When you're planning an industrial robotics cobot cell, the first fork in the road is whether you need a complete collaborative arm or a specialized end effector. The Omron TM5-700 and the piab piCOBOT both fit into a collaborative setup, but they solve different problems. One is a full robot arm; the other is a gripper. Here's how to decide which one belongs in your workcell.
Quick verdict
If you're starting from zero and need a turnkey arm for assembly, packaging, inspection, or logistics, the Omron Collaborative Robot - TM5-700 is the more complete answer. If you already have a Universal Robots cobot and need to add gripping capability, the piab piCOBOT Collaborative Robot Gripper delivers that function without replacing the robot you own.
| Product | Price | Condition | What it is | Key details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omron Collaborative Robot - TM5-700 | USD 16,500.00 | New | Collaborative arm for assembly, packaging, inspection, logistics | 6 kg payload; 700 mm reach; EtherNet/IP, MODBUS, PROFINET communication |
| piab piCOBOT Collaborative Robot Gripper for Universal Robots | USD 1,169.95 | New - Open box | Robotic claw clamping/gripper for Universal Robots | Handling construction; robot control type: gripper |
Where each product wins
Omron TM5-700 wins for buyers who need a cobot platform rather than a single end effector. It comes with built-in vision-based control, which supports inspections and measurement operations, and it can communicate with a broader automation network.
piab piCOBOT wins for teams that already run a Universal Robots arm. It is designed specifically for that platform, so it's an add-on rather than a second robot. Its handling construction suits pick-and-place and handling work.
Product notes
Omron Collaborative Robot - TM5-700
The Omron TM5-700 is a complete collaborative robot with a 6 kg payload and a 700 mm reach. It is suited to assembly, packaging, inspection, and logistics applications. The Plug & Play ecosystem and communication options like EtherNet/IP, MODBUS, and PROFINET make it easy to integrate into a connected manufacturing line. The reason to choose it is that you get a full robot platform in one unit, with no need to source a separate arm. The limitation is that it is a complete system, not a component. If your only gap is a gripper, this is far more automation than you need.
piab piCOBOT Collaborative Robot Gripper for Universal Robots
The piab piCOBOT arrives as New - Open box and is made in Germany. Its handling construction points to industrial handling and automation tasks. The reason to choose it is the targeted fit: it is a gripper designed for Universal Robots arms, so it can expand an existing cell without adding a second robot. The limitation is that it is an end effector, not a robot. It cannot move, position, or perform assembly by itself; it needs a cobot arm to mount on. If you're starting without any cobot, this piece alone won't get you to a working cell.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Omron TM5-700 when you're building a new cell and need a complete arm for assembly, packaging, inspection, or logistics tasks. It is a standalone automation platform.
Choose the piab piCOBOT when you already own a Universal Robots cobot and need a gripper to make it pick, place, or handle parts. The roughly $15,330 difference between the two items reflects the gap between buying a complete robotic arm and adding a single end-of-arm component.
