Collaborative robots are not only a disruptive technology for manufacturing, but they've also opened the door to automation in other industries. Industries that were never interested in robots are suddenly discovering that applying collaborative technologies can also bring them the benefits of automation. Why are companies outside of manufacturing now paying attention to robots, instead of considering them before?
First, collaborative robots can work alongside people without the need for external protection or safety devices (the overall risk assessment of the application should also be considered). This allows robots to enter more new industries. Large safety devices are no longer needed, and places where robots are now used may not have been feasible in the past.
Secondly, collaborative robots are generally much simpler to program than traditional industrial robots. Companies no longer need a team of robotics engineers to program simple applications. To determine if a collaborative robot is suitable for a specific application, companies should ask the following three questions:
1. Is the task repeatable?
For rapid assembly, this is perhaps the most critical issue. Whether collaborative or traditional, robots are programmed to perform tasks repeatedly. While there are ways to make robots more flexible, the simplest and easiest assembly requires robots to perform the same task over and over again. For example, placing hamburger patties on a grill, flipping them after a predetermined time, then removing them from the grill and placing them in another location. These types of repetitive tasks are well-suited to collaborative robotics. Regardless of where a task is performed repeatedly, there is a potential need to automate it using robots.
2. How many hours does it run?
When considering robotics, businesses must consider not only the flexibility of the application but also the return on investment (ROI) to determine if the application makes business sense. Often, a component becomes overloaded, and many hours are spent on engineering to resolve the issue. ROI is a variable that needs to be considered not only in the application itself but also in operating hours and employee workload. With rising minimum wages, many businesses are beginning to see faster ROI returns on increased collaborative automation.
3. Is the task dirty, tedious, or dangerous?
Generally speaking, employees don't want to do dirty work. These tasks may involve odors, filth, or even require regular interruptions for equipment cleaning. The negative feelings employees have about the tasks they are forced to complete can be a morale killer and impact productivity. Some tasks can even become dangerous. Chemical cleaners working around hot objects or in confined spaces may face potential hazards.
In some robotic applications, the primary goal is not merely to increase output or reduce costs, but to reduce the need for operators to perform hazardous tasks. However, these two goals are not mutually exclusive, and all these factors should be considered when evaluating potential robotic integration. (Author: Josh Westmoreland)
