Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsNeither refurbishment nor recycling is universally better. Refurbishment makes sense when a robot can safely meet the production need and has credible inspection, testing, parts, software, and service support. Recycling is the material-recovery route when the robot or its components cannot reasonably return to service. Some programs combine both: refurbish usable equipment and send non-reusable material to recycling.
What is the difference between refurbishment and recycling?
Refurbishment aims to return a robot, controller, or component to service. Recycling recovers materials or usable components from equipment that is no longer viable for continued use. They are different stages in an asset decision, not necessarily competing all-or-nothing choices: equipment that cannot be reused may still yield parts or materials for recovery.
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ABB describes a circular service portfolio that includes repair, parts, upgrades, retrofits, buy-back, remanufacturing, refurbishment, reuse, and recycling. KUKA likewise describes refurbishment and retrofit, buy-back and resale, and recovery of usable parts from robots and controllers that are not suitable for upgrading. These are routes to investigate with the relevant provider; availability and terms can vary.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →When should you refurbish a robot?
Consider refurbishment when the robot’s condition and remaining service potential are credible, it can perform the intended task, and the supplier can support the equipment after the work. The decision depends on the specific robot and application, rather than its age alone.
#1 Best Overall
- Genuine OEM replacement part
- Robot Coupe is the foodservice industry leader in the development and refinement of food processors
- Use genuine OEM parts for safety reliability and performance
- Country of origin: France
- Fit for the job: Confirm that the robot can meet the required production demands and application.
- Supportability: Check compatibility and availability of controllers, software, parts, and qualified service.
- Verified condition: Ask for the inspection scope, functional-test records, and any identified limitations.
- Defined protection: Get the warranty and its exclusions in writing.
- Complete economics: Compare the refurbishment quote and expected operating costs with other options using the same scope and assumptions.
ABB says its remanufactured robots are inspected and receive a minimum 16-hour functional test; it also states a minimum 12-month warranty for ABB-remanufactured robots and spare parts. Those are ABB’s stated terms for its program, not a standard that applies to every refurbished robot or supplier. See ABB robot remanufacturing.
When is recycling the better route?
Recycling is the practical choice when the robot cannot reasonably meet production requirements, reliable support or parts cannot be secured, or the required refurbishment is not justified for the asset’s expected service. Even then, ask whether components can be recovered for reuse before the remaining material is recycled.
Rank #2
- DETACHABLE EXTENSION RAILS: Standard Gripper included extension rails can be attached or detached to the gripper, allowing you to customize its size and strength to suit your specific needs.
- DUAL JAWS DESIGN: Dual jaws of this gripper make it easy to hold both round and flat objects, giving your robot greater flexibility in its gripping capabilities.
- DURABLE METAL CONSTRUCTION: Made from high-quality metal material, Metal Gripper Kit is built to last and withstand the rigors of industrial use, ensuring long service life.
- HIGH QUALITY ACCESSORIES: Gripper Kit is designed with the highest quality standards in mind, making it a reliable accessory for your robot that can trust to perform consistently and effectively.
- PERFECT REPLACEMENT: With its great workmanship and precise design, Robot Gripper Kit is a perfect replacement for your old and worn-out gripper, restoring your robot's gripping performance.
ABB says 60–80% of a robot can be reused, with the rest sent to certified recycling partners. This is ABB’s company statement; its service page does not give a methodology or date for the figure, so it should not be treated as a universal reuse rate. Ask the provider to describe what it will reuse, refurbish, or recycle for your specific robot.
What does the environmental evidence say?
ABB states that refurbishing a robot produces 75% less CO2 than producing a new one. That company claim compares refurbishment with new production; it does not show that refurbishment produces 75% less CO2 than recycling. ABB does not state a publication date or methodology for the figure on its service page.
Rank #3
- Genuine OEM replacement part
- Robot Coupe is the foodservice industry leader in the development and refinement of food processors
- Use genuine OEM parts for safety, reliability, and optimal performance
- Approved by original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
- Intended only for designed and specified use
A 2023 study by Jia, Liu, Yang, Yuan, Wang, and Ma assessed one industrial-robot remanufacturing process using a gate-to-gate life-cycle assessment and one iSNM remanufactured robot as its functional unit. Within that study’s model, fine particulate matter formation, human non-carcinogenic toxicity, and global warming together accounted for 95% of reported environmental impacts; copper and aluminum contributed 42.5% and 37.6% of total impacts, respectively. These are study-specific findings, not general rates, and the study does not directly compare refurbishment with recycling across a robot’s full life cycle. Read the 2023 study.
The UN Environment Programme’s International Resource Panel describes remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair, and direct reuse as value-retention processes with potential environmental, social, and economic benefits, while also noting barriers to scaling them. This is useful general context, not a robot-specific comparison. Read the 2018 industry factsheet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to make the decision for a particular robot
- Define the required job. Record the application, performance needs, and production demands the robot must meet.
- Get a condition assessment. Ask the provider to identify the robot and component condition, required work, and any limits on expected service.
- Verify support. Confirm the supported controller and software versions, parts availability, and who will provide service.
- Review proof and protection. Request inspection and functional-testing records, the work scope, and written warranty terms.
- Compare options on the same basis. Obtain prices and operating assumptions for refurbishment and the realistic alternatives. For environmental comparisons, require comparable system boundaries and an application-specific assessment.
- Specify end-of-life handling. Ask what will return to service, what components will be recovered, and where remaining material will go for recycling.
ABB reports more than 12,000 robots remanufactured globally, six global remanufacturing and workshop repair centers, and around 250 robots taken back per year. The service page does not date those operating counts; treat them as ABB-reported program figures, not independent market statistics. ABB’s program details can help frame questions about inspection, testing, warranty, and take-back, but do not establish local availability or terms for another provider.
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