Payload
Robot Payload Margin
The mass at the wrist is the part, the gripper, and anything else on the tool: fingers, a sensor, a valve, or a cable bundle. Rated payload is the maximum on the robot data sheet, at the centre of gravity that sheet assumes.
Headroom is spare rated payload you choose to keep. The percentage in the field is an example input. It is not a clause in ISO 10218 and it is not a warranty rule from a robot maker. Change it to the allowance your team or the robot supplier asks for, or set it to 0 to compare with the rated payload alone.
This check does not cover wrist moment or inertia. A tool that is light enough on the scale can still overload the wrist if the mass sits far from the flange.
Every number in the fields is an example input. Replace it with a figure from your plant. Nothing you type is saved.
Formula
- Carried mass = part + gripper + other tool mass
- Margin = rated payload − carried mass
- Planning limit = rated payload × (1 − headroom)
Worked example
- Example inputs: rated payload 12 kg, part 4.5 kg, gripper 3 kg, other tool mass 0.8 kg, and 20 percent headroom.
- Carried mass is 4.5 kg + 3 kg + 0.8 kg = 8.3 kg.
- That is 69.2% of rated payload, leaving 3.7 kg.
- The example headroom keeps the planning limit at 9.6 kg. 8.3 kg is inside that limit.
Calculator
The fields open on the worked example. Change a number and the result updates.
Related calculators
Questions
Is 20 percent the required headroom?
No. Twenty percent is the example loaded in the field. It is not a requirement from a robot standard. Change it, or set it to 0 to compare only with rated payload.
Does this check wrist moment?
No. Rated payload assumes a centre of gravity from the data sheet. A gripper held far from the flange can exceed moment or inertia while the mass still looks acceptable. Ask the robot supplier to check the tool drawing.
Free Automation Project Review
Bring the part weight and a sketch of the gripper, even a rough one. A free project review will say whether payload is the real constraint or whether reach, presentation, or the cycle matters more. It is not a robot selection.