Sell Used Robots

Unlock the Hidden Value in Your Surplus Automation.

Industrial robots represent a significant capital investment. As technology evolves, production lines are re-tooled, or business strategies shift, these valuable assets can become underutilized or surplus to requirements. However, a decommissioned robot is not a liability gathering dust in a corner; it is a source of recoverable capital. The secondary market for industrial robots is robust, but navigating it successfully requires knowledge and preparation. This article serves as a definitive guide for Canadian businesses looking to sell their used robots, outlining the critical steps to maximize financial return, ensure a smooth transaction, and avoid common pitfalls by partnering with industry experts.

Introduction

In manufacturing facilities and workshops across Canada, from the automotive heartland of Ontario to the resource sectors of Alberta, there sits a hidden asset: the dormant industrial robot. Perhaps it was part of a project that has since concluded, or maybe your facility recently upgraded to newer, faster automation. Whatever the reason, that silent robotic arm represents a significant amount of tied-up capital. In today’s competitive economic climate, letting such a valuable piece of equipment depreciate in a warehouse is a missed opportunity.

Selling a used industrial robot is not like selling a used vehicle or standard machinery. It is a specialized asset with a global market, and its value is determined by a unique set of factors including brand reputation, operational hours, maintenance history, and the completeness of its system. For many plant managers and operations directors, the process can seem daunting. Where do you start? How do you determine a fair price? What are the logistical challenges of decommissioning and shipping a multi-tonne piece of precision equipment?

This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the process. We will walk you through ten essential points, providing the detailed knowledge you need to turn your surplus automation into a valuable revenue stream. Whether you have a single robot or an entire fleet to sell, following these steps will empower you to approach the sale with confidence, secure the best possible price, and make an informed decision about how to manage the transaction. It’s time to transform that idle asset into working capital for your business’s future.

1. Comprehensive Asset Information Gathering

The very first and most crucial step in selling your used robot is to know exactly what you have. A potential buyer, especially a professional refurbisher, cannot provide an accurate or fair offer without precise and complete data. This initial information-gathering phase forms the foundation of the entire sales process. Think of it as creating a detailed resume for your robot; the more complete and accurate it is, the more attractive it becomes to prospective buyers. The key is to move beyond a simple “we have a FANUC robot” and provide the specific identifiers that define its capabilities, age, and configuration. The majority of this information can be found directly on the robot arm’s and the controller’s data plates.

Your goal is to assemble a complete technical profile. This meticulous documentation signals to buyers that the asset has been well-managed and allows them to quickly assess its suitability for their needs or their refurbishment process. An incomplete profile can lead to endless back-and-forth questions, delayed offers, or worse, undervalued bids based on worst-case assumptions. Taking the time to collect this data upfront will streamline every subsequent step and immediately positions you as a serious and organized seller.

• Manufacturer and Model Number: Be exact. For example, instead of “KUKA robot,” specify “KUKA KR 210 R3100 Ultra.” The model number dictates critical specifications like payload and reach, which are the primary search criteria for buyers.

• Serial Numbers (Robot Arm and Controller): These are unique identifiers essential for tracking the equipment’s history, verifying its age, and checking for any outstanding service bulletins. Both the arm and the controller will have their own distinct serial numbers.

• Year of Manufacture: Age is a primary driver of value. This is almost always found on the data plate and is a non-negotiable piece of information for any serious buyer.

• Controller Model: The controller is the robot’s brain. Specify its model, such as a “FANUC R-30iB Plus” or a “Yaskawa Motoman YRC1000.” The controller’s capabilities and age are just as important as the arm’s.

• Total Operating Hours: Similar to kilometres on a car, the “joint hours” or “servo on” hours indicate the extent of the robot’s use. This data is accessible through the teach pendant’s menu system. A robot with 10,000 hours is in a different value class than one with 60,000 hours.

• Included Peripherals: List everything that comes with the robot. This includes the teach pendant, all connecting cables between the arm and controller, and any included end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) like grippers or weld guns.

2. Honest and Thorough Condition Assessment

Once you know what your robot is, you need to honestly assess its condition. The value of a used robot is heavily influenced by its operational state and physical appearance. A fully functional robot that can be demonstrated under power will always command a higher price than a unit that has been sitting dormant and whose condition is unknown. It is critical to be transparent about any known issues. Hiding a faulty servo motor or a damaged wrist joint will only lead to disputes, costly returns, or a damaged reputation later. Professional buyers will conduct their own thorough inspections, so honesty from the outset builds trust and facilitates a smoother transaction.

Perform a detailed visual inspection of the entire system. Look for signs of impact, such as dents or deep scratches on the robot’s castings. Check for oil leaks around the joints and seals, as this can indicate a need for costly repairs. Inspect the condition of cables and connectors for fraying or damage. If possible, power up the system. Listen for any unusual noises from the motors during movement. Note any error codes that appear on the teach pendant. This comprehensive assessment allows a buyer to accurately factor in the cost of any necessary repairs or refurbishment into their offer, resulting in a more realistic and reliable valuation.

• Operational Status: Clearly state the robot’s last known working condition. Is it currently under power and operational? Was it in good working order when it was decommissioned? Or are there known faults?

• Video Evidence: The single best way to demonstrate condition is to take a short video of the robot running through a simple motion programme. This provides undeniable proof of functionality and can significantly increase a buyer’s confidence.

• Error Codes: If the controller displays any error codes upon startup, document them. These codes provide specific diagnostic information that helps a technical buyer understand the nature of any potential problems.

• Physical Damage: Photograph any significant cosmetic or structural damage. Transparency is key. A dented cover is far less concerning to a buyer than a hidden, undisclosed issue.

• Maintenance History: If you have records of preventative maintenance, repairs, or part replacements, this adds tremendous value by showing the robot was well cared for.

3. The Crucial Role of Documentation and Software

In the world of industrial automation, documentation and software are not mere accessories; they are integral components of the system that can dramatically impact its value and usability. A robot without its manuals or software licenses is significantly less valuable than a complete, well-documented package. The documentation provides the roadmap for integration, troubleshooting, and maintenance, while the software unlocks the robot’s full capabilities. A buyer acquiring a robot for a new application needs the manuals to install and programme it correctly. A refurbisher needs them to perform tests and repairs efficiently.

Gather every piece of paper and every digital file associated with the robot. This includes the original user manuals for the mechanical unit and the controller, electrical schematics, and any specific manuals for optional software features that were installed. Software is particularly important. Many advanced features, such as specialized welding applications (e.g., FANUC ArcTool), vision system integration, or collision detection, are licensed add-ons. Being able to prove that these licenses are present and transferable with the controller can add thousands of dollars to the robot’s value. Ensure you have the original system software discs or backups, as these are critical for any future system recovery or re-installation.

• Original Manuals: Locate the complete set of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manuals. This typically includes an operator’s manual, a maintenance manual, and parts lists.

• Electrical Drawings: Complete and legible electrical schematics for the controller are invaluable for integration and troubleshooting.

• Software Licenses: Create a list of all optional software features installed on the controller. This can often be found in the system information menus on the teach pendant.

• System Backups: A recent backup of the robot’s software, including its programmes and system configuration, is highly desirable. This allows the new owner to restore it to its last known good state.

4. Understanding and Researching Market Value

Determining a realistic asking price for your used robot is one of the most challenging aspects of the selling process. The market for used automation is dynamic, and a robot’s value is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Overpricing your asset can lead to it sitting on the market for months with no interest, while underpricing it means leaving significant money on the table. A methodical approach to valuation is essential. Avoid setting a price based on its original purchase cost or its depreciated value on your accounting books; the secondary market operates on its own principles of supply, demand, and perceived utility.

The primary drivers of value are the brand, model, age, and condition. Tier-one brands like FANUC, KUKA, ABB, and Yaskawa Motoman generally retain more value due to their reputation for reliability and the widespread availability of parts and support. Niche or less common brands can be harder to sell. The specific application the robot was used for also matters. A robot from a clean-room electronics assembly line will be valued higher than an identical model from a harsh foundry environment. The best way to gauge the market is to see what similar models are being sold for. However, your most reliable valuation will come from consulting with an expert, such as a dedicated robotics integrator or refurbisher, who deals with these transactions daily.

• Brand and Model Popularity: High-demand models, often general-purpose, six-axis arms with payloads between 100-200 kg, tend to have a more liquid market.

• Age and Technology: A robot with a modern controller (e.g., a FANUC R-30iB vs. an older R-J3iB) is worth substantially more due to its superior processing power, features, and connectivity.

• Supply and Demand: The availability of certain models on the market can influence price. If you have a highly sought-after model that is currently scarce, its value increases.

• Consult an Expert: Contact a reputable buyer of used robots, like Robotics Research & Integration. They can provide a free, no-obligation valuation based on the current market data and the information you’ve gathered.

5. Preparing the Robot for Presentation and Sale

Presentation matters. A clean, well-presented robot will always be perceived as more valuable than one covered in grime and debris. Before you take any photos or invite potential buyers for an inspection, invest a little time in properly cleaning the asset. This simple step shows that the equipment was cared for and is not simply being discarded. Use appropriate industrial degreasers and cleaners to wipe down the robot arm, controller cabinet, and cables. Do not use a high-pressure washer, as this can force water into sensitive seals and electrical components, causing significant damage.

Once the robot is clean, the next step is to take high-quality photographs and videos. These are your primary marketing tools. Use a good camera or modern smartphone in a well-lit area of your facility. Capture the robot from multiple angles, ensuring you get clear shots of the arm, the wrist, the base, and the controller (both inside and out). Take close-up, legible photos of the data plates on both the arm and the controller. As mentioned earlier, a video of the robot moving is the most powerful sales tool you can create. This visual evidence of functionality builds immediate trust and can dramatically shorten the sales cycle.

• Thorough Cleaning: Remove any accumulated grease, dust, or manufacturing residue from the robot arm and controller surfaces.

• High-Resolution Photos: Take clear, well-lit photos from all sides. Open the controller cabinet door and take photos of the internal components, showing that it is clean and well-organized.

• Data Plate Photos: Ensure the photos of the data plates are sharp and easy to read. A buyer will need to verify the model and serial numbers.

• Functional Video: A one-to-two-minute video showing the robot powering on, jogging each axis, and running a simple programme is invaluable.

6. Choosing the Right Sales Channel

You have several options when it comes to selling your used robot, and the channel you choose will impact the speed of the sale, the price you receive, and the amount of work required on your part. You can attempt a private sale directly to another end-user, use an online auction or marketplace, or sell directly to a specialized dealer or robot integrator. Each path has distinct advantages and disadvantages. A private sale might yield the highest price, but it requires you to handle all the marketing, negotiations, and complex logistics yourself, which can be time-consuming and risky.

Online auctions can expose your asset to a wide audience, but the final price is uncertain, and their commission fees can be substantial. For most businesses, selling directly to a professional robot integrator and refurbishment company like Robotics Research & Integration is the most efficient and secure option. These companies are professional buyers. They have the expertise to provide a fast and fair valuation, the capital to purchase the robot outright, and the logistical capabilities to handle the decommissioning and removal safely and professionally. This turns a complex, multi-step project into a simple, straightforward transaction for you.

• Private Sale: Pros: Potentially highest sale price. Cons: Very slow process, requires significant effort in marketing, vetting buyers, and managing logistics. High risk of dealing with non-serious inquiries.

• Online Auctions: Pros: Wide exposure. Cons: Uncertain final price, high commission fees, and you are often still responsible for rigging and shipping preparations.

• Selling to an Integrator/Dealer: Pros: Fast, secure transaction. Fair market price offered. The buyer handles all logistics, from electrical disconnection to shipping. Minimal effort required on your part. Cons: The offer might be slightly lower than a potential private sale, as the buyer factors in their costs for refurbishment, marketing, and warranty.

7. The Critical Importance of Decommissioning and Logistics

This is the step where many private sales fall apart. An industrial robot is not a package you can leave on the loading dock for courier pickup. It is a heavy, sensitive, and often unbalanced piece of equipment that requires professional handling to be moved safely. Proper decommissioning is a technical process that involves more than just unplugging the power cord. The robot’s systems must be shut down correctly, and the arm should be moved into a specific “shipping position” and secured to prevent movement during transit. Electrical connections must be disconnected by a qualified technician to ensure safety and prevent damage to the controller’s sensitive electronics.

Furthermore, shipping requires specialized logistics. The robot and controller must be properly palletized or, for larger units, secured in a custom-built crate to protect them during transport. You will need to hire professional riggers with experience in moving industrial machinery to safely lift the robot and load it onto a truck. All of these steps involve cost, coordination, and liability. A key advantage of selling to a professional integration company is that they assume all of this responsibility. Their experienced teams handle the entire process, from safe decommissioning at your facility to arranging insured freight, completely removing the logistical burden and risk from your shoulders.

• Professional Decommissioning: Ensure the person disconnecting the robot is qualified to work with high-voltage industrial equipment.

• Proper Bracing and Crating: The robot arm must be secured to prevent any movement. Custom crating is often the best way to ensure damage-free transit.

• Experienced Rigging: Use a rigging company with the correct equipment (forklifts, cranes) and insurance to handle heavy machinery.

• Insured Freight: Ensure the shipment is fully insured for its replacement value during transport to the buyer’s location.

8. Finalizing the Transaction and Terms of Sale

Once you have an interested buyer and have agreed upon a price, it is essential to formalize the agreement. For a simple transaction with a professional company, this may be a straightforward purchase order. For a private sale, a more detailed bill of sale is recommended. This document should clearly outline exactly what is included in the sale to prevent any future disputes. Specify the robot model, controller model, all serial numbers, and list any included peripherals like the teach pendant, cables, tooling, and documentation.

The terms of the sale should also be explicitly stated. Most used industrial equipment is sold on an “as-is, where-is” basis. This term means the buyer accepts the asset in its current condition (as-is) and is responsible for all costs and risks associated with removing it from your facility and transporting it (where-is). This is a critical clause that protects you, the seller, from any liability for issues that may arise after the equipment leaves your possession. Payment terms should also be clear. The standard practice is to require payment in full before the equipment is released or scheduled for pickup. Do not release the robot until funds have been secured.

• Detailed Bill of Sale: Clearly list all components being sold.

• “As-Is, Where-Is” Clause: Include this standard industry term to protect yourself from future claims.

• Payment Terms: Require payment in full before the robot is picked up. Do not accept payment plans from unknown private buyers.

• Title Transfer: The bill of sale serves as the document that officially transfers ownership of the asset to the buyer.

9. Navigating End-of-Arm Tooling and Custom Fixtures

Often, a robot is part of a larger, custom-built robotic cell. It may have specialized end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), such as a complex gripper, a welding torch, or a dispensing nozzle, and it might be integrated with custom guarding, fixtures, or conveyors. You need to decide what is included in the sale. In most cases, a buyer is primarily interested in the core robot system: the arm, the controller, the teach pendant, and the standard connecting cables. Highly specialized tooling or fixtures designed for your specific past application may have little to no value to a general buyer and can actually complicate the sale.

Consider selling the robot as a standard, standalone unit. The custom tooling can often be removed and either repurposed internally, sold separately to a highly specialized buyer, or scrapped. Keeping the sale focused on the robot itself broadens its appeal to a much larger market. Most buyers will want to equip the robot with their own custom EOAT for their new application. If the included tooling is a standard, off-the-shelf gripper or a common welding torch, it can add some value. However, if it’s a one-of-a-kind fixture, it’s often best to separate it from the primary sale of the robot system.

• Core System vs. Custom Cell: Decide if you are selling just the robot or the entire automated cell. Selling just the robot is usually easier and faster.

• Value of Tooling: Assess whether the EOAT is a standard, valuable component or a custom piece with limited appeal.

• Removal of Tooling: If you decide not to include the tooling, ensure you have the personnel to safely remove it from the robot’s faceplate without causing damage.

• Clear Communication: Be explicit with the buyer about what tooling or fixtures are included in the agreed-upon price.

10. The Strategic Advantage of Partnering with a Specialist

After reviewing the previous nine points, it becomes clear that selling a used industrial robot involves numerous technical, logistical, and commercial challenges. For a busy manufacturing company, dedicating the internal resources to manage this entire process can be inefficient and distracting. This is why partnering with a specialist like Robotics Research & Integration is often the most strategic and profitable decision. A dedicated robotics company doesn’t just buy your robot; they provide a complete, end-to-end asset recovery service.

From the moment you make the first call, they handle everything. Their experts will guide you through the information-gathering process, use their deep market knowledge to provide a fast and fair purchase offer, and manage the entire transaction professionally. Most importantly, they take on the complex and high-risk tasks of decommissioning and logistics. Their experienced technical team will arrive at your facility to safely disconnect, prepare, and rig the robot for transport. They arrange and pay for the shipping. You receive an agreed-upon payment, and they handle the rest. This turnkey solution eliminates the headaches, minimizes your facility’s downtime, and converts your surplus asset into cash with maximum efficiency and minimal effort on your part.

• One Point of Contact: Deal with a single, professional organization instead of numerous private inquiries.

• Expert Valuation: Receive a fair market offer quickly from a team that understands the asset’s true value.

• Turnkey Logistics: The buyer handles all aspects of the robot’s removal, from electrical work to freight arrangement, eliminating risk and hassle for you.

• Fast and Secure Payment: Work with an established business that has the capital to complete the purchase promptly and securely.

Conclusion

Your used industrial robot is far more than just a piece of outdated equipment; it is a valuable, marketable asset with the potential to inject significant capital back into your business. Realizing that potential, however, requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By diligently gathering your robot’s technical data, making an honest assessment of its condition, understanding its market value, and recognizing the logistical complexities of the sale, you position yourself for a successful transaction.

While a private sale is an option, the most efficient, secure, and often most profitable path is to partner with a trusted specialist. A professional integrator and refurbisher removes the uncertainty and heavy lifting from the process, providing a streamlined service from initial valuation to final removal. They offer fair market value and handle the intricate details, allowing you to focus on your core business operations. By taking the right steps, you can confidently convert that dormant machine in the corner into a valuable resource for your company’s next chapter of innovation and growth.

Turn Your Surplus Robots into Capital Today!

Do you have underutilized or surplus robotic equipment? Don’t let your assets depreciate. Contact the expert team at Robotics Research & Integration for a fast, fair, and professional evaluation. We make selling your used robots simple and profitable.

• Visit Us: 445 Hardy Road, Unit #2, Brantford, ON. N3V 5L8

• Call Our Purchasing Team: (905) 565-1995

• Email Us Your Robot’s Details: sales@roboticsresearch.com

• Learn More on Our Website: https://www.roboticsresearch.com/