Cobots•Rethink Robotics•Showcase
Rethink Robotics Sawyer
Historical robot arm with embedded cameras and a ROS research SDK.
Sawyer is the single-arm robot Rethink Robotics developed for tasks such as machine tending and part inspection. In 2016 the manufacturer introduced a research configuration with ROS and an SDK. Researchers could develop custom grasping, machine vision and interaction applications. The figures describe this original configuration; support and software compatibility require separate checks.
- Historical machine tending and inspection applications
- Grasping and machine vision research
- ROS and robotic arm education
Status 2026
ShowcaseThis model is listed as a showcase. Direct commercial availability has not been confirmed.Designed for
- Historical machine tending and inspection applications
- Grasping and machine vision research
- ROS and robotic arm education
- Type
- Cobots
- Origin
- United States
- Deployment
- Not confirmed
- Region
- Not publicly confirmed
- Applications
- 3 applications
What is Rethink Robotics Sawyer?
Rethink Robotics Sawyer is a collaborative robot arm from Rethink Robotics from United States, listed for historical machine tending and inspection applications, grasping and machine vision research and ros and robotic arm education. Key figures: weight 19 kg, payload 4 kg (including end-effector), reach 1,260 mm, degrees of freedom 7. Some figures apply under specific conditions; see the robot profile. Market status: showcase. Availability and deployment options should be confirmed with a supplier. Robotleasen does not sell robots; it helps businesses compare suppliers and recorded information.
Technical overview
Sawyer in figures
Configuration and source conditions are stated in the description; current supply is unconfirmed.
- 19 kg
- Weight
- 4 kg (including end-effector)
- Payload
- 1,260 mm
- Reach
- 7
- Degrees of freedom
Put into perspective
- 1.26 mAbout 1.9 times an adult's arm length (about 65 cm).
In practice
How does the Sawyer perform?
All figures come from this robot's profile, according to the manufacturer.
How does it compare with other robots?
We put each value next to the other robots in the same category in our guide where that value is known. Unconfirmed values are marked in the figures above.
- This robot
- Other robots in the category
- Payload4 kgPlace 20 of 252.3 kg30 kg
Higher than 4 of the 24 other robots, equal to 1
- Weight19 kgPlace 9 of 1111.2 kg75 kg
Higher than 2 of the 10 other robots
- Reach1,260 mmPlace 15 of 24500 mm2,030 mm
Higher than 9 of the 23 other robots
Facts
Did you know?
Notable facts about Sawyer, its manufacturer and this type of robot
The first commercially sold cobot was a UR5 from Universal Robots, in December 2008.
Source: Universal Robots, company historyA cobot's payload includes the gripper. A 1 kg gripper on a 5 kg cobot leaves 4 kg for the product.
The safety rules for cobots are set out in ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066. The latter gives limit values for contact force per body part.
Source: ISO/TS 15066
Documented product information
- Historical robot arm with embedded cameras and a ROS research SDK.
Our perspective on Sawyer
Sawyer is the single-arm robot Rethink Robotics developed for tasks such as machine tending and part inspection. In 2016 the manufacturer introduced a research configuration with ROS and an SDK. Researchers could develop custom grasping, machine vision and interaction applications. The figures describe this original configuration; support and software compatibility require separate checks.
Business fit
When might Sawyer be a fit?
An initial view based on the recorded category and model information
May be suitable for
- Organisations assessing a robot for a defined task and work environment.
- Teams comparing the robot's recorded profile with other options.
- Businesses that want to validate the application and integration requirements.
Considerations
- Confirm capabilities and current availability with the manufacturer or supplier.
- Check the work environment, integration needs and local support before selecting a model.
Market and supply
Availability
A profile status is not a confirmed offer or delivery time
- Market status
- Showcase
- Region
- Not publicly confirmed
- Lease / RaaS
- Not confirmed
- Rental
- Not confirmed
Manufacturer and supplier
About Rethink Robotics
Organisation behind Sawyer, Baxter. This profile links to checked product or developer documentation; supply and support require separate confirmation.
View supplierCompare
Compare Sawyer
| Feature | SawyerRethink Robotics | Panda (FER)Franka Emika | BaxterRethink Robotics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market status | Showcase | Showcase | Showcase |
| Application | Historical machine tending and inspection applications, Grasping and machine vision research | Robotics research, Robot control research | Historical pick-and-place applications, Dual-arm robot software development |
| Deployment | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Region | Not publicly confirmed | Not publicly confirmed | Not publicly confirmed |
Explore alternatives
Alternatives to Sawyer
Profiles from the same category, selected by similar applications
Universal Robots · Cobots
UR10e
Commercially availableDifferent market status: commercially availableView robot
Franka Robotics · Cobots
Research 3
Commercially availableDifferent market status: commercially availableView robot
Doosan Robotics · Cobots
A-serie
Commercially availableDifferent market status: commercially availableView robotFrequently asked questions
Questions about Sawyer
What is the Rethink Robotics Sawyer?
Rethink Robotics Sawyer is a collaborative robot arm from Rethink Robotics from United States, listed for historical machine tending and inspection applications, grasping and machine vision research and ros and robotic arm education. Key figures: weight 19 kg, payload 4 kg (including end-effector), reach 1,260 mm, degrees of freedom 7. Some figures apply under specific conditions; see the robot profile. Market status: showcase. Availability and deployment options should be confirmed with a supplier. Robotleasen does not sell robots; it helps businesses compare suppliers and recorded information.
What are the specifications of the Rethink Robotics Sawyer?
Key figures: weight 19 kg, payload 4 kg (including end-effector), reach 1,260 mm, degrees of freedom 7. Some figures apply under specific conditions; see the robot profile. Configuration and source conditions are stated in the description; current supply is unconfirmed.
Which supplier is listed for the Rethink Robotics Sawyer?
Rethink Robotics Sawyer is listed under Rethink Robotics, based in United States. Check local sales and support terms directly with the supplier.
Is the Rethink Robotics Sawyer available to buy or lease in the Netherlands?
Showcase. Deployment: not confirmed. Whether this model is available to buy, rent or lease in the Netherlands depends on the supplier. Ask a supplier to confirm current availability.
How much does the Rethink Robotics Sawyer cost?
No reliable public price is listed for this model. Costs depend on configuration and supplier.
What is the Rethink Robotics Sawyer used for?
The applications listed for the Rethink Robotics Sawyer include historical machine tending and inspection applications, grasping and machine vision research and ros and robotic arm education.
What are alternatives to the Rethink Robotics Sawyer?
Profiles include Universal Robots UR10e, Franka Robotics Research 3 and Doosan Robotics A-serie. Compare their applications, specifications and market status.
News and insights
Articles are currently available in Dutch
Next step
Ask about Sawyer
Review the recorded market status, applications and alternatives for this robot.
Profile last checked on 1 October 2026