Buying
How to buy a used robot: a practical checklist
Second-hand robots can save a lot of money, if you check the right things. A checklist for used arms, quadrupeds and service robots: hours, batteries, firmware, licences, service history and transport.
A used robot can cost a fraction of a new one, but hidden problems can quickly eat the saving. Use this checklist before you pay.
1. Identify the exact model
Robot names hide many variants: EDU and standard versions, payload and reach options, controller generations. Ask for the exact model and serial number and compare the listing with the catalog page, where every specification links to its source.
2. Operating hours and use
Ask for the operating hours or cycle count from the controller or app, and what the robot was used for. A cobot that did light testing in a lab has lived a very different life from one that palletised boxes on three shifts.
3. Batteries (mobile robots)
Batteries age with every charge. Ask for the battery health or cycle count and for photos of the pack. Check the price and availability of a replacement battery. See batteries and runtime.
4. Joints, reducers and noise
Ask for a video of every joint moving through its full range at different speeds. Grinding noises, vibration or visible play can mean worn reducers or bearings, which are expensive to replace. See robot reducers explained.
5. Firmware, software and licences
- Is the firmware up to date, and will the manufacturer still update it?
- Are software options and licences transferable to a new owner?
- For robots with an app or cloud account, can it be unlinked from the previous owner?
6. What is included
Controller, teach pendant, cables, charger, dock, remote control, original packaging and manuals: missing items can be expensive. The listing's "accessories" field should list them.
7. Service history and known issues
Ask for maintenance records and any repairs. Check the known issues reported by owners of the same model and whether they were fixed.
8. Price check
Compare the asking price with the manufacturer's list price and the second-hand statistics on the robot's catalog page, and look for authorized dealers who may offer refurbished units with warranty.
9. Transport and safety
Robots are heavy and fragile; arms should travel in their transport position. Large lithium-ion batteries need special shipping. Once installed, every application needs its own risk assessment.
Ready to look? Browse used robots on the marketplace or post what you need so sellers can find you.
