How Collaborative Robots Fit Into the Production Facilities of the Future

March 9, 2020

The relationship between humans and robots in manufacturing is constantly evolving. Technology advancements and safety improvements have made it possible for manufacturers to move robots out from behind the cage to interact more closely with workers. Depending on the type of application, this collaboration can open new possibilities for increased productivity, efficiency, and flexibility.

That said, collaborative robots, or cobots, are not going to replace traditional robots entirely. Instead, cobots serve as just another tool in the toolbelt when determining the right equipment to implement on the factory floor. While collaboration between robots and humans will undoubtedly play a role in the future of manufacturing, how this looks will depend on the needs of each individual company.

Collaborative robots – an evolution of robotics and automation

As the name suggests, cobots are designed to work side-by-side with people on the factory floor and complement a human worker. They can be thought of as an assistant, lifting heavy objects, handling repetitive motion, or completing difficult and complex tasks that are unsuitable for human workers.

In 2018, cobots only made up around 3 percent of total robots installed in factories. They are, however, one of the fastest growing segments in robotics. One estimate suggests that the market for cobots will exceed $11 billion by 2030, representing 29 percent of the total industrial robot market.

It’s this growth that’s made cobots one of the biggest buzzwords in the industry today. Cobots have been positioned as everything from the replacement to traditional robots to the future of manufacturing as a whole.

However, when looking at technology, manufacturers need to be able to step back from the hype and evaluate it based on how well it aligns with their specific applications. While cobots bring increased flexibility, they also generally must operate at slower speeds due to safety regulations. Similarly, anything with a sharp edge or pinch point, such as a cutting tool or press, poses a significant risk if a worker gets too close. Even a standard robot arm, which may seem like a good fit for a cobot, may not be if it’s lifting heavy or large objects that could be dropped or swung near workers or other equipment.

Instead of viewing cobots as a replacement to more traditional robots, manufacturers should instead view them as an evolution of the technology. Cobots are, ultimately, still robots, and deciding when to use them comes down to whether they fit in the production process.

The safety features making collaboration possible

Robotics technology is constantly improving, and new safety features are making increased collaboration between humans and robots possible in the right applications. Integrated sensors, passive compliance, and overcurrent detection are all designed to stop motion if a robot detects a collision, while safety light curtains can create an invisible “cage” around a robot. Using a mix of sensors and lasers, the robot can know where people and other machines are and slow down, stop completely, or even back away if it detects something in the zone.

These type of safety features make a hybrid approach possible. Manufacturers can deploy more traditional robots equipped with light curtains for applications that require moderate speeds but still need to be accessed by people. Dangerous, high temperature, or high-speed processes can still be behind cages, while cobots could be used for processes that require closer collaboration.

In the end, any type of interaction between humans and robots will lead to more safety planning, supervision, training, and risk, while likely requiring slower speeds. Companies deciding whether to take a collaborative approach should be aware of these hidden costs and ensure that their equipment meets or exceeds required safety regulations.

Designing the right approach to collaboration

Like any new technology, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype before fully understanding the advantages and disadvantages as they relate to your application. Collaborative robots represent another option for manufacturers with the right type of applications, while new safety features have made traditional robots more suitable to interacting with people and coming out from behind the cage to play a more integrated role in the production process.

When deciding whether or not to implement collaborative robots, manufacturers should take a design first approach to understand their facility, identify where improvements can be made, and determine how changes to one area impact the process as a whole before deciding on the best way to achieve those benefits.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Pilz Automation Safety Canada L.P. announces that their long-term CEO and GM, Andreas Sobotta, will assume the role of Vice President North and South America, effective immediately. He will still work from the Canadian office in Mississauga and visit all other subsidiaries in North and South America. Pilz will take their time to find a… Read More…

  • SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    Whether in production or logistics operations, MAXOLUTION is synonymous with innovation in factory automation – across all industries and worldwide – helping you achieve your vision of an adaptable and resilient lean smart factory. Under the MAXOLUTION brand, SEW-EURODRIVE creates customized solutions for cutting-edge materials handling technology – from the shop floor through to IT.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella – Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it as well.… Read More…

  • Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect your home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are your first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons,… Read More…