How are collaborative robots revolutionising the manufacturing landscape?

Collaboration

Arguably the most important benefit is the ability to work alongside humans as opposed to replacing them. Automating repetitive actions or intensively laborious tasks not only offers the employee physical relief but also allows them to advance skill sets in other areas of their role. The intelligent nature of the cobot allows it to become accustomed to its hybrid environment, meaning there is no need for a safety fence and they work together side by side.

The Safety of the Workforce

As mentioned earlier and closely linked to the point above, workplace safety is of paramount importance on the factory floor and with the inception of cobots, productivity can soar while employees remain safe as the cobot takes on any dangerous tasks. To highlight another example, a cobot could carry out the welding process which would protect the employees from flashes and lasting optical damage. There is a common misconception that all robotics must be isolated from the people and while this may be true of industrial robots, cobots are designed specifically to collaborate. Like being shoulder to shoulder with a colleague, the cobot is perfectly safe when in close proximity, designed with rounded corners and equipped with sensors to indicate nearby movement. These sensors pinpoint people walking in its path and stop the machine when someone or something is in its path.

No Complex Programming or Training

The introduction of technology may certainly feel daunting, especially for those less technologically minded. However, the collaborative nature of cobots translates to the user experience, negating the need for intensive training and programming skills. By physically moving the robot, the employee can teach the cobot to perform a specific task which it can later do without guidance. The programming needs of a cobot are also minimal so if your factory floor is in the process of implementing this technology, have no fear. In a short number of hours, you will be ready to roll.

Versatile Capabilities

Whether they are mobile and moving throughout the process or mounted for a singular repetitive purpose, they have the capability to offer universal assistance. It does not matter if you need it to carry out precise welding or complete a simple pick and place action, they can do it all. The cobot is simply reprogrammed when moved and merges seamlessly into its new role to offer assistance where required. Choosing the right cobot for your operations will be completely dependent on your needs such as the speed of your production line, the hefty tasks carried out within it and if the cobot is required to complete multiple tasks at the same time. The competencies of cobots know no bounds. Arguably the most important element of manufacturing is the quality assurance, impacting brand image, reputation and sales. The cobot can even carry out premium quality control as it uses sensors and cameras to identify defects when connected to image analysis software.

No Basic Needs to Fulfil

Unlike a human being, a cobot has no need to stop and refuel with a coffee and snack, no need to take a break and rest. So with these needs out of the picture, more work can get done within the allotted working day and employees can continue to take care of their wellbeing without production grinding to a halt, boosting morale. This translates to significant financial savings as time is more efficiently spent and numerous tasks can be completed at the same time, bolstering your bottom line.