Feature

Why collaborative robots hold the key to automating the UK manufacturing sector

Collaborative robots are fast becoming the benchmark in industrial automation for their ability to offer higher productivity, while working safely alongside human workers. They are compact and lightweight, making them the ideal fit for the evolving needs of the factory of the future.

31/05/2022 16:32:23

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

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.