Explorer vs ML150S - Solar MULE
Side-by-side comparison of Explorer (OC Robotics) and ML150S - Solar MULE (Construction Robotics) — specs, pricing, Robo Index, and verified deployments. Updated daily.
Optimize comparison for buyer
Optimized for Last-Mile Delivery buyers. Priority specs lifted to the top and marked with a target.
Layer 1: Identity & Trust
Manufacturer Country
- ExplorerUnited Kingdom
- ML150S - Solar MULEUnited States
Year First Available
- Explorer2009
- ML150S - Solar MULE2018
Verified Deployments
- Explorer0 Deployments
- ML150S - Solar MULE0 Deployments
Layer 2: Operational
Availability Status
- ExplorerACTIVE
- ML150S - Solar MULEACTIVE
Arm Mechanics
Payload
- Explorer20 kg
- ML150S - Solar MULE—
Reach
- Explorer2,500 mm
- ML150S - Solar MULE—
Degrees of Freedom
- Explorer—
- ML150S - Solar MULE6
Repeatability
- Explorer—
- ML150S - Solar MULE±0.1 mm
Robot Weight
- Explorer18.6 kg
- ML150S - Solar MULE—
Controller & Programming
Controller Model
- ExplorerControl and simulation unit
- ML150S - Solar MULE—
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1: Identity & Trust | ||
| Manufacturer Country (values differ) | United Kingdom | United States |
| Year First Available (values differ) | 2009 | 2018 |
| Verified Deployments | 0 Deployments | 0 Deployments |
| Layer 2: Operational | ||
| Availability Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
| Layer 3: Category Specific | ||
| Arm Mechanics | ||
| Payload (priority for Last-Mile Delivery buyers) (values differ) | 20 kg | — |
| Reach (values differ) | 2,500 mm | — |
| Degrees of Freedom (values differ) | — | 6 |
| Repeatability (values differ) | — | ±0.1 mm |
| Robot Weight (values differ) | 18.6 kg | — |
| Controller & Programming | ||
| Controller Model (values differ) | Control and simulation unit | — |
Insufficient data for full comparison
The following fields had no data for any of the selected robots: Price, Battery / Shift Runtime, Path Accuracy, Max TCP Speed, IP Rating (Arm), IP Rating (Wrist), Cycle Time (25/305/25), MTBF, Duty Cycle, Vibration Damping, Safety Category, Dual Check Safety, Safety I/O Pairs, E-Stop Response, Safe Zone Count, Programming Languages, Teach Pendant Type, Offline Programming, Digital Twin Support, Communication Protocols, ROS-Industrial Support, IoT / Cloud Platform, Cybersecurity Certs, Predictive Maintenance, Tool Flange Standard, Tool Changer (ISO), Internal Cable Routing, Pneumatic Lines, Electrical Lines, Price (USD), Warranty, Service Network, Spare Parts Lead Time, Expected Service Life
ROI Comparison
Same operating assumptions across every robot — the only difference is price. Set your numbers once to see which pays back fastest.
Annual labor displaced (per robot): $50,000
| Metric | Explorer | ML150S - Solar MULE |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | No price | No price |
| Payback period | — | — |
| Net savings (5 yr) | — | — |
| ROI (5 yr) | — | — |
Explorer, ML150S - Solar MULE have no listed price, so payback can't be computed. Contact the manufacturer for a quote.
Estimates labor-cost displacement only — not a full total cost of ownership. Actual ROI depends on integration, maintenance, training, downtime, and task fit. Converted currencies are indicative; USD is the price of record.
Trade-offs at a glance
Frequently asked
Who makes Explorer and ML150S - Solar MULE?
Explorer is made by OC Robotics, based in GB. ML150S - Solar MULE is made by Construction Robotics, based in US.
When were Explorer and ML150S - Solar MULE launched?
Explorer launched in 2009. ML150S - Solar MULE launched in 2018.
How do Explorer and ML150S - Solar MULE compare on the Robo Index?
Explorer grades AA on the Robo Index. ML150S - Solar MULE grades BB. The Robo Index is a credibility grade (AAA … C) that blends commercial maturity, verified deployments, company standing, and independent coverage — see methodology for the full breakdown.
How does the reach of Explorer compare to ML150S - Solar MULE?
Explorer has a reach of 2500 mm. ML150S - Solar MULE has a reach of 2000 mm.
Are Explorer and ML150S - Solar MULE in the same category?
Both robots are classified as Industrial Arm on Robolist. Filters and ranking treat them as direct alternatives.
What is the realistic total cost of ownership for Industrial Arm robots?
Hardware cost is one input. Industrial Arm TCO also includes integration, training, downtime, and end-of-life. Our breakdown: TCO of a 6-Axis Arm Cell: Hardware, EOAT, Integration, Programming.
What should a buyer ask vendors when choosing between Explorer and ML150S - Solar MULE?
Spec sheets only show part of the story. Useful vendor questions cover support, lifecycle, integration cost, and references. We have a buyer-focused checklist: Industrial Arm Vendor Selection: Capability Matrices and Proof Points.
Going deeper — picking the right robot
TCO of a 6-Axis Arm Cell: Hardware, EOAT, Integration, Programming
7 min readIndustrial Arms
Industrial Arm Vendor Selection: Capability Matrices and Proof Points
9 min readIndustrial Arms
Programming Approaches: Teach Pendant, Offline, AI-Assisted — What Each Costs You
8 min readIndustrial Arms
Build vs buy vs lease: which model fits a first deployment
8 min readChoosing Your First Robot
The hidden specs vendors hope you'll miss
10 min readReading the Spec Sheet
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About this comparison
Explorer vs ML150S - Solar MULE compares two robots in the industrial-arm category. All data is sourced from manufacturer spec sheets, verified deployments, and third-party filings; see our methodology for how the Robo Index is calculated.