In an increasingly competitive industrial landscape, the choice between purchasing a brand-new industrial robot or opting for a refurbished one has become a crucial consideration for many manufacturing plants. This decision not only impacts the initial investment, but also factors such as ongoing maintenance, technological integration, installation speed and the overall sustainability of the project. In this article, we examine the key factors that determine which alternative is best suited to your business, helping you assess, with sound judgement, when each option is most appropriate.
A new robot is a freshly-manufactured unit from the original maker, complete with standard warranty, the latest control and programming technologies, advanced sensors and a full range of spare parts. In contrast, a refurbished robot—also known as “used” or “refurbished”—is a unit that has previously been in operation, disassembled or inspected, repaired and brought back to working condition through refurbishment processes that may include cleaning, replacing components, certification and a fresh coat of paint. For example, ABB states that a refurbished robot undergoes a thorough audit, replacement of parts and rigorous testing to ensure it performs to a standard comparable to a new unit.
There are distinct advantages and challenges to each option. Choosing a new robot means access to the most up-to-date technology, including improved speeds, enhanced connectivity (such as Ethernet/IP and OPC-UA), and easier integration with Industry 4.0 systems. You also benefit from a longer lifespan, since the machine starts from scratch, along with comprehensive warranty and technical support from the manufacturer. However, a new robot requires a greater financial investment, with some reports suggesting that used units can cost between 40% and 60% less than new ones. Delivery times can also be lengthy, especially in high-demand markets, whereas refurbishment may offer a swifter solution when rapid deployment is needed.
Refurbished robots have their own advantages, most notably lower acquisition costs, with some sources indicating prices as low as half those of new units. They are often available more quickly, thanks to stock or faster reconditioning processes, and they tend to experience less additional depreciation since much of their initial value loss has already been absorbed. On the other hand, refurbished robots may lack the latest technological innovations and can be less future-proof—for example, they may not feature new-generation sensors or updated controllers. It is essential to thoroughly assess their condition, usage history, operating hours and the reliability of the supplier’s warranty. There can also be challenges with spare parts support or system compatibility if the equipment is particularly old.
To choose between new and refurbished, consider several key criteria: the production volume and desired lifespan—if you expect intensive long-term use over 10 to 20 years, a new robot may make more sense. Available budget and initial investment are also critical; for SMEs or pilot projects, a refurbished unit may be more practical. The need for swift deployment may favour refurbished robots, which can minimise plant downtime. Assess technological compatibility and integration needs; if your production cell requires advanced connectivity, sensors, vision systems or other capabilities, it’s worth checking whether a refurbished robot can be upgraded. Sustainability and environmental impact are also important—choosing refurbished contributes to the circular economy by reusing existing machinery. For instance, manufacturing a new robot involves emissions that can be avoided by opting for a renewed unit.
There are typical scenarios where one option is more suitable than the other. For high-volume, long-term production, such as an automotive plant operating three shifts a day for 10 to 15 years, a new robot offers greater longevity, maximum support and cutting-edge technology. For a secondary line needing low investment and rapid installation, a refurbished robot is ideal—such as a metalworking SME seeking to automate a repetitive process without committing a large budget. For transitional projects towards Industry 4.0, both updated refurbished robots and new models may be considered, depending on the desired level of future-readiness and technological investment.
At URT, we offer both new and refurbished robots, enabling you to choose the option that best aligns with your business objectives. For refurbished units, we ensure thorough inspection, calibration, certification and warranty so the equipment meets industrial requirements. For new robots, we provide model selection, integration, commissioning and post-sales support. Our technical team is on hand to help you properly assess total costs, lifespan, maintenance, integration and implementation timelines.
Ultimately, the choice between a new or refurbished robot isn’t simply a matter of “better” or “worse”, but one of context—application, budget, timing, technological needs and strategic objectives. Making the right selection allows you to optimise your investment, accelerate automation and ensure your plant remains competitive. At URT, we are ready to support your decision-making and help you implement the system that truly adds value.