How to Start Robotic Automation: A Guide to Your First Robot
By Waleed Allaudin, Robots Trading Inc. · Published · Last reviewed
To start robotic automation, pick one repetitive, high-volume task with a consistent part — machine tending, palletizing, or simple welding are the usual first projects — measure the part weight, reach, and cycle time, and budget for the whole cell, not just the robot. A used robot lowers the entry cost: a FANUC LR Mate 200iC with controller typically lists for $5,400–$13,800 and an M-10iA/M-20iA for $9,300–$32,000.
Request a meetingFive steps to your first robot
- 1. Pick one task. Choose a repetitive job with a consistent part and steady volume: loading a CNC machine, stacking boxes on a pallet, or a weld you run all day. Avoid tasks where every part is different for the first project.
- 2. Measure it. Part weight, part size, how far the robot must reach, and parts per hour. Time the current manual cycle.
- 3. Size the robot. Payload above part plus gripper, reach to the farthest point, and speed for your cycle. See how to size a robot.
- 4. Plan the cell. Gripper or tool, guarding and safety devices, how parts arrive and leave, and who installs and programs it — your team or an integrator.
- 5. Build the business case. Total project cost against the labour hours, scrap, and capacity the robot changes.
Good first tasks to automate
| Task | Why it works as a first project | Typical robot |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machine tending | Same part for long runs; frees an operator to run more machines | FANUC M-10iA / M-20iA, LR Mate for small parts |
| End-of-line palletizing | Heavy, repetitive, simple motion; sealed products | FANUC R-2000iB, ABB IRB 6640 |
| Arc welding of repeat parts | Consistent welds on fixtured parts | FANUC ARC Mate 100iC / 120iC, ABB IRB 1600 / 2400 |
| Pick and place / packing | Simple moves at a steady rate | FANUC LR Mate 200iC / 200iD, Universal Robots UR5 |
Budget for the whole cell, not just the robot
The robot is one line in the budget. A working cell also needs:
- End-of-arm tooling: gripper, vacuum, welding torch, or palletizing head.
- Safety: guarding, light curtains or area scanners, and a safety review of the cell.
- Part handling: fixtures, conveyors, or infeed and outfeed stations.
- Installation and programming: your own team or an integrator.
- Training and spares: operator and maintenance training, plus a spare pendant or key parts.
A simple way to judge payback: total project cost divided by the monthly savings. Use conservative savings for the first year while your team learns the robot.
Used or new for your first robot?
A used robot cuts the biggest single cost of a first project. In October 2026, a used FANUC LR Mate 200iC with controller typically listed for $5,400–$13,800, an M-10iA/M-20iA for $9,300–$32,000, and an ABB IRB 1600 or 2400 for $7,500–$14,000. FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, and KUKA robots have large installed bases in North America, so parts, pendants, and people who can program them are easy to find.
When buying used, compare complete packages — robot, controller, teach pendant, and cables — and the controller generation, and read the written sale terms for each item. Our buying guide covers what to check.
What to send us
- A short description of the task and why you want to automate it.
- Photos or a video of the current manual process.
- A drawing or CAD file of the part, with its weight.
- Parts per hour, shifts per day, and your timeline.
- Whether you have an integrator or an in-house team for installation.
How Robots Trading helps with a first robot
Since 2004 we have bought and sold used industrial robots from Mississauga, Ontario. For a first automation project we:
- Review your application. Send the part, the cycle, and the layout — a CAD model, drawing, or phone photos are enough to start. We look at payload, reach, and speed and tell you which robot size and models fit.
- Source the robot. We sell from our own inventory of used robots in Mississauga, and when the right model isn't in stock we find one for you.
- Match the package. Robot arm, controller, teach pendant, and cables, with the controller generation and options you need.
- Ship or pick up. We ship across Canada and the United States, or you can pick up from our warehouse.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best first process to automate with a robot?
A repetitive, high-volume task with a consistent part: CNC machine tending, end-of-line palletizing, repeat arc welding, or simple pick and place. These have predictable motions and clear labour savings, which makes the first project easier to run and to justify.
How much does it cost to start robotic automation?
The robot is one part of the cost; tooling, guarding and safety, part handling, installation, programming, and training make up the rest. On the robot side, a used FANUC LR Mate 200iC with controller typically listed for $5,400–$13,800 and an M-10iA/M-20iA for $9,300–$32,000 in October 2026.
Is a used robot a good choice for a first automation project?
For many shops, yes. A used robot lowers the entry cost, and popular FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, and KUKA models have plenty of spare parts and programmers. Compare complete packages and controller generations, and read the sale terms for each item.
Do I need an integrator?
Most first projects use an integrator or an experienced in-house team to design the guarding, build the tooling, and program the robot. Robots Trading supplies the robot and reviews the application with you; we don't install or program cells.
What information do you need to recommend a robot?
The task, the part weight and size, the reach, parts per hour, and a photo, drawing, or CAD file. Send them through the request form and we set up a call to go through the options.
Thinking about your first robot?
Tell us the task you want to automate and send photos, a drawing, or a CAD file. We'll review it, tell you which robot fits, and set up a call to talk it through.
Prefer to talk now? Call +1-519-580-7192 or email waleed@robotstrading.com.