Issue10 eMagazine v2 - Flipbook - Page 6
Benefits of Using Collaborative Robots for Low-Volume Production
Collaborative robots are designed to share human workspaces or shop floors by performing repetitive, simple,
sometimes unsafe or physically taxing tasks. Their flexibility and mobility also help make automation easier for
businesses of all sizes. The advantages offered by collaborative robots are described in greater detail below:
Ease of
Programming
Through the use of
intuitive, 3D
visualisation or
touchscreen arrow
keys, users can
easily manipulate
the robot arm to
desired waypoints.
Hand-guided
teaching has also
contributed to the
ease and speed of
configuring
collaborative robots.
Convenient
Integration
Output
Consistency
& Reliability
Being lightweight
and movable,
collaborative
robots can be
conveniently and
quickly integrated
into existing
infrastructure.
There’s no need to
make substantial
or permanent
changes in your
shop floor setup.
Moreover, they
can be set up and
operational in a
matter of weeks.
Since collaborative
robots are
programmed to
perform specific
tasks, expect little
to no variation in
the output. This
kind of automation
is crucial to
ensuring consistency. Also,
collaborative
robots contribute
significantly to
product quality in
high-product
variation settings.
Reduction of
Operational
Costs
By reducing a
manufacturing
facility’s reliance
on human labour,
operational costs
may be kept to a
minimum while still
meeting quality
standards and
production targets.
Safer
Workspaces
Collaborative
robots can take
over high-risk,
dirty, routine jobs
to make
manufacturing
environments
safer, reduce
repetitive strain
injuries and
accidents, and
boost morale
among human
workers.
Collaborative robots work alongside people,
helping to ease the tasks of humans, which
is unlike our preconceived notion that
robots are replacing people’s jobs.
• Mobile: These cobots can be placed virtually
With human-robot collaboration, you can increase
productivity by as much as 85%, according to a
research by MIT. In this setup, the collaborative robot
works a lot like an assistant for a human staff member.
Collaborative Robots – Game
Changers of Modern Manufacturing
Some of the most common types of
collaborative robots are:
Martin Thomas, European Marketing Manager at
Radwell International Ltd explains more. “The higher
demand for customised products in today’s market is a
challenge every manufacturer must face head-on.
anywhere on the shop floor and are quite useful in
performing pick-and-place tasks and fast line
changeovers.
• Fixed base: These cobots usually have one arm
that performs repetitive or routine tasks with parts
and tools.
• Wearable: Examples of wearable cobots include
exoskeletons where the user directs the movement
of the device or machine. Here, the exoskeleton
placed on the wearer works as an amplifier that
augments or reinforces human action or
performance.
06
Radwell.co.uk
By investing in collaborative robots, your manufacturing outfit will be well-equipped to meet changing
market demands while meeting your production goals
and quality standards, and managing operational
costs. Collaborative robots not only offer the maximum
return on investment but also function as key enablers
in modern manufacturing processes.”
