Collaborative Robots
From R&D to complete in-house fabrication we offer the best, not only in providing the perfect end-to-end robotics solution but in customer satisfaction and ongoing support.
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What are Collaborative Robots?
Collaborative robots (cobots) are essential tools, designed to automate repetitive tasks that would have once been conducted by human labour. Robotic automation is nothing new, in fact, prototype industrial robots were first deployed as early as the 1960’s when General Motors introduced robots to perform spot welding.
A key difference between industrial robots and cobots is their speed. Due to their high speed, industrial robots are usually found isolated within safety enclosures, whereas cobots can operate close to humans as they move much slower and do not pose any real threats.
Cobots Keep Humans in Jobs
What separates cobots from the aforementioned industrial robots, is that cobots are integrated to enhance the work carried out by humans, and not replace them. The integration of collaborative robots into a workplace actually increases the value of a human workforce. Most companies that choose to utilise cobots will employ technicians, or provide valuable training to current staff, for the maintenance and programming of the robots.
How are they Used in Industry?
Cobots can be used for a wide range of applications, but in every scenario, the objective is to increase the efficiency or precision of an operation. In any industry, some tasks are simply repetitive. Automating repetitive, monotonous tasks frees up time for human labourers, so that they can carry out the work that requires a human touch.
The most common application for cobots is what’s known as ‘pick and place’. As the name would suggest, ‘pick and place’ robots do just that. Moving items from one workbench or conveyor system to the next. Other common applications for cobots include assembly, metal fabrication, loading and unloading, packaging and quality inspection.
What are the Advantages of Using Cobots?
Enhanced Safety
The obvious thing to mention here is that robots can perform tasks that would pose a danger to humans - This applies to tasks that use harmful chemicals or heavy machinery, capable of causing serious damage to human workers. However, people don’t often consider how by automating repetitive tasks, robots can remove the threat of repetitive strain injury (also known as ‘RPI’ or ‘work-related upper limb disorder’).
Faster Return on Investment
Collaborative robots cost much less than industrial robots and in some cases, the payback period is as short as 200 days. Due to their highly versatile nature and easily programmable setup, they can be quickly deployed in almost any application meaning you get the most value out of them in terms of usage and financial yield.
High Precision
Cobots are highly regarded for their precision and repeatability. Modern robots are capable of achieving placement errors as small as 0.03 mm, and when you consider how quickly these machines operate, the need for robotic process automation becomes apparent.
Increased Productivity
There are many examples of how cobots can increase productivity, but one compelling case is that when used in an inspection application, cobots fitted with modern Vision Systems are capable of identifying up to 100 products per second. A result of robots being extremely precise is that human error is reduced – meaning less waste is produced and more time is spent producing goods that pass quality inspections.
Cobots Integrated by RoboMotion
Here at RoboMotion, we specialise in providing collaborative and fully automated robotic solutions for almost any application. Helping businesses reduce lead times and increase output, regardless of their size or industry. To discuss how your business can benefit from the integration of cobots, speak to one of our specialists by calling 01746 866 711 or by emailing info@robomotion.co.uk. Stay ahead of the game with RoboMotion.
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