For today’s manufacturing companies, collaborative robots – or cobots, as they are also known – offer many benefits that add value at every step of the production process.
One example is their ability to work alongside humans without the need for guarding, greatly reducing their overall footprint. This makes them ideal for applications where the robot can maximise productivity without compromising on safety. Applications can include both continuous and intermittent collaboration, such as final trim and assembly in automotive manufacturing, where some human interaction is needed.
Cobots also provide manufacturers with the flexibility to manage the shift to low-volume/high-mix production. They add agility to change between products and introduce new products faster. The people on the production line contribute their problem-solving capabilities, insights and adaptability to change, while robots bring tireless precision and endurance for repetitive tasks.
Big potential in a small size
The global market for collaborative robots is estimated to be worth $12.3 billion (£9.8 billion) by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of more than 50 percent, according to research firm Markets and Markets.
Read the full article in DPA's June issue