Technology and automation adoption is changing with the growth of the manufacturing industry. Robots that change this paradigm are called Collaborative Robots or “Cobots” which takes every common industrial robot use to a whole new level. Cobots work alongside human operators increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for extensive safety measures.
The flexibility of cobots is one of the most alluring features. Cobots can easily be programmed for numerous tasks such as assembly, packaging, quality inspection, and material handling. Efficient production processes have become a necessity which has led to the increased use of custom automated solutions. Because these Cobots are so flexible, businesses can penetrate new markets without having to rearrange their production lines.
Cobots have the ability to significantly increase productivity as a result of low training requirements because they are very easy to operate. This automation enables manufacturers to save money on specialized skills and spend them where they are actually needed. Moreover, these robots positively influence employee morale and decrease turnover rates because employees are no longer being replaced by robots, they are being assisted by them.
The use of co-bots corresponds with the rising concern for sustainable manufacturing practices. The processes and practices undertaken by co-bots aid in minimizing waste and optimizing processes. They are able to function in environments where energy use and material waste are at a bare minimum. These features greatly assist in attaining the profitability and sustainability objectives of the firm. Adoption of co-bots has the potential to improve the competitiveness of the business as a result of the increased consumer demand for green sustainability practices.
At this point in time, the outlook for the use of collaborative robots in manufacturing is very positive. Changes in the industry reveal a truly remarkable increase in the adoption of co-bots with the advancement of AI and machine learning. The mentioned technologies will enable co-bots to become advanced enough to work in many different fields. As there is a constant search to improve efficiency and productivity within the manufacturing business, the importance of collaborative robots in the so-called smart factories of the future is highly significant.