UNDERSTANDING COBOTS
Cobots are designed to work alongside humans, providing assistance and enhancing productivity in various industries. Here are a few reasons why cobots can cope well with the tasks such as:
- Machine tending
- Carton erecting
- Surface finishing
- Pick and place
- Assembly Inspection
- Welding
- Dispensing
And they will copycat program too! Here are 7 other interesting outcomes such as:
1. Improved Workplace Safety:Cobots are equipped with advanced sensors and safety features that allow them to work safely in close proximity to humans. They can detect and react to any unexpected contact, minimising the risk of injuries. That includes light and temperature as well as fragility!
2. Flexibility: Cobots are highly flexible and can be easily programmed and reprogrammed to perform different tasks. This makes them adaptable to changing production needs and allows for efficient multitasking and almost no downtime.
3. Ease of Use: Cobots are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive programming interfaces that do not require extensive technical expertise. This enables operators to quickly set up and operate cobots, reducing downtime and increasing productivity, easily is measured in minutes of arrival!
4. Accuracy and Consistency: Cobots are known for their precise and repeatable movements. They can consistently perform tasks with high accuracy, reducing errors and increasing overall quality in industries such as inspection, assembly, and welding. With camera technology an other affordable Ai accountability is instantly achieved with highly accurate audit trails. What that means is detectable materials control in processing and production.
5. Increased Efficiency: By automating repetitive and physically demanding tasks, cobots can help improve efficiency and productivity. They can work tirelessly without fatigue, leading to faster cycle times and increased throughput. They don’t need comfort breaks either.
6. Collaborative Nature: Cobots are designed to work alongside humans, collaborating and sharing workspace. They can assist with tasks that require human dexterity, problem-solving, and decision-making, enhancing human skills rather than replacing them, they don’t require drug and alcohol tests either.
7. Cost-Effectiveness: Cobots can offer a cost-effective automation solution compared to traditional industrial robots. They have a smaller footprint, require less infrastructure, and can be easily redeployed for different tasks, making them a more affordable option for small and medium-sized businesses. Especially small businesses
HOW CAN COBOTICS ASSIST WITH PRODUCTION?
While Robots can handle extremely heavy or complex tasks, their little cousins excel in providing efficient and safe assistance in a wide range of industries, making them a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and collaboration in the workplace.
Here are a selection of industries that use cobotics:
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PACKAGING
Cobots are used for tasks such as palletizing, case packing, and labeling in the packaging industry.
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FOOD & BEVERAGE
Cobots are used for tasks like sorting, packaging, and handling food products in this industry.
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HEALTHCARE
Cobots already assist with patient care tasks, medication dispensing, and handling medical equipment in healthcare facilities.
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Automotive
Cobots are commonly used in the automotive industry for tasks like machine loading and unloading, screwdriving, and painting.
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LOGISTICS & WAREHOUSING
Cobots are utilised for order picking, sorting, and inventory management in warehouses and distribution centres
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Electronics
Cobots are used for tasks like circuit board assembly, component handling, and quality control in the electronics industry.
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PHARMACEUTICALS
Cobots assist with tasks such as packaging, labelling , and quality inspection in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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Agriculture
Cobots now employed for tasks such as crop harvesting, planting, and precision spraying in the agricultural sector.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?
The payback period for cobots can vary depending on various factors, including the specific application, industry, and the level of automation it provides. Here are 5 factors to consider when estimating the payback period:
1. Labour Cost Savings: Cobots can help reduce labour costs by automating repetitive tasks, thereby freeing up human workers for more skilled and value-added activities. The payback period can be shorter if the labour cost savings are significant.
2. Increased Productivity: Cobots can enhance productivity by working continuously without breaks, reducing cycle times, and minimizing errors. They don’t smoke either, unless something is seriously wrong. The payback period can be influenced by the extent of productivity gains achieved through cobot implementation.
3. Reduced Downtime: Cobots can help reduce downtime by ensuring consistent and reliable enhanceable production. Any decrease in production interruptions can contribute to a shorter payback period.
4. Quality Improvement: Cobots can improve product quality and reduce defects through their precise and consistent movements, they don’t have “senior moments” lapses of concentration or arguments. Inevitably there are costs avoided that result in associated rework or product recalls.
5. Scalability and Flexibility: The ability of cobots to be easily reprogrammed and redeployed for different tasks without demanding pay increases improve their appeal and value and shortening the payback period. They can adapt to changing production needs and support future growth.
Although payback period can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances and industry. In some cases, payback within a year or two, while in others, it may take several years to realise& the return on investment. Three shifts is a no brainer.
Some examples assuming cobot costs of say £100,000 where the company estimates that it can save £40,000 per year in labor costs by automating the task are a fairly obvious calculation, but if you lease it the savings start day one and by month 4 it’s in the P&L account visibily.
WAREHOUSE COBOTICS
Warehousecoboticsrefers to the use of collaborative robots, or cobots, in warehouse operations. These cobots work alongside human workers to perform various tasks, such as picking and packing items, transporting goods, and organizing inventory. They are designed to assist humans rather than replace them, with the goal of increasing efficiency, productivity, and safety in the warehouse. Cobots are programmed to work in harmony with humans, except you can also easily program and adapt them using simple almost copycat programming, often using sensors and advanced technology to ensure safe and seamless collaboration. Overall, warehousecoboticscombines the strengths of humans and robots to optimise warehouse operations.
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1. ORDER FULFILLMENT
Cobots can assist with order picking tasks by working alongside human workers. For example, a cobot can navigate through the warehouse, retrieve items from shelves, and deliver them to a human worker for packaging.
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2. INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
Cobots can help organise and track inventory in the warehouse. They can scan barcodes, count items, and update inventory systems in real-time, making it easier for human workers to locate and manage stock.
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3. Heavy Lifting
Cobots are often equipped with lifting capabilities, allowing them to handle heavy or bulky items that may be challenging for human workers. They can safely move and transport these items, reducing the risk of injuries and increasing efficiency.
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4. COLLABORATIVE PACKING
Cobots can work alongside human workers in the packing area. They can assist with tasks such as sealing boxes, applying labels, or stacking items, making the packing process faster and more streamlined.
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