For years, industrial robots were like luxury cars – powerful, impressive, and completely out of reach for anyone without deep pockets. But that's changing fast with robots like the new GEN72-B, an entry-level robotic arm that's bringing automation to businesses that previously couldn't afford it.

Power in a Small Package

Don't let its compact size fool you. The GEN72-B packs impressive capabilities into its 6.6-kilogram (14.5-pound) frame. With seven degrees of freedom – fancy talk for the different ways it can move – this robot arm can reach in almost any direction within its 600mm (about 2 feet) working radius.

"What makes this robot special is how it balances capability with affordability," explains robotics engineer Emma Chen. "It can handle objects up to 2 kilograms with 1mm precision, which is perfect for most small-scale manufacturing and lab work."

The arm's movements mimic a human arm but with even more flexibility. Some of its joints can rotate a full 178 degrees in either direction, allowing it to approach tasks from virtually any angle.

Bringing Automation to the Masses

The most revolutionary thing about the GEN72-B isn't its technical specs – it's the price point. While traditional industrial robots often cost tens of thousands of dollars, this model aims to make automation accessible to small businesses, schools, and research labs.

This affordability opens up robotics to entirely new markets:

• Small manufacturing shops that need to automate repetitive tasks
• Research laboratories with limited budgets
• Educational institutions teaching robotics and automation
• Startups exploring new product ideas

For businesses not ready to commit to a purchase, the manufacturer offers rental options – allowing companies to "hire" a robot temporarily for specific projects or seasonal demands.

Built for the Real World

Unlike some delicate research robots, the GEN72-B is built for practical, everyday use. Its aluminum alloy and ABS construction balances durability with light weight, while an IP54 rating means it can withstand dust and water splashes in industrial environments.

The robot's expected service life of 30,000 hours translates to over 14 years of typical workdays – a significant return on investment for businesses.

"What impressed me most was how easy it was to set up," says Michael Torres, owner of a small electronics assembly shop. "We had it unpacked and running basic movements within an hour, and within a day it was helping with circuit board assembly."

No Computer Science Degree Required

Perhaps the most user-friendly aspect of the GEN72-B is how you control it. Unlike complex industrial systems of the past, this robot offers multiple control methods:

• Drag-and-drop teaching: Physically move the arm through desired motions
• Teaching pendant: Use a handheld controller for precise adjustments
• API and JSON: For developers who want to integrate it with other systems

This flexibility means even small businesses without dedicated IT staff can implement and maintain the robot.

Versatility Across Industries

The GEN72-B isn't designed for just one task. Its adaptability makes it suitable for numerous applications:

• Manufacturing: Assembly of small components, pick-and-place operations
• Laboratories: Handling test tubes, precise dispensing of materials
• Education: Teaching robotics concepts and programming
• Research: Automating repetitive experimental procedures

"We're seeing these robots in places industrial automation never reached before," notes robotics market analyst James Wilson. "Small chocolate shops, custom jewelry makers, independent research labs – businesses that could never justify the cost of traditional robots."

The Technical Details

For those interested in the specifics, the GEN72-B operates on standard 24-volt DC power (20-30V range) with a maximum power consumption of 200 watts – about the same as a couple of bright light bulbs. Its integrated controller communicates via WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, network interface, or RS485, making it compatible with virtually any modern setup.

Each of its seven joints features a soft brake function for safety, and its maximum speed reaches 1.88 meters per second – quick enough for efficient work while remaining safe for collaborative environments.

Democratizing Automation

As labor costs rise and skilled workers become harder to find, affordable robots like the GEN72-B offer small businesses a way to remain competitive. Rather than replacing workers, these robots typically take over the most repetitive, precise tasks, freeing human employees for more creative and complex work.

With options to buy outright, rent temporarily, or lease long-term, the GEN72-B represents a new approach to industrial automation – one that's accessible to businesses of all sizes, not just major corporations with massive automation budgets.

As one small business owner put it: "This isn't just a robot; it's a chance for small companies like mine to compete in ways we never could before."