Collaborative robots (COBOTS) don’t get sick. They don’t get stuck in traffic. They don’t take the long way to get to tools, they don’t have an after-lunch crash, and they don’t have bad days. COBOTS meet a daily standard that is not only fixed but also efficient and laser-focused enough to understand and define every metric.
What is a COBOT?
A COBOT, or collaborative robot, is a robot intended for direct human-robot interaction within a shared space, or where humans and robots are in close proximity.
The Most Common Applications for COBOTS
As early as 2017, COBOTS were beginning to dominate the robot market. According to Machine Design, the most common applications for COBOTS are:
- Pick and Place
- Machine Tending
- Packaging and Palletizing
- Process Tasks
- Finishing Tasks
Unmatched Precision Increased Productivity
COBOTS working alongside their human counterparts on the shop floor can be deployed for a wide range of duties. Although the highly automated car manufacturing sector remains the most utilized industry for electro-mechanical machines, COBOTS and other forms of automation are now entering other sectors like the food and beverages industry.
Currently, about 15% of businesses use AI, but 31% plan to add support for it over the next 12 months. In addition, the industrial robotics market is predicted to grow by 175% over the next decade.
At one time, traditional workers were sure robotic applications would take over the workplace, and perhaps the world. However, collaborative robots are working alongside their human counterparts in every sector of manufacturing and doing jobs where humans have been maimed and even killed. Robotics used in manufacturing are subject to two ISO standards; Robots and Robotic Devices-Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots and Robot Systems and Integration. COBOTS are installed with force limitations, and rounded edges, and are covered with non-pinching joints. They are also lightweight, portable, and ideal for various tasks within a factory.
Multipurpose Application
Service COBOTS can be used for information in public spaces, transporting goods, or providing security, while industrial COBOTS have several applications including pick and place, packaging and palletizing, assembly, machine tending, surface finishing, and quality testing, and inspection. COBOTS can be used all over the factory floor in a variety of production functions including:
The manual pick and place position is one of the most repetitive tasks performed by human workers today.
Machine tending demands a person stand for long hours in front of a CNC machine, injection-molding machine, or another similar device and tend to its operational needs.
Packaging and Palletizing are the derivatives of pick and place.
Process tasks require a tool to interact with a workpiece including gluing processing, dispensing, or welding.
Quality Inspection involves a full inspection of finished parts, high-resolution images for precision machined parts, and part verification against CAD models.
Finishing tasks performed by human operators require a manual tool and large amounts of force that can cause injury to the operator.
The Future of COBOTS in Manufacturing
According to Niryo, “The future of COBOTIC technology lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate into diverse work environments. COBOTS should be designed to navigate complex and changing surroundings, allowing them to work effectively in industries that require continuous process optimization.”
The Authority
DTS exhibits a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in COBOT (collaborative robot) technology, keeping pace with the evolving landscape. Its grasp of COBOT applications spans diverse industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, reflecting an adeptness at identifying tailored solutions. By synergizing technical expertise with market trends, DTS effectively navigates the intricate realm of COBOTs, enabling clients to harness cutting-edge automation for enhanced productivity and innovation.