Cobots in Manufacturing: How Cobots Are Taking Over The Shop Floor?
Cobots, or collaborative robots, are revolutionizing the manufacturing industry. Designed to work safely and efficiently alongside humans, cobots are increasingly being deployed for tasks such as assembly, packaging, and material handling. This report delves into the transformative impact of cobots on the shop floor, featuring insights from industry experts.
Why are cobots becoming so popular in manufacturing?
Rahul Patil, Product Marketing Manager – Robotics, Omron Automation, India explains that cobots address several key challenges in manufacturing. He said, “Cobots, being human-collaborative robots, are helping customers or manufacturers with their challenges, such as shop floor space and safety aspects. Collaborative robots manage production efficiently and are well-suited for high-mix, low-volume productions. They can be deployed quickly and easily, and their programming is not complicated. This ease of use helps manufacturers implement the technology swiftly and scale down the production area effectively.”
Advantages of cobots over traditional industrial robots
Virupakshappa Hovale, Regional Director – South Asia, Universal Robots highlights the advantages of cobots. He said, “Collaborative robots work alongside humans on the shop floor, augmenting tasks without replacing jobs. They are ideal for repetitive jobs, safety-related tasks, and situations where there is a shortage of skilled labor. Cobots come with built-in safety features, are easy to deploy, and can be moved and reprogrammed as needed. Unlike traditional robots, cobots do not require extensive safety fencing or light curtains, making them more flexible and safer to use.”
Cost Effectiveness and Return on Investment
On the cost-effectiveness of cobots, Rahul Patil notes, “Cobots can be relocated and redeployed easily, unlike fixed robots. They do not require extensive safety measures due to their certified safety features, which makes them cost-effective. When evaluating ROI, cobots often prove to be more economical due to lower maintenance needs and efficient design. Traditional industrial robots require regular maintenance, but cobots, with their compact and gearless design, require minimal upkeep.”
Employee Satisfaction and Performance Boost
Alka Sachdeva, Vice President, All India Council for Robotics & Automation emphasizes the benefits of cobots in enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity. She said, “Cobots improve task accuracy, minimize downtime, and enhance product quality by reducing human errors. They increase productivity and efficiency by integrating seamlessly into existing workflows and operating continuously. Cobots also improve workplace safety by handling delicate tasks and reducing injury risks. Additionally, they allow employees to focus on more complex tasks, thereby enhancing workforce skills and satisfaction.”
Conclusion
Alka Sachdeva said, “Cobots increase production efficiency and product quality while reducing costs. They are a valuable tool for improving workplace safety and productivity.”
Virupakshappa Hovale adds, “We believe in automation everywhere, for everyone. Humans should not work like robots but should work alongside cobots to enhance their efficiency and job satisfaction.”
Rahul Patil reflects Omron’s philosophy, he said, “Our global policy is to work for the benefit of society. Cobots, being the safest technology, align with our commitment to improving human ergonomics and life quality. Cobots are indeed the right choice for the future of manufacturing.”
The integration of cobots into manufacturing represents a significant step forward, promising enhanced productivity, safety, and efficiency on the shop floor. As these collaborative robots continue to evolve, their role in the manufacturing industry is set to expand, bringing numerous benefits to businesses and employees alike.
