How industrial robots are the future in material handling

Manufacturing plants have intricate production lines that need to run smoothly for the business to be profitable. There is a constant need for innovation and adjustments of processes to ensure that the assembly line runs effectively with minimum downtime. Industrial robots have taken the strain off certain processes to increase turnaround time and optimize delivery of quality goods. This has made it easier for businesses to increase productivity and streamline the flow of the assembly line. Material handling has been a key process in which robots have been implemented as it simplifies the process and opens employees to focus on other important assembly tasks.

As robots become more popular in material handling their features and application become more prolific which cements their future in this area. As technology progresses, robots can answer more demands in manufacturing by using robotic arms in collaboration with area scanners to perform three-dimensional picking which will increase speed. These robots can also handle dangerous objects such as hot metals or materials with high chemical contents safely. Smaller robots will also be able to work with small and fragile parts with precision to avoid breakage or damage. They are generally used in food packaging, healthcare, and automotive industries as they offer more precise movements.

What are industrial robots?

Industrial robots perform tasks through autonomous systems sensors, controllers, manipulators, end-effectors, and drivers. They often operate on axes in the form of a robotic arm with a certain range of motion, depending on the type of robot you use, to perform assembly or transferring tasks. They are effective in performing repetitive tasks consistently with programmable solutions that you can adapt to your specific needs. They can be monitored to gain insights on their performance for you to change it as necessary. It eases the strain on workers on labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks which in turn increases your throughput.

Why use industrial robots for material handling?

Robot technology is a safe and proficient material handling solution. It creates safer workspaces and can work alongside humans. Material handling is an umbrella term for more advanced handling solutions; this includes fastening, pick and place, machine tending and press tending, or bending. This means that this solution can be implemented in different scenarios based on your assembly line and its requirements. It offers flexible use and can be purchased for different handling actions.

The value of material handling robots

These robots have a significant cost-saving and provide excellent accuracy and steadiness that is needed to perform certain tasks in the manufacturing process. Most notably, material handling robots increase throughput and lower loss, damages, or injury of workers. They are perfect to work along with human workers and offer a clear advantage in handling dangerous and precious products.

Material handling robots include actions such as sorting, picking, placing, palletizing, and depalletizing for production efficiency. They offer consistent production and can handle materials with flexibility by means of its ability to manage heavy products as well as more precise functions. The use of robots in material handling has steadily increased and is projected to gain more momentum as the market demand grows. More companies are opting for robotic solutions for material handling mainly because of the timesaving and the flexibility it provides.

The future of material handling robots

Based on reports the global material handling robots market size was estimated at US$5,810.4 million in 2020 and will likely grow to reach a valuation of US$13,800 million by 2026. This puts it at a steady growth of 13%. As demand grows and more functions are added to robots, material handling will become easily automated within many factories and production and assembly lines. The needs will differ from one manufacturer to the next which will make robots customizable based on requirements.

Yaskawa’s robotic solutions

We are a trusted partner and leader in the manufacturing of robotic solutions. It involves flexibility through 2D and 3D vision software as well as specialised software and tooling to enable customization for speed, safety, accuracy, and maximum productivity. We can also provide you with the necessary training to use your robot to its full potential. Contact us for more info.