Transforming the Future Cobots in Manufacturing Industry
Published on : Friday 05-04-2024
Ethical use of robotic automation requires careful consideration of their impact on society and the environment, says Benedicta Chettiar.
Image by Freepik
Robots, which have long been deployed in the manufacturing industry for greater efficiency and productivity, are now joined by cobots (collaborative robots). Cobots work alongside humans complementing workers’ skills while augmenting their capabilities. With increasing adoption of robotic automation in the manufacturing sector, the market for cobots is growing exponentially.
According to ABI Research, the global Cobots market is estimated to reach US$8 billion by 2030 from US$600 million in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 32.5%.
Challenges manufacturers face
As automation technology is continuously advancing, manufacturers face various challenges to keep up with this growth. Integrating robots into existing manufacturing processes can be complex and may require significant changes to workflow and infrastructure. Compatibility issues with existing equipment and software are another challenge which requires careful planning and coordination.
Other challenges that manufacturers face are:
● Skill gap
● Safety concerns
● Implementation costs
● Limited payload and speed
● Reliability and durability, and
● Data security and privacy.
Key advantages of cobots in manufacturing
Cobots can perform tedious and repetitive tasks and work alongside human workers to advance their work. They can assist businesses in scaling up and automating various parts of production while freeing up more space for remote work.
The adoption of cobots brings numerous advantages to manufacturing such as: improved efficiency, increased productivity, skill development, cost-effectiveness, and improved safety.
Cobots perform a wide range of tasks in manufacturing, improving productivity, flexibility, and efficiency. Some tasks of cobots in manufacturing include: assembly, pick and place, material handling, quality inspection, packaging and palletizing, testing and sorting, inventory management, and data collection and analysis.
Are cobots suitable for SMEs and low volumes?
Many processes in the SME sector are apt to vary. Small companies often run a low-volume production process. Even in low-volume manufacturing operations, maintaining consistent quality standards is crucial. This is where cobots come in and can help SMEs achieve this by performing tasks with precision and accuracy.
As cobots are designed to be user-friendly and highly flexible, they are particularly suitable for SMEs and low-volume manufacturing operations. Cobots are typically compact and can be deployed in limited spaces, which makes them apt for SMEs. In addition, they offer SMEs and low-volume manufacturers a cost-effective and efficient way to bring automation into their operations, improving productivity, quality, and competitiveness.
Ethical and social considerations
The widespread adoption of cobots in manufacturing presents a range of benefits. However, it also raises several ethical and social considerations. The aspect of ethics and ethical behaviour of cobots towards a human worker is often taken into account. It is essential to consider potential safety hazards to secure safety early in the design and development process of these robots.
As automation technologies continue to advance, there is a risk that certain skills become obsolete, leading to a mismatch between the skills demanded by the job market and those possessed by workers. Ensuring proper safety protocols, training, and ergonomic considerations are other social concerns to protect the well-being of human workers.
Additionally, the ethical use of automation technologies, including cobots, requires careful consideration of their impact on society and the environment. To address these ethical and social considerations, there is a need for collaboration between stakeholders, including manufacturers, policymakers, labour organisations, and civil society. By proactively addressing these challenges, businesses can harness the potential of cobots to create a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive future.
For more insights on automation, visit https://www.industrialautomationindia.in/
Benedicta Chettiar is Director, IED Communications and Manager, Strategic Developments, Industrial Automation. Besides these roles, Beni, as she is known, is also actively managing the affairs of Jyothi Process, a state-of-the-art printing press.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
For a deeper dive into the dynamic world of Industrial Automation and Robotic Process Automation (RPA), explore our comprehensive collection of articles and news covering cutting-edge technologies, robotics, PLC programming, SCADA systems, and the latest advancements in the Industrial Automation realm. Uncover valuable insights and stay abreast of industry trends by delving into the rest of our articles on Industrial Automation and RPA at www.industrialautomationindia.in
