Cobots- Collaborative Robots to be the future of SME’s
It is predicted that many countries all across the world are likely to experience labour shortages. The ongoing pandemic situation has certainly exposed the weakness of human labour and their shortage in the future is inevitable. Moreover, product lifecycles are getting shorter. However, it is touted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) might not be very keen to invest in additional automation.
Although, if we consider collaborative robots (cobots) – they are easy to set up and offer a quick and cost-effective solution. They can increase the flexibility, quality and speed of production and enable companies to respond rapidly to evolving market conditions. Furthermore, If SMEs want to grow in India as well as in other countries, automation will play a pivotal role and they must invest more in automation for cost reasons alone.
Cobots offer greater flexibility
In 2008, Cobots were first introduced and represent a relatively new category of industrial robots. They are different than conventional robots, which have to be shielded from the human workspace by a security fence whereas, cobots were made to work safely with people. Additionally, users require less time and money to program an application with these ‘helper robots’.
It is predicted that traditional industrial robotics won’t be the solution in many areas. This technology requires a high investment but isn’t sufficiently flexible for current and future needs. Traditional production lines are designed for manufacturing large numbers of products. However, product lifecycles are getting shorter. For example, these days’ car models often get their first modifications after just two to three years. In most of the industries, time period between new product developments are shortening and many of them have to respond to new trends after a relatively short time. Therefore, production and automation should evolve and must adapt to this changing scenario and opt for cobots which can help with this.
Advantages of Cobots
1. Cobots are easy to work with and are very flexible as they can be easily moved from one location to another to work on different tasks, whereas traditional industrial robots have to stay in one location and can normally only be used for a specific task within the robot cell.
2. They are versatile and can perform diverse tasks like from simple pick-and-place applications for parts handling, sorting and palletizing, through to machine assembly, order picking, packaging and testing.
3. Also, they can help to apply adhesive and sealants, assemble or disassemble parts, measure, test, check and take over screwing operations. This benefits the employees who no longer have to carry out monotonous, physically demanding or even dangerous work, however, will receive support with precision work and can focus on their core abilities.
Cobots are a way to future for small and medium-sized enterprises!
Trade shows play an imperative role in bringing together the industry with abundant possibilities of networking, business and learning.
AMTEX- one of the biggest exhibition in India on metal cutting and machine tool industry has been taking place since 2001 in New Delhi. Bringing international and national players from India and overseas, the show creates an ultimate marketplace to showcase innovations in products encompassing metal cutting and machine tool industry.
Join hands with AMTEX scheduled to take place from 4-7 November 2020 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.