Enter robot cycle inputs
Use the calculator grid below. Large screens show three columns. Smaller screens show two. Mobile shows one.
Example data table
Use this sample to compare tasks, losses, and output assumptions.
| Scenario | Distance per Move (mm) | Moves per Cycle | Speed (mm/s) | Pick + Place (s) | Support Delays (s) | Availability (%) | Quality (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small pick and place cell | 900 | 4 | 900 | 2.10 | 2.30 | 95 | 99 |
| Inspection assisted transfer | 1250 | 5 | 800 | 2.60 | 3.40 | 92 | 98.5 |
| Heavy tool handling cell | 1600 | 4 | 720 | 3.10 | 4.10 | 90 | 97.8 |
| Fast repetitive loading cell | 700 | 3 | 1000 | 1.70 | 1.80 | 96 | 99.2 |
Formula used
Base Motion Time = (Distance per Move × Moves per Cycle) ÷ Average Speed
Motion Time = Base Motion Time × Acceleration Factor
Handling Time = Pick Time + Place Time
Support Time = Inspection + Dwell + Tool Change + Safety Delay + Extra Handling
Raw Cycle Time = Motion Time + Handling Time + Support Time
Effective Cycle Time = Raw Cycle Time ÷ (Availability × Quality)
Good Parts per Hour = 3600 ÷ Effective Cycle Time
The acceleration factor captures lost time from starts, stops, and real path behavior. Availability adjusts for downtime. Quality adjusts for rejected parts. This gives a more realistic production rate than motion time alone.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the average distance the robot travels in one move.
- Enter how many moves happen in one full cycle.
- Add the robot speed and the acceleration factor.
- Enter pick, place, inspection, dwell, and tool change times.
- Add safety and extra handling delays.
- Enter availability, quality, shift length, and target output.
- Press calculate to show results above the form.
- Review the chart, compare losses, then export CSV or PDF.
FAQs
1. What does cycle time mean in robotics?
Cycle time is the total time needed to complete one full robotic task sequence. It includes motion, gripping, placing, waits, inspection, and any extra delays that reduce real output.
2. Why is the acceleration factor important?
Robots rarely run at constant speed over the whole path. Starts, stops, corners, and short moves add overhead. The factor adjusts pure travel time to match real shop-floor behavior.
3. What is the difference between raw and effective cycle time?
Raw cycle time is the direct task time. Effective cycle time also considers downtime and quality losses. Effective values are better for production planning and capacity checks.
4. How do availability and quality affect output?
Availability reduces output when the robot stops or waits. Quality reduces good output when parts fail inspection. Together they convert ideal speed into realistic good parts per hour.
5. Can this tool help compare process improvements?
Yes. Change one delay or motion value at a time and recalculate. This shows which improvement gives the biggest gain in hourly throughput or cycle margin.
6. What is the robot load ratio?
The load ratio compares your target output with the calculator’s estimated good output. Values above 100% mean the planned target exceeds current modeled capacity.
7. Why does the calculator identify the largest loss source?
Finding the biggest time contributor helps focus improvement work. The largest loss source often gives the best return when you reduce it first.
8. Is this suitable for early engineering estimates?
Yes. It works well for concept studies, line balancing, and feasibility checks. Final commissioning should still use measured robot programs and real production trials.