1. Easy to program
Some new collaborative robots are designed to be user-friendly and easy to program, thus eliminating the need for engineers to implement them. Some even feature manual guidance, allowing the collaborative robot to learn through examples and be guided to follow a series of actions required to complete its programmed tasks.
2. Quick installation
The longer it takes to set up automation, the more expensive the initial investment. Employee training, production downtime, and the high costs of hiring external service providers can extend the time to return on investment. This can be a significant problem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Collaborative robots are designed with this in mind, requiring out-of-the-box functionality. Pre-programmed software allows users to install the robot themselves, enabling setup in under 30 minutes. Furthermore, the flexibility offered by the short setup time of collaborative robots improves productivity and ROI.
3. Flexible deployment
One of the main selling points of collaborative robots is their flexibility. Programming collaborative robots for new tasks is simple and requires no external service personnel. This introduces versatility into the production line, and collaborative robots can be easily programmed to perform a series of different tasks on the same day, or to have specific work dates assigned to certain tasks. Collaborative robots can be easily integrated into agile systems because they allow users to quickly respond to design changes and reconfigure the robots accordingly. Collaborative robots on the market today can perform many roles, typically service and industrial roles. Service collaborative robots are used to provide information, transport goods, or provide safety/protection in public places. Industrial collaborative robots have a variety of applications, including but not limited to picking and placing, packaging and palletizing, assembly, machine maintenance, surface finishing, and quality testing and inspection.
4. Consistency of results
Robots never get tired, so their results are more consistent and accurate compared to humans doing the same work. This makes them particularly well-suited for monotonous tasks, as they can repeat simple actions without compromising quality. Once set up, collaborative robots can perform the same tasks with equal capabilities.
5. Improve productivity and optimize processes
As collaborative robots take over from human employees, who often struggle to maintain focus or consistent performance over extended periods, the robots' precision reduces the likelihood of malfunctions and product defects to near zero. Rapidly changing the tasks performed by collaborative robots helps workers optimize production lines and cut costs while maintaining high standards of product quality.
6. Fast investment recovery period
Collaborative robots are less expensive than industrial robots, and the choice of application and duration of use determine how quickly they can recoup their investment. Due to their high flexibility, low price, and rapid return on investment, companies typically recover their costs within 3 to 4 months, leading to significant business growth in regions such as China, Brazil, India, and Mexico, providing an effective solution for certain manufacturing enterprises.
7. Low overall operating cost
Collaborative robots are maintenance-free, consume only 150 watts of power, do not require safety fences, and do not require specialized robot programming and maintenance personnel, greatly reducing the cost of operation.
8. Collaboration and Security
Collaborative robots ensure the highest level of safety. Globally, over 80% of collaborative robots operate alongside workers, eliminating the need for traditional barriers. Collaborative robots free workers from dirty, dangerous, tedious, and potentially harmful tasks.
