What comes to mind when you think of a production line’s functions, such as sorting objects, packing boxes, and assembling parts? Maybe a long list of tasks that a cobot could do. In reality, cobot has now become part of our lives.
Collaborative robots (cobots) have carved their way into factories and warehouses. Cobot use keeps increasing as more manufacturers incorporate automation in their factories.
What is Cobot?
A cobot is a programmed industrial robot that performs repetitive tasks in manufacturing or warehouse establishments. Cobots are inexpensive and easy to use, making them accessible to businesses that don’t have much money to spend on technology.
Types of Cobots
Manual manipulators
These cobots resemble forklifts with hands and arms to pick up and move objects and are suitable for tasks that require quick responses. In addition, some models can switch between two-handed and four-handed manipulation when the need arises.
Automated manipulators
These cobots use sensors and computer vision technology to perform simple tasks without much human influence. For example, you can program them to move items from one place to another and deployable to warehouses or areas where manual handling is dangerous or impractical.
Mobile base
Mobile robots are mounted on wheels or tracks and travel throughout the facility, performing a range of tasks such as welding and painting before returning to their home base for charging.
Flexible spot welder
These robots have various attachments at the end of one arm to weld to multiple objects and shapes. Standard attachments include pliers or mechanical arms that can pick up and move parts around.
Benefits of Cobot in Manufacturing
Versatile
Cobots come with sensors that enable them to learn and follow commands to accomplish tasks efficiently. Some cobots can automatically complete tasks, while others require a remote control.
Safe Deployment of Human Workers
Through cobot, companies can replace humans in dangerous and repetitive tasks where safety is an issue, such as painting, moving heavy equipment in warehouses, assembling cars or welding pipes. The collaborative robot can even react to its surroundings by changing the direction or speed of its movements if something unexpected occurs during a task. In addition, cobots can navigate safely within confined spaces while working with people, thus resulting in a safer environment for everyone.
Eliminates Manual Tasks’ Challenges
Through their high-speed cameras and computer vision software, a collaborative robot can automate tasks by identifying moving objects and following pre-programmed set paths. By so doing, the collaborative robot can perform tasks that would otherwise require substantial physical strength and agility.
Multiple Applications
Cobots are helpful in different applications, including automotive manufacturing, medicine, warehouse and distribution, education, and entertainment. The rationale is that cobots can take over mundane tasks and let humans focus on more complex tasks safely and efficiently.
Precision
A cobot combines the precision of a machine with the intelligence of a person. They’re programmed to perform simple and complicated tasks like operating machinery or to work in dangerous environments. Cobots are self-operating robots that perform repetitive tasks in the manufacturing and service industries. This feature ensures quality output and minimal waste.
Accuracy
Cobots perform tasks and jobs that are dangerous or costly for humans. They can be on the factory floor, warehouse, or office. Software programs allow cobots to follow the rules and routines as per the program.
A cobot cannot think independently but is faster, accurate, and doesn’t require breaks or get tired or sick. Therefore, it doesn’t get distracted or fall asleep when executing tedious or complex tasks. For example, they can move around heavy objects without hurting.
Cost Saving
Cobots are much more cost-effective than conventional human labor, and they are programmable to perform the same tasks more quickly and with more precision. As a result, they’ll need fewer human workers to achieve the same production level.
Increase productivity
A cobot interacts with humans and allows them to carry out many jobs and tasks in various settings. In addition, one cobot can be connected to an entire line of automated machines, allowing it to accomplish more than one task at any given time.
Perform complex and challenging tasks
Robots can also help with more complex tasks, like assembly or welding multiple types of parts. You’ll see them on the factory floor doing things that might take a human worker many hours to complete. They may be hardwired to perform these tasks at a high level of quality and consistency.
How collaborative robots and humans work together
A collaborative robot arm can move along rail tracks that guide it along a precise path. It uses sensors to determine its position within that path and ensure it stays in place as it works. Robots can also use different tools depending on their tasks, such as a screwdriver for removing screws or an electronic drill. In addition, a worker may use a robotic arm to perform some functions.
A robotic arm is instrumental in industrial settings where precise movements are required to assemble mechanical parts. They are also helpful in medical centers and can hold equipment without damaging the device. They are useful in research labs as well.
The future of cobot
Soon, we’re going to see a cobot perform even more complex tasks and work alongside humans with zero restrictions or control. Several industries are experimenting with them now, including healthcare, military and even education.
Conclusion
There’s no question that automation is integral to our jobs. As such, there’s going to be a lot of disruption as traditional jobs get replacements. The impact will be felt most in manufacturing and logistics areas, where automation reduces costs and increases speed.
For example, cobots make parts or deliver goods without disrupting production lines or delivery schedules. The same benefits will extend to many other areas like healthcare and education, where it will be easier for customers to access those services. Cobots and humans can indeed work together, and it is this cooperation that is paving the way for the future of automation.
