects between more widely separated positions.

Meanwhile, the ECO65 focuses on handling heavier objects, offering a 5 kg payload with a shorter working radius of 610–627 mm. Both the ECO63 and ECO65 also feature ±0.05 mm repeatability, making them suitable for applications requiring consistent and precise positioning.

Together, these options allow users to choose a cobot based on their specific reach, payload, and workspace requirements.

Mechanical Brakes, Force Sensing, and Flexible Control

One of the notable features of the ECO series is its use of mechanical joint brakes. According to RealMan's current product specifications, all six joints are equipped with mechanical brakes, helping the robotic arms maintain their positions when power is removed.

The ECO63 and ECO65 also offer optional integrated six-axis force/torque sensors. These sensors measure forces and torques at the end of the arm, allowing developers to implement behaviours involving controlled contact with objects or surfaces. This can be useful for tasks such as force-controlled manipulation, contact-based assembly, and research involving physical interaction.

RealMan also provides several ways to control and program its robotic arms. Users can operate the arms through a web-based teach pendant, record movements through drag teaching, or create programs using graphical programming tools.

For more advanced applications, RealMan provides APIs and development resources supporting languages such as Python and C/C++, as well as integration with ROS and ROS 2. This makes the ECO series suitable for both straightforward automation and customised robotic projects.

Applications: From Production Lines to Service Robots

The ECO series is designed for applications across industrial production, retail, and service environments. RealMan specifically highlights compact production lines, new retail systems, massage-related applications, and lifestyle services as potential uses.

In industrial settings, the arms can be equipped with appropriate tools to perform pick-and-place operations, sorting, product handling, or light assembly. The ECO62 is particularly suited to small workstations and lightweight tasks, while the ECO65 offers more payload capacity for handling heavier items.

The extended reach of the ECO63 makes it useful for applications where objects need to be accessed or transferred across larger distances, such as wider workstations or multi-position handling systems.

The ECO series can also be used in research and education. Its programmable six-axis design and available development tools provide a platform for exploring robot manipulation, motion planning, automation, and human-robot interaction.

Comparing the ECO Series Models

ECO62 Standard
Payload: 1 kg | Reach: 355 mm | Robot Weight: 3.3 kg | Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
Best suited for: Small workstations, lightweight handling, compact automation systems, and space-constrained service applications.

ECO63 Standard
Payload: 3 kg | Reach: 900 mm | Robot Weight: 9.5 kg | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
Best suited for: Extended-reach pick-and-place operations, sorting, handling, and automation tasks requiring a larger working area.

ECO63 Six-Axis Force
Payload: 3 kg | Reach: 917 mm | Robot Weight: 9.6 kg | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
Best suited for: Longer-reach manipulation, force-sensitive handling, controlled-contact applications, and robotics research requiring force feedback.

ECO65 Standard
Payload: 5 kg | Reach: 610 mm | Robot Weight: 7.8 kg | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
Best suited for: General-purpose handling, light assembly, pick-and-place, and applications prioritising higher payload capacity over extended reach.

ECO65 Six-Axis Force
Payload: 5 kg | Reach: 627 mm | Robot Weight: 7.9 kg | Repeatability: ±0.05 mm
Best suited for: Higher-payload manipulation requiring integrated force feedback, precision contact tasks, and customised force-control applications.