Issue10 eMagazine v2 - Flipbook - Page 5
COLLABORATIVE ROBOTS
In Low-Volume Production
Moreover, high-mix, low-volume production involves
the application of stricter quality control measures, as
the probability of production errors occurring increases
when batch sizes are reduced. The reason for this is
that the variability inherent in HMLV production makes
it more challenging to achieve or maintain process
consistency – something that’s essential in turning out
nearly defect-free products.
These are some of the stumbling blocks HMLV
manufacturers need to address to provide quality
products, meet production goals and reduce
operational costs.
Collaborative Robots – The Solution
to Growing Product Mixes
Collaborative robots or ‘cobots’ require minimal
programming to perform tasks and adjust to changes
in part sizing and position. By enabling humans to
work alongside cobots, you can lessen your reliance
on custom fixturing that tends to make HMLV less
productive. Some cobots are also mobile, so you can
deploy them anywhere the work is on your shop floor.
The utility of collaborative robots can be maximised
in the following manufacturing scenarios:
• Manufacturing outfits with a family product mix and
employing anywhere between 50 and 500 employees
• Manufacturers looking to have a quick payback
period of around six months or so on their capital
investments
• Businesses where filling shifts is not feasible but can
reassign employees to positions with more added
value
• Companies who employ operators performing
repetitive or high-risk tasks
When it comes to dealing with the challenges posed
by high-mix, low-volume production, collaborative
robots have become an increasingly attractive option.
This is especially true for manufacturers
that need flexible solutions for their
growing product mix yet don’t have the
volume of work or capital required to
invest in automation technology.
Compared to their earlier counterparts and typical
industrial robots, collaborative robots today are
smaller, lighter and easier to integrate, making them
ideal for small and medium-sized manufacturers. They
also offer better interoperability within work cells.
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