We have carefully examined the immense potential of human-robot collaboration. It combines human experience, judgment, and flexibility with the strength, endurance, and precision of robots, increasing productivity while reducing employee stress. A key characteristic of human-robot collaboration is that there are no safety barriers separating the two while they work. Instead, they occupy the same workspace and handle the same components. This entire setup is typically implemented using special lightweight robots called collaborative robots, or simply collaborative robots.
Benefits of collaborative robots: fewer errors, higher reliability
Unlike industrial robots, which are typically designed for specific tasks, collaborative robots are all-rounders. Their form and function are reminiscent of a human arm. Therefore, the advantages of collaborative robots include their relatively small space requirements and versatility. They are capable of performing many different tasks. These are often monotonous, repetitive tasks that, in the long run, can bore human workers and quickly lead to fatigue and high error rates.
In specific situations, collaborative robots can also provide assistance. For example, in Miami, CreATIng Revolutions has been able to reduce double-digit error rates when employees are producing specialized pager equipment for hotels and the hospitality industry. By transferring work steps (those requiring high precision) to collaborative robots, the error rate can be reduced to less than 1%.
Another advantage of collaborative robots is their ability to provide a wealth of data that can be used for predictive maintenance and other big data applications.
When humans and robots need to work together, special measures and precautions are required to ensure the safety of workers. Both DIN ISO/TS 15066 (Germany) and RIA TR R15.606-2016 (American National Standards Institute) specify the relevant safety requirements for collaborative industrial robot systems and working environments.
To meet these requirements, collaborative robots need suitable sensors, such as ultrasonic and radar technologies, to detect people and obstacles in the environment. Some collaborative robots are even equipped with touch-sensitive surfaces. The machine structure and robot support, along with various safety and protection systems, can all contribute to protecting employee safety; in human-robot collaboration, the safety of human employees is paramount.
