There are several reasons for this. First, cobots provide a solution to challenges faced by manufacturers in this ‘new normal’ era. In terms of flexibility, the cobot sits midway between an industrial robot and a human. This is valuable for accommodating the shorter product life cycles and vast numbers of SKUs that are typical of the increasingly common HMLV (high-mix, low-volume) approach. Cobots can also help to counteract labour shortages by freeing up human workers to carry out more valuable tasks.
The number of market players has also proliferated, and there are now over 60 cobot manufacturers worldwide. Whilst more competition can mean greater choice and better value, it can also mean more confusion. This is particularly salient when you consider that cobot sales in the UK are being driven by SMEs, who seldom have the in-house resources and expertise thoroughly to assess numerous different makes and models.
To aid the decision-making process, FANUC has compiled a checklist to use, helping first-time buyers to navigate the complexities and avoid costly pitfalls…
Read the full article in DPA's June issue