Explorer vs RoboArc
Side-by-side comparison of Explorer (OC Robotics) and RoboArc (Metalcraft Automation Group) — specs, pricing, Robo Index, and verified deployments. Updated daily.
Optimize comparison for buyer
Optimized for Home & Household buyers. Priority specs lifted to the top and marked with a target.
Layer 1: Identity & Trust
Manufacturer Country
- ExplorerUnited Kingdom
- RoboArcUnited States
Year First Available
- Explorer2009
- RoboArc—
Verified Deployments
- Explorer0 Deployments
- RoboArc0 Deployments
Layer 2: Operational
Availability Status
- ExplorerACTIVE
- RoboArcACTIVE
Arm Mechanics
Robot Weight
- Explorer18.6 kg
- RoboArc—
Payload
- Explorer20 kg
- RoboArc453.6 kg
Reach
- Explorer2,500 mm
- RoboArc—
Degrees of Freedom
- Explorer—
- RoboArc6
Performance
Duty Cycle
- Explorer—
- RoboArccontinuous 24 7
Controller & Programming
Controller Model
- ExplorerControl and simulation unit
- RoboArc—
Programming Languages
- Explorer—
- RoboArcTP/KAREL
Teach Pendant Type
- Explorer—
- RoboArcwired button
Offline Programming
- Explorer—
- RoboArcROBOGUIDE
End-Effector
Tool Flange Standard
- Explorer—
- RoboArcISO 9409-1
Internal Cable Routing
- Explorer—
- RoboArcthrough arm and wrist
Commercial
Service Network
- Explorer—
- RoboArcregional
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 1: Identity & Trust | ||
| Manufacturer Country (values differ) | United Kingdom | United States |
| Year First Available (values differ) | 2009 | — |
| Verified Deployments | 0 Deployments | 0 Deployments |
| Layer 2: Operational | ||
| Availability Status | ACTIVE | ACTIVE |
| Layer 3: Category Specific | ||
| Arm Mechanics | ||
| Robot Weight (priority for Home & Household buyers) (values differ) | 18.6 kg | — |
| Payload (values differ) | 20 kg | 453.6 kg |
| Reach (values differ) | 2,500 mm | — |
| Degrees of Freedom (values differ) | — | 6 |
| Performance | ||
| Duty Cycle (values differ) | — | continuous 24 7 |
| Controller & Programming | ||
| Controller Model (values differ) | Control and simulation unit | — |
| Programming Languages (values differ) | — | TP/KAREL |
| Teach Pendant Type (values differ) | — | wired button |
| Offline Programming (values differ) | — | ROBOGUIDE |
| End-Effector | ||
| Tool Flange Standard (values differ) | — | ISO 9409-1 |
| Internal Cable Routing (values differ) | — | through arm and wrist |
| Commercial | ||
| Service Network (values differ) | — | regional |
Insufficient data for full comparison
The following fields had no data for any of the selected robots: Price, Battery / Shift Runtime, Repeatability, Path Accuracy, Max TCP Speed, IP Rating (Arm), IP Rating (Wrist), Cycle Time (25/305/25), MTBF, Vibration Damping, Safety Category, Dual Check Safety, Safety I/O Pairs, E-Stop Response, Safe Zone Count, Digital Twin Support, Communication Protocols, ROS-Industrial Support, IoT / Cloud Platform, Cybersecurity Certs, Predictive Maintenance, Tool Changer (ISO), Pneumatic Lines, Electrical Lines, Price (USD), Warranty, 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 | RoboArc |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | No price | No price |
| Payback period | — | — |
| Net savings (5 yr) | — | — |
| ROI (5 yr) | — | — |
Explorer, RoboArc 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 RoboArc?
Explorer is made by OC Robotics, based in GB. RoboArc is made by Metalcraft Automation Group, based in US.
How do Explorer and RoboArc compare on the Robo Index?
Explorer grades AA on the Robo Index. RoboArc grades A. 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.
Are Explorer and RoboArc 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 RoboArc?
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 RoboArc 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.