Prove the automation concept before committing to equipment.
Turn an automation idea into a defined technical and commercial decision by testing the task, cycle, tooling, layout, risks and acceptance criteria before detailed build.
A good study removes uncertainty from the next decision.
The output should make constraints and evidence visible—not simply recommend a robot model.
State what the cell must do, what remains manual and where interfaces sit.
Separate robot motion, machine time, presentation and recovery allowances.
Show reach, access, material flow, guarding and maintenance space.
Identify trials, data gaps, dependencies, risks and the next engineering stage.
Begin with the business problem, then test the engineering conditions.
A feasibility review is strongest when success can be measured. The study should connect output, quality, safety, labour, ergonomics and lifecycle needs to the proposed cell architecture.
- Define the current process, constraint and measurable reason for automation.
- Capture product variants, weight, dimensions, surface condition and presentation.
- Build a sustainable cycle model using machine and handling time, not headline robot speed.
- Check payload including tool, hoses, cables, product and dynamic margin.
- Model reach and approach angles with the complete tool and surrounding equipment.
- Identify guarding, operating modes, access and foreseeable recovery tasks.
A practical feasibility pack should expose assumptions and constraints.
The deliverable can be scaled to the project stage, from an initial application review to a more detailed concept supported by trials and site data. The aim is to reduce the chance of selecting equipment before the production requirement is understood.
- Process definition and boundary of supply
- Preliminary robot, tooling and presentation concept
- Cycle-time and capacity assumptions
- Layout, access and material-flow considerations
- Safety and conformity workstreams to develop
- Trials, supplier data and decisions required before order
What information makes the study useful?
The initial review can begin from drawings, photographs and video, but representative products and an on-site survey may be required before the concept can be confirmed.
- Product or component samples, drawings and format list.
- Current cycle data, target output and shift pattern.
- Video of normal production, changeover and common interventions.
- Machine manuals, available signals and upstream/downstream interfaces.
- Floor plan, available footprint, access routes and utilities.
- Quality, safety, cleaning, environmental and validation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
These answers support initial planning. Final performance, safety and scope are confirmed against the actual product, process, environment and acceptance criteria.
Does a feasibility study include a fixed quotation?
It can support budgetary or detailed pricing, but the commercial output depends on the evidence available and whether trials, surveys or supplier engineering are still required.
Can the study compare a cobot with an industrial robot?
Yes. The comparison should consider the complete application: cycle, payload, reach, interaction, guarding, tooling, recovery and whole-cell cost—not only the robot type.
Is a physical trial always necessary?
No. Some deterministic handling tasks can be assessed from reliable data. Trials are valuable where product behaviour, gripping, vision, finish quality or process response is uncertain.
What should the final output contain?
A useful output records assumptions, concept architecture, cycle basis, robot/tooling needs, safety considerations, data gaps, risks, acceptance criteria and the recommended next step.
Continue planning the project.
Use these closely related pages to define the task, compare the technical options and prepare a stronger automation brief.
Robotics integrator UK
Understand the complete route from requirement to commissioned cell.
Explore integration →How to choose an industrial robot
Compare payload, reach, cycle, environment and interfaces.
Read the guide →Robot automation ROI calculator
Model labour, benefit, running cost and simple payback.
Estimate ROI →Discuss the production task with an automation engineer.
Send product details, target output, available space and a photo or short video of the current process. We will identify the next technical step.