Sponsored post by Boris Dzhingarov
In industrial automation, robotic arms are on a shortlist of the most reliable and consistent tools around. These machines can perform any number of tasks faster and with unmatched precision. What sets collaborative robots apart is that they can be programmed to perform any task with minimal effort.
Robot technology has evolved substantially over the years, with applications in assembly, manufacturing, and machining industries. Reduction in manufacturing costs has seen these collaborative robots integrate into all levels of the machining industry. So what makes these robots so effective, and should you invest in this technology?
A robot arm not only offers consistency, but also gives you accuracy, reliability, and precision for longer. A collaborative robot can perform the same task for hours without fatigue. This consistency means that there is no loss of efficiency or reliability.
The robotics industry is a billion-dollar enterprise, and although it did slow down slightly in 2020, it is beginning to pick up as the world economy recovers. The increase in production scale and need for better efficiency have necessitated the need for better technologies.
The question here is, why should industries consider robotic arms? Do they increase production? Or are they a waste of resources? Here is a list of reasons why robotic arms will be a valuable investment for you in 2021. The perks of robotic integration are therefore:
Enhanced human-machine interactions
Unlike previous generations of robot arms, collaborative robots are now equipped with the machine and social learning software that allows them to co-exist with human workers.
This machine learning paradigm also allows these robots to identify and rectify defects and mistakes in the production line. New technologies have gone past the simple repetitive tasks of previous robots and are now more intuitive.
Machine learning software has also made it possible for industries to fully automate factory operations, making them safer and more productive. It is just a matter of time before industries can merge entire production lines.
New-age robotic arms are a far cry from previous rigid versions. Modern varieties are mobile and easily programmable, and they can perform complex tasks much faster.
Operational flexibility
Any expert will tell you that collaborative robots are far more versatile compared to fully-automated ones. These robots are easier to program, have better mobility, and produce significantly better quality. You are also looking at a quicker fault recovery rate, lesser wiggle room, and better cost-efficiency.
An example of industry efficiency is the Interactive Mako Robotic arm (RIO) in orthopedic surgery. They rank higher than humans simply because the better joint actuation makes them more flexible in tight spaces.
Improved operational capacity
Robots have revolutionised the approach to mass production. You are looking at a system that can work on a 24-hour roster with accuracy and precision. Here, you get more units per capita compared to a human worker.
Robotic arms can also handle more weight, and they don’t suffer from fatigue or need breaks at any point. With a robotic arm, a company can maximise operations without increasing production costs.
Guaranteed ROI
Collaborative robot investment is a billion-dollar industry with projections of over $36 billion in 2026. More and more manufacturing and machining industries are beginning to understand the need and value of industrial automation and what it brings to the table.
What you get here is consistency, improved safety, better processes, and product quality. What this does, essentially, is to improve your operational efficiency.
Safety
The easy programming and flexibility allow robots to perform various production tasks repetitively without tiring. This perk means they produce the exact product, the same way, every time. The advantage here is that they take away these redundant tasks and leave the complex work to humans. So how does this improve workplace safety?
- Dual Check safety: self-diagnosis of speed and positional safety hardware as a way to predict and prevent a potential failure. This feature allows humans and robots to share workspace without the risk of injury.
- Reduce payload: Collaborative robots take over the task of heavy lifting, a common cause of injury in many industries. Robot arms have a much higher payload, which makes them ideal in shifting larger loads much quicker.
- Gripper technology has also improved the safety standards, with mechanical properties that prevent poor fixtures and more efficient tool replacement.
- Overall, the safety standards in robotics are considered full proof for both collaborative and fully automated robot arms.
Easy programming
The evolution of robots has made it possible to program a robotic arm with zero robotics knowledge. The user-friendly interface only requires that you be familiar with the operations of a smartphone. The best thing about all this is that it only takes a few minutes to program and get it up and running.
Efficiency in small spaces
Most people worry about integration because of workspace restrictions. Contrary to popular belief, industrial automation using robot arms does not require any additional floor space. These utility tools can fit in any workspace, from your standard tabletop to a bench on the corner. These robots can be placed in even the smallest of spaces and be just as effective.
High levels of consistency
The biggest problem faced by many industry workers is a lack of consistency. The process of training, retraining, and replacing an aging workforce is both time and cost-intensive. Fortunately, robot arms don’t have this problem and are equipped to operate round the clock.
Robots give you uniform output without any human supervision. The reason they prefer these robots for such tasks is that some of the heavy lifting involved is risky for humans. More notable is that these robots function very well in high-volume production lines, mainly because they have a very high degree of precision.
The ability to operate in hazard areas
Most innovations in robotics have been to improve operational efficiency and, more importantly, worker safety. Some industries operate in high-risk areas with toxins and other dangerous compounds that are risky to humans. Robotic arms can disarm bombs, spray paint cars and even dispose of nuclear waste without any proportional increase in risk.
Most of these jobs are risky to humans, which is why robots provide a helping hand.
Takeaway
Industrial automation is the future of manufacturing, machining, and assembly lines. It is one of the integration processes that have, over the years, complemented an aging workforce. Adopting these robotic arms is a step into the future.
Boris Dzhingarov is CEO of ESBO ltd
Related
Why robots are not taking our jobs
The robots making, not taking our jobs
