Open APIs for Cobots: Why Fairino Makes Life Easy for Developers
Cobots have become a main driver of automation. Where a traditional industrial robot needs proprietary software, a complex integration and a serious budget, a cobot opens the door for companies of any size. And when it comes to making cobot programming simpler, cheaper and friendlier for developers, Fairino stands out with its open APIs and free SDKs.
The rise of the cobot
Adoption is growing fast. Small and medium companies that were once priced out of automation now find a cobot to be a realistic entry point. These arms handle assembly, quality inspection, packaging and logistics.
But the real value is not only in what a cobot does. It is in how developers work with it, through open APIs and SDKs.
Why open APIs matter
From closed to open
Industrial robots used to be closed systems that needed expensive vendor software and certification. That created lock in and slowed everything down. With open APIs you get direct access to the robot's functions, and with it, freedom.
What that gives a developer
- A short learning curve if you already know Python, C++ or C#.
- No dependence on a niche proprietary language.
- Easier integration with your IT and OT systems.
- An active community that keeps building.
Fairino fits that model: free SDKs that give developers what they need, without hidden costs.
The Fairino ecosystem
Free SDKs, several languages
Fairino publishes SDKs for several environments, Python and C++ among them. You use the tools you already know instead of learning a niche language, which cuts development time.
Protocols: TCP/IP, Modbus, EtherCAT
With support for TCP/IP, Modbus and EtherCAT, a Fairino cobot talks to your machines, your PLCs and your IT systems without a translator in between.
IT and OT, joined up
Fairino bridges operational technology and information technology, so data flows across the layers. That is what Industry 4.0 actually asks for.
Affordable, from €4,600
Cost against value
Fairino cobots start at €4,600, which puts them among the most affordable collaborative robots on the market and drops the cost of entry considerably.
Lower barriers for smaller companies
A company that could not previously afford robotic automation can now test, deploy and scale without a painful budget conversation. Affordable hardware, open development, both at once.
What developers get out of it
Faster prototyping
Design, test and refine a workflow quickly, because the API does not stand in your way.
Cross platform
The SDKs are not tied to one platform, so they slot into existing infrastructure, from a cloud dashboard to an on premises control system.
Where they are used
Manufacturing
Assembly lines, welding, and any repetitive task that needs precision.
Logistics and warehousing
Picking, packing and moving goods.
Healthcare and education
In labs, hospitals and classrooms, where people and robots share a bench.
Bridging IT and OT
Why it matters
You want real time insight, predictive maintenance and data that moves. That only happens when your data systems and your physical equipment talk to each other.
Where Fairino helps
Modbus, EtherCAT and TCP/IP support means native interoperability with both worlds.
Hands on with the SDK
Python, C++ and more
You do not reinvent the wheel. Fairino gives you the functions and libraries to move, control and manage the robot.
Simulate before you deploy
Test in a virtual environment first, which keeps errors and downtime out of the plant.
Safety and compliance
Built in
Fairino cobots comply with the international safety certifications for human robot collaboration.
What that looks like
Force limiting, emergency stops and real time monitoring protect the operator while the cell keeps running.
What sets Fairino apart
Price against performance
Few cobots match this balance of price, performance and access for developers.
Developer first
By putting open APIs and SDKs first, Fairino keeps complexity down and speed up.
Where this goes next
AI and machine learning
As cobots pick up AI, you can build adaptive workflows on top of the same open APIs.
A growing community
The open approach encourages people to share libraries, scripts and solutions, which speeds up progress across the industry.
FAQ
Is the SDK free?
Yes. Fairino provides a free SDK with libraries for Python, C++ and other languages.
How affordable are Fairino cobots?
They start at €4,600, which is among the lowest on the market.
Which industries use them?
Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and education, among others.
Do they support IT and OT integration?
Yes. Modbus, EtherCAT and TCP/IP are all supported.
Can I test before deploying on hardware?
Yes. There are simulation environments for safe testing and debugging.
How is safety handled?
Fairino cobots meet the international safety standards and include force limiting and emergency stops.
Why developers choose Fairino
Automation that is easy, affordable and built for developers. Free SDKs, open APIs, standard protocols, and a starting price of €4,600 excl. VAT. For a developer, being able to integrate with IT and OT while coding in a familiar language settles the argument.
All SDKs (Python, C++, C#, ROS and ROS2) are published on GitHub. Datasheets, manuals and CAD models sit in our support and downloads hub. Ready to try? Start with the FR3 or book a demo.
