The telescopic lift column is a rigid, high force column designed for heavy duty applications. Since this fully enclosed column has no pinch points, requires minimal maintenance and has a payload capacity of up to 25 kg, it can be used in a variety of applications. The efficiency of the actuator is tuned to ensure a self-locking system to be completely safe for cobot usage while minimizing friction and energy loss. The motor, sensors and drive components are all pre-installed inside the lift column, leaving only the mounting of the column to the ground or frame, the robot atop the column, and plugging the column into the controller the only steps to be fully deployed.