Before introducing robots, robots were viewed as gadgets that users could only use in manufacturing firms that had significant output demand. All this, having little to no human interaction.
The first step towards effective automation adoption is knowing the amount of robot-human collaboration your industry needs.
Collaborative robots (cobots) have come a long way and are creating quite a buzz in the manufacturing industry. Before introducing robots, robots were viewed as gadgets that users could only use in manufacturing firms that had significant output demand. All this, having little to no human interaction.
Recent technological advancements have, however, brought robots and humans closer. This is one of the reasons why collaborative robots are found in many different-sized firms. Cobot's ability to interact and work side-by-side with humans has also led to their high demand in the manufacturing world.
What does robot-human collaboration look like
The enthusiasm surrounding the use of cobots is quite understandable. Some may wonder if cobots can be used without human intervention. In such a case, it is worth noting that there isn't a thing as 'collaborative robots,' just collaborative applications. Those applications include:
- Monitored stop (safety-rated)
- Separation and speed monitoring
- Force and power limiting
- Hand guiding
Let's look at different places collaborative robots have been used in
Amazon currently has more than 30,000 robots used to fulfill orders. Even with such a large fleet of robots, human workers still get to keep their jobs. An article by Houston Chronicle in 2017 stated that the online giant had hired over 2,500 employees full-time. This number was double the amount Amazon had hired the previous year.
Amazon isn't alone in finding common ground for humans and robots in the workplace. DHL also uses collaboration robots to support its warehouse staff. So, instead of pushing carts all over the warehouse, robots will pick up the orders and drop them off for delivery.
Why using a collaborative robot is the in-thing
Gauging the exact number of cobots in use is not easy. This is because almost all manufacturers now are using at least one collaborative robot in one way or the other. Moreover, many have been sold in non-collaborative settings. One thing's for sure, these robots have opened up the world of possibility as they now have many different exciting uses.
Robotic collaboration comes with many benefits. For instance, human workers with ergonomically challenging roles can rely on cobots for assistance. Some cobots are also relatively inexpensive, and their set-up is as easy as plug-and-play. What's more, cobots are pretty flexible in that some can be used in multiple applications.
These robots are also not like the robots used back in the day. That is, robots that had to have a fence surrounding them to keep human workers safe. Cobots work side-by-side with human workers, thus increasing productivity by a large margin.
Some collaborative robots also save up on floor space. This is because their flexibility also spreads to their work envelope. Some can be placed on counter-tops or hung on walls. This work envelope flexibility is most useful for manufacturers with limited floor space.
Benefits and advantages of using a collaborative robot
The most significant benefit is the cobot's ability to work with human workers without the need for extra security systems. These robots also don't need additional workspaces to operate. This, however, doesn't mean that appropriate safety measures shouldn't be put in place when using cobots.
Moreover, as earlier mentioned, collaborative robots' programming and installation are more straightforward than conventional robots. Most, if not all, cobots have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Users also can manually relocate the cobots to their desired location.
The simplicity that comes with the installation of cobots is so versatile because they are easily movable and can be changed to perform different tasks. Other benefits include:
- High precision: Incorporating cobots has been seen to reduce manual management errors. It has also been reported that their use increases the accuracy of various processes.
- Increased safety: Cobots can perform dangerous and un-ergonomic operations. This, in turn, ensures that there are zero work-related injuries because a robot has perfect precision. Cobots are also suitable for hazardous environments and can handle sharp objects, chips, or gases.
- Productivity increase: Unlike human workers, collaborative robots do not need to work shifts or take breaks. They can work round-the-clock without interruption and do repetitive tasks without compromising quality. The result is increased productivity even for human workers who get time to focus on other tasks.
- Scalability and flexibility: Cobots can quickly adapt to several tasks, and owing to their easy installation, they are easily movable. Different tasks can be performed with perfect precision using the same cobot.
Areas where collaborative robots have been put into application
Machines like CNC feeder
Feeding tasks are pretty repetitive, and they tend to have a stagnant value to a product. This is what makes cobots perfect for machines like CNC feeders.
Pick & place
Like the aforementioned tasks, pick & place tasks are also quite repetitive and require decreased waste and increased precision. Thus, the need for cobots to handle all picking and placing of products in a workplace.
Assembling
Cobots have been known to reduce time spent in assembly. That is why they are also primarily used in the automotive manufacturing industry. These collaborative robots and fast and give perfect quality no matter the quantity of production.
Surface finishing
Chrome plating and gluing are delicate tasks and thus require precision and handling with care. Some cobots come with in-built sensors which enable them to perform surface finishing tasks perfectly.
Welding
The car manufacturing industry is most famous for using collaborative robots to weld parts together. Cobots used to weld give not only high-quality precision give high-quality precision and reduce injuries such as cuts and burns that result from manual welding.
Neural networks and deep learning by a robot
Sensor systems' data contribution to robots doesn't mean robots can provide adaptability or intelligence to their environment and perform tasks.
The data cobots have first need to be processed so that the robot can understand the actions expected of it. Depending on the complexity of a task, data processing can be carried out via neural networks and deep learning or traditional software systems.
Deep learning is carried out in a system where the cobot is required to use its sensor to make decisions. Deep learning is also used in places where the very complex is needed and is based on sensor data.
Design of tools and claws for robotics
A critical aspect of the systems used by industrial robots is their mode of interaction with the process or product. Designing tools and claws is essential, just as is the communication and programming of the robot.
Designers must assure cobot users that their products will not be damaged and that collaborative robots will correctly perform their tasks. There are times when the design is quite complex. This complexity is either caused by the product's design or the process' complexity.
Conclusion
Cobots were first used in the manufacturing of cars. When all the benefits are considered, it is no wonder that the use of collaborative robots has morphed even in other industries. Some even think they are "the great equalizers" helping small and medium companies grow despite the many challenges.
Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels
