Revolutionizing the Industrial Automation Through the Use of Cobots 

In 2016, world robotics report predicted that cobots would be the driving force behind automation. Another prediction by the international data corporation showed that approximately 30% of new robotic applications would be cobots by the year 2018.  

This prediction went further to note that the operational capability of these cobots would be up to three times faster than industrial robots, and that they would be safe enough to interact with humans within the same working environment.  

Use of cobots has increased with many companies embracing automation to improve productivity, speed, and precision. Today, both small and middle sized companies can use cobots especially because they are flexible and can fit in restricted spaces. In addition, due to increased cobot demand, prices have continued to drop making them affordable. 

Cobot sales are expected to rise exponentially in the coming years. It is therefore evident that these machines will play a major role in industrial automation. These new generation robots are more appropriate, affordable, safer, and user friendly when it comes to flexibility and design. They are also easy to install and operate unlike the conventional industrial robots which were bulky, complex, and needed to be secured to prevent injuries.  

Safety Specifications 

Cobots come complete with built in safety components to allow human and machine collaboration. They are different from the traditional industrial robots because the latter requires installation of security barriers, and can only be operated behind safety barricades.  

Collaborative robots’ design includes safety control functions which are in line with existing cobot regulations. The functions include; separation and speed regulation, hand guiding, force and power restricting mechanisms, and safety regulated stops.  

With these features, cobots do not require safety barriers, and cobots can interact with human workers closely and safely, enabling them to operate within restricted spaces.  

Efficiency and Ease of Use 

Cobots are easily programmable and individuals do not need to have prior experience to operate them. They are easy to customize and incorporate within assembly and production lines in the manufacturing sector. Re-programming conventional industrial robots is difficult due to their sophisticated programming process.

 On the other hand, cobots are both user friendly and can be programmed and re-programmed accordingly, and incorporated within already existing systems, making them more efficient when it comes to performing different tasks.  

Organizations only need a variety of accessories to tailor make cobots,and enable them to undertake different tasks. Again, they do not need experienced technicians to fit the accessories as they can do it independently.  

Moving conventional industrial robots is an arduous task since they are bulky and come with heavy parts. Cobots however are compact and lightweight. They can be easily moved to different parts without altering the dimensional layout. When it comes to accuracy and ability, cobots are more robust as compared to traditional industrial cobots.

Some of the tasks that require utmost precision include; textile handling, gluing, assembling of small parts, applications that need rapid back and forth motion, and screw driving.  

Affordability 

Using cobots comes with numerous financial benefits. They are affordable and businesses can use them regardless of their size. Due to their ease of use and safety aspect, applying and integrating them within the business comes at a low cost.  

Businesses will not need to make huge investments such as searching for extra space to accommodate them, or incorporate costly safety barriers and features. Unlike conventional industrial robots, cobots are not restricted to one location. This enhances efficiency and promotes human machine interaction.  

Using cobots that can be utilized in the execution of multiple applications provides more efficiency, productivity, and a high return on investment. Additionally, cobots can be customized to handle simple tasks such as; packaging, picking, palletizing, and machine tending.

Cobots are also more durable and can be used for a prolonged period of time for different automation processes.  

Finally 

Cobots offer lasting concrete benefits which include improved quality and productivity, minimal material wastage, and enhanced precision. Cobots guarantee reliable output while making work easier.