Collaborative Robotics: Industry Benefits and Trends

Collaborative robotics is a field that is constantly evolving and offers numerous benefits and advantages to its users. In this article, we explain what collaborative robots, or cobots, are and their unique characteristics, such as their modes of collaboration. We will also discuss how collaborative robotics is currently used in various industries, highlighting the benefits and advantages it offers. And lastly, we'll touch on some of the most common applications of collaborative robotics and how they are improving productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

 

What Are Cobots?

Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are designed to work safely and effectively alongside human operators in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are equipped with advanced sensors and control systems that allow them to interact with humans without causing harm. They are built to be flexible and adaptable, with the ability to switch between tasks and applications quickly and easily. Cobots are designed to improve workplace efficiency and productivity by working collaboratively with human operators, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Their unique characteristics, such as their advanced sensors and lightweight materials, enable them to perform complex tasks with precision and accuracy, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in various industries.

 

Key Differences Between Robots and Cobots 

 

Human-Robot Collaboration

Cobots stand apart from traditional robots in their design, which prioritizes working in tandem with humans. While traditional robots work independently, cobots are designed to work alongside human operators, creating an efficient ecosystem for workers. With cobots handling dangerous and repetitive tasks, workers can focus on more critical tasks that require human intelligence and creativity.

 

Safety 

Since cobots are designed to work collaboratively with humans, they are equipped with safety features such as sensors that ensure a safe working environment. If a human and a cobot come into close proximity, the cobot will immediately stop, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. This safety feature makes the working environment more worker-friendly, with safety as the top priority. In contrast, traditional robots are usually fenced or caged for safety purposes.

 

Ease of Use and Flexibility

Unlike traditional robots that require complex coding and lengthy installation processes, cobots can be quickly programmed to perform different tasks using intuitive interfaces and mobile applications. These robots can learn and adjust quickly, making them a valuable asset in an ever-changing work environment. Additionally, cobots don’t need separate safety barriers to separate humans from the machines, thanks to their advanced sensors and safety features. Cobots can detect the presence of humans and immediately stop operations, ensuring the safety of workers. These benefits make cobots a desirable addition to any workplace, as they offer an efficient and safe way to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

 

What Are the Advantages of Cobots?

 

Instantly Programmable

Collaborative robots or cobots have revolutionized the manufacturing industry through their ability to enhance human-robot collaboration. Unlike conventional robots, cobots are designed to work alongside humans, enabling them to work on dangerous or repetitive tasks, while humans can focus on more complex activities. One of the most significant advantages of cobots is their ease of programming and reusability, which is not the case with conventional robots. In the past, traditional robots were hard to install, and it was costly and time-consuming to reprogram them. In contrast, cobots are easy to program, and a simple mobile application is enough to teach them new actions.

 

Moreover, users can manually code and change the position of cobots since they are usually lightweight and do not require a highly skilled technician. This creates a self-sustainable environment that saves time and money.

 

Quick Setup 

In the past, installing and assigning tasks to robots often posed challenges, requiring significant time and effort. It was a cumbersome and inflexible process, especially during urgent or emergency situations. However, with the advent of cobots, the scenario has changed dramatically. Setting up a cobot can now be accomplished in as little as 30 minutes, thanks to its user-friendly nature. This means that even in unexpected or time-sensitive situations, cobots can be deployed swiftly, acting as flexible and temporary employees to fulfil critical tasks.

 

Flexibility 

Cobots offer excellent flexibility in terms of their programming and functionality. Adding a new task to a cobot is incredibly simple, making them highly adaptable to different production scenarios and schedules. The ability to reprogram cobots easily also means that they can be trained to perform a variety of different tasks, making them an ideal solution for workplaces that require frequent task changes. This adaptability and versatility also make cobots useful during emergencies or peak hours when production demands are high. With their ability to handle different tasks, cobots can quickly be assigned to areas with higher demand and help workers meet production targets, ultimately boosting productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

 

Trends Impacting Industrial Collaborative Robots

 

Automated Pickings 

Collaborative robotics has found an exciting new application in automated picking, which can significantly enhance the productivity of human pickers. By automating the picking process, cobots can quickly retrieve products from the inventory and pack them for shipment, thereby streamlining the process and improving efficiency while also reducing costs. In the past, picking was often a tedious and time-consuming task that could consume a great deal of workers' time and energy. However, with the increasing prevalence of e-commerce, automated picking has become an essential component of many businesses, allowing workers to focus on more complex and valuable tasks that require human expertise. Companies that rely on manual picking systems often struggle to keep up with demand, which can erode their reputation and lead to lost business. As a result, automated picking is gaining popularity as a means of boosting productivity and ensuring long-term success.

 

Machine Tending 

Machine tending involves the automation of industrial machinery tools, where loading and unloading are the primary functions, and other tasks such as blow-off, washing, deburring, sorting, and gauging are also included. This process is often done manually by human workers, which can be time-consuming, tedious, and costly for the company, with no guarantee of task accuracy. Cobots, on the other hand, can take over the hard work and free up workers to focus on more skilful and critical tasks, resulting in greater efficiency and productivity for the company.

 

Picking, Packaging, and Palletizing

The manufacturing industry heavily relies on picking, packing, and palletizing, which involves picking the product, packaging it, and transporting it to its designated location. Collaborative robotics has become a significant trend in this area, with cobots being widely used to improve efficiency and output. Packing and palletizing tasks are often tedious and repetitive, leading to worker dissatisfaction and decreased productivity. However, with the introduction of cobots, workers can delegate these tasks to the robots, freeing them up to focus on more skilled and meaningful work. AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) equipped with cobots have also been increasingly used for palletizing, streamlining the entire process.

 

Conclusion

We are a trusted partner and leader in the manufacturing of robotic solutions. Cobots have proven to be an effective solution for improving the productivity and safety of industrial processes. By working alongside humans, cobots not only increase the efficiency of the plant but also boost the morale of workers by taking on tedious and hazardous tasks. With the widespread application of cobots in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, the demand for these AI-powered machines will continue to rise, paving the way for even more innovative use cases and advancements in collaborative robotics technology.