Buy Used Industrial Robots at Auction: Affordable Automation for Modern Manufacturing
Used industrial robots are the backbone of automated production. They weld, handle, palletise, assemble and tend machines – swiftly, precisely and around the clock. Wherever consistent quality, high output volumes or the removal of monotonous and hazardous tasks are required, robotics is the answer. At Surplex, you can browse a wide selection of used industrial robots that are ready to deploy and offer a cost-effective alternative to buying new. Read on to discover why bidding on a second hand industrial robot at auction could be the smartest investment your business makes.
Advantages of Industrial Robots: Round-the-Clock Productivity
Deploying used industrial robots gives manufacturing businesses significant strategic advantages. Through the combination of mechanics, control systems and tooling, they are far more than programmable grabbing arms:
Productivity: Robots operate across multiple shifts and continuous runs without any drop in performance, substantially increasing throughput.
Consistent Quality: Thanks to high repeatability, they deliver reliable results every time – reducing scrap rates and rework considerably.
Operator Relief & Safety: Heavy, repetitive or hazardous tasks are handed over to the robot, easing the burden on your workforce and improving workplace safety.
Flexibility: Through reprogramming and end-of-arm tooling changes, a robot can be adapted to new tasks – an important advantage in addressing skills shortages across UK manufacturing.
Key Specifications of Industrial Robots: The Technology That Drives Production
To make the right choice when bidding at auction, it pays to understand the essential technical characteristics. Five key factors determine the suitability and capability of any robot:
Kinematics & Number of Axes: The design type (e.g. 6-axis articulated arm or 4-axis SCARA) determines the robot's freedom of movement and range of application.
Payload: The maximum load the robot can handle – from a few kilograms to several hundred kilograms – must be matched to your application and tooling.
Reach: The working radius (in mm) defines the area the robot can cover.
Repeatability: Depending on the model, this typically falls within ±0.02 to ±0.1 mm and is critical for precision tasks.
Control System & IP Rating: The manufacturer-specific controller and teach pendant determine how the robot is programmed and integrated; the IP rating must be appropriate for the working environment, such as welding or spray painting.
How Industrial Auctions Work: Your Strategic Advantage
Purchasing through an online auction at Surplex offers businesses looking to automate clear advantages over traditional procurement channels:
Fair Market Prices: In an auction, price is determined by supply and demand. You bid tactically within your budget – and hammer prices often come in well below typical second hand industrial robot market rates.
Transparency & Confidence: Every auction is supported by detailed listings, professional photographs and frequently video footage of operational testing. Many robots come directly from plant closures, production line changes or insolvencies – straight out of active use.
Swift Turnaround: Once the auction closes and payment is made, the equipment is ready for collection at short notice. There are none of the lengthy lead times associated with ordering new machinery.
Types of Used Industrial Robots Available
Depending on the task and industry, different robot designs are used. In our auctions, you can purchase second hand industrial robots in verified condition, with secure and straightforward transaction processes:
6-Axis Articulated Arm Robots
The versatile all-rounder with six axes of freedom of movement.
Key Benefit: Ideal for welding, material handling, machine tending, assembly and machining – the most flexible design for complex applications.
Important Note: Ensure the matching controller and teach pendant are included in the lot.
SCARA and Delta Robots
The specialists for high-speed operations: SCARA robots for rapid assembly and handling tasks, Delta robots for extremely fast pick-and-place applications.
Key Benefit: Perfect for high cycle rates with lightweight components, such as in assembly, packaging and food production.
Important Note: These are designed for lower payloads – check suitability against your component weights before bidding.
Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
Robots designed to work alongside people without the need for physical guarding.
Key Benefit: Ideal for flexible workstations, smaller production runs and a gradual introduction of automation into your facility.
Important Note: Safe collaboration requires a thorough risk assessment of the specific application before deployment.
Alongside the robots themselves, our auctions regularly feature the full range of complementary automation technology needed to build a complete cell: robot controllers and teach pendants, gripper systems and end effectors, welding equipment, conveyor and handling systems, safety guarding and CNC machines for robot tending. Established manufacturers regularly represented include KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa/Motoman, Stäubli, Kawasaki and Universal Robots.
Buying Guide: What to Look for When Purchasing Used Industrial Robots
Bidding on a used industrial robot is a matter of confidence and due diligence. To ensure your robot goes into service reliably, check the following points before placing a bid:
Payload & Reach: Do the figures match your application and the combined weight of your workpiece and tooling?
Completeness: Are the controller, teach pendant and necessary cabling included? Second hand industrial robots are occasionally listed without a controller – this is the most common pitfall to watch out for.
Axes & Gearboxes: Look for signs of backlash, wear or unusual running noise in the harmonic drive gearboxes, and check the stated operating hours where available.
Controller Generation & Support: Check how current the control system is and whether spare parts and software support are still available from the manufacturer.
End Effector: Is a suitable gripper or application-specific tool included, or will you need to source one separately?
IP Rating: Does the robot's ingress protection rating meet the requirements of your environment (e.g. welding fumes, spray mist, dust)?
Recommissioning: Factor in that following dismantling, robots will typically require fresh mastering and a full recommissioning process before use.
Installation & Safety: Be aware of power supply requirements (generally 400 V three-phase), securing arrangements and the necessary safety guarding for the robot cell.
Bid on Used Industrial Robots at Surplex Today
If you're looking to buy used industrial robots, Surplex gives you the opportunity to automate your production quickly and cost-effectively.
Immediate Availability: While new machines often come with lengthy delivery lead times, our second hand industrial robots are ready for collection as soon as the auction closes and payment is confirmed.
Detailed Documentation: Every robot is presented with professional photographs and, in many cases, video footage of operational testing, giving you the information you need to bid with confidence.
Accessories Included: Robots are frequently auctioned complete with their controller, grippers or as part of a complete cell, saving you additional procurement costs.
Collection Process: Collection, professional dismantling and transport of your purchased equipment are arranged independently by the buyer within the deadlines stated in the auction listing. Location and collection details are provided in every lot description.
Put proven automation to work in your production facility. Register now and find the right used industrial robot in our next auction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an articulated arm robot, a SCARA and a cobot?
The 6-axis articulated arm robot is the flexible all-rounder for complex movements across a wide range of applications. SCARA robots are specialists for fast handling and assembly tasks involving lighter components. Cobots work directly alongside people without the need for physical separation guarding, making them well suited to flexible workstations and smaller production runs.
What do payload and reach mean?
Payload refers to the maximum weight the robot can handle, including the end effector and tooling. Reach describes the working radius – the area the robot arm can cover. Both values must be matched to your intended application before bidding.
Does a second hand industrial robot come with its controller?
This must always be verified before bidding. The robot arm and controller form a matched unit; without the correct controller and teach pendant, the robot cannot simply be put straight to work. Always check the lot description carefully for what is included in the sale.
What should I look for with the axes and gearboxes?
The harmonic drive gearboxes on each axis are the primary wear components. Where possible, look for signs of play, check for smooth and quiet running, and review any stated operating hours. Detail photographs, condition reports and any available viewing appointments will help you make a more informed assessment.
Can a used industrial robot be reprogrammed for different tasks?
Yes. Used industrial robots are freely programmable and can be adapted to new applications through updated programming and a suitable end effector. Do plan for fresh mastering and a full recommissioning process following dismantling and reinstallation.
What are the installation and safety requirements?
Industrial robots typically require a three-phase power supply (400 V), a secure and stable fixing arrangement, and – outside of collaborative applications – appropriate safety guarding for the robot cell. A risk assessment will be required for the specific application in line with UK health and safety regulations.