There are many scenarios where robotics can be used to increase productivity and accuracy and free humans from the grind of repetitive tasks. Cobots take this a step further by being able to work alongside human operators in a truly collaborative way.
When looking at the application of future technology, it is widely recognized that robots will play an increasingly important role. Industrial, cooperative and collaborative robots can be game-changers for companies in the manufacturing, processing and assembly sectors, where they can increase productivity and flexibility. Technology has never stood still and robots are now more versatile than ever.
The latest innovation in the sector is the collaborative robot, also known as the cobot. This means that robots can now work alongside humans and use the same workspace, making many applications possible that were not possible before.
However, this is not the only reason to use a collaborative robot:
1. Advanced technology
When new technology becomes available, it can disrupt established ways of thinking, or it can spark interest in an area that may have escaped public attention; the latter is certainly the case with cobots.
Key elements driving this interest include visual programming, direct teaching, collision detection, integrated vision and extensive safety features, meaning cobots can be used in applications without the need for physical protection. This allows collaborative machines to match the level of sophistication of industrial robots, while increasing productivity on the factory floor and supporting data-driven, smart operations, where the information generated by cobots can provide actionable insights to maintain peak performance.
Add to that the fact that they look good, with a sleek design without any pinch points or sharp corners, and they are an attractive option for any application.
2. Ease of use
As robotics technology has evolved, so has the ease of use and the way it integrates with peripherals. What was once the domain of the “expert” is now expected to be available to everyone, and this is actually one of the biggest benefits of using cobots.
The technology behind cobots means that their programming can be graphically based, with icons for functions and flowcharts for the sequence of the process. This reduces the complexity of programming and the time required for development and engineering.
The configuration of the cobot arms can be performed manually by guiding the cobot arm to the desired positions. The configuration of the robot “hands” is achieved using graphical parameters. If vision systems are required, a solution such as Mitsubishi Electric’s Assista allows users to set up cameras using an intuitive software wizard that guides the user through each step of the process. It is also capable of automatically performing other important functions, such as the calibration of a coordinate system using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Ultimately, companies installing cobots on their production lines do not initially require the same level of robotics or programming expertise as standard industrial robots.
3. Extensibility
It’s not just the cobots that are user-friendly. Assistive devices, such as vision systems and grippers, are designed to meet the same level of user-friendliness. In particular, many components offer “plug and play” functionality, so they can be easily connected to the robot arms.
There is no need to run wiring and no adapters to design and manufacture, further simplifying the overall automation infrastructure while supporting flexibility. In fact, users can easily interchange components to support a variety of different applications.
4. Flexibility
The advantages discussed above, especially how easy it is to program, install, use and equip cobots, also lead to highly flexible production cells and machines. Companies can change the way collaborative robots function and behave in just a few intuitive steps. In addition, their grippers can be exchanged very quickly.
These capabilities are extremely cost-effective, allowing cobots to quickly switch from one task to another. This makes it possible to benefit from highly flexible and agile systems that can help automate mixed product assemblies and small series. Furthermore, because users can adapt and optimize the cobot programs over time, these solutions make it particularly easy to continuously increase productivity, helping to implement continuous improvement strategies.
5. The business case
When it comes to getting a project approved, it can be a challenge to make it stand out from the crowd of budget requests. Not so with cobots, which can open up new opportunities for businesses of all sizes while delivering a rapid return on investment (ROI), typically in less than a year. Additionally, the use of collaborative machines can help users increase their confidence and skills in factory automation. As a result, companies can develop in-house expertise that supports the use of more complex, faster, or heavier payload industrial robots on their production lines. Ultimately, companies can evolve over time to use different types of robots to perform key activities and processes, depending on the applications.
Conclusion
With all the benefits a cobot can bring, the question must be asked, does this mean there is no longer a need for a traditional industrial robot?
The answer is of course no, if for example speed is important then the industrial robot is still the best choice. However, Cobot technology is having an impact on the development of industrial robots. For example, many of the safety features that were once found on collaborative robots are now standard on industrial versions. Collaborative robots are often found on the same production lines as industrial robots, so it is very important to choose an equipment supplier that can offer both, such as Mitsubishi Electric.
The right choice of cobot should offer all the programming possibilities already described, but should also have more complex features, such as an advanced scripting language, so that as the user's knowledge increases, the applications used by the cobot can become increasingly complex and demanding.
It is clear that robotics technology is evolving at a rapid pace and that industry adoption will follow suit. The question is not collaborative robots versus industrial robots, but rather the marriage of the two and matching the right technology to the right application. If this is successful, the further adoption of robots in industry is inevitable and humans will either collaborate with the robots as part of their job or be deployed for less mundane tasks elsewhere in the process.
Additional information
Would you like to exchange ideas without obligation about the possibilities within your organization? The professionals at Mol Industrial Automation are ready to assist you.
Tel: 0229-714212 or info@mol-ia.nl
