The automotive industry is as dynamic as any other industry. As such, it has gone through various changes. Furthermore, there is more competition than ever within the industry. Consequently, just about every brand within the industry is getting creative to remain relevant.
Some of the approaches include incorporating smart production lines with the help of automation. For the longest time, the automotive industry has been known to use industrial robots. However, with the changing dynamics, collaborative robots are being used within the industry.
The objective of any business is to make profits. This can only happen with great production as well as good quality products. As a result, every business owner wants to be onto the next best thing in technology. Collaborative robots have proved their worth not only in the automotive industry but many others.
Cobots in automotive manufacturing plants are used to load testing machines. The collaborative robot:
- Takes a part from a conveyor
- Places the part in the testing machine
- Removes the tested part from the testing machine
- Deposits it on the next conveyor
Factors That Make Cobots Efficient
Unlike industrial robots, collaborative robots are not always stationary. This is a huge advantage as you do not need to invest in numerous cobots for every workstation on the production floor. You can have the robot moved to another workstation for a different application.
Therefore, the following factors make collaborative robots efficient.
- They can be moved around the production floor
- They are also smaller and lighter in weight
- The operators can lift them and carry them to a different location
- They can be used for multiple applications
- One collaborative robot can be used on two different machines for different shifts.
These actors make collaborative robots very crucial for a plant that wants to compete effectively. If there are faulty parts on the production line, these can be quickly identified and dealt with.
Safety Assessment
Collaborative robots’ arms can come close enough to a worker to cause injury. However, they are designed with safety measures to ensure this does not happen. They have sensors that alert them whenever someone is in the way and they will slow down operations.
Furthermore, if you come into contact with your cobot, it will stop. It is also built with grippers that are laser-sintered. This ensures that there are no sharp edges that can cause serious injuries to the operator.
You will, however, need to assess every cobot that you buy as no two can be said to be completely the same. Although they are designed to interact with humans, it is still important to ascertain that the safety features are effective.
In addition, you need to ensure that basic space requirements are met. This is especially with regard to accessible distances. Your collaborative robot should be able to access designated areas with ease.
Also, they should have adequate reach so that they can pick parts and place them where necessary easily. The system should run smoothly to enhance safety as well as competently. If there is an area that requires to be improved, you should ensure it is taken care of immediately.
Ultimately, you must be well informed about your collaborative robot’s safety features. You want to sure that anyone that works with the cobot will be safe. This may call for some training for everyone that will work on the same floor as the robot.
Conclusion
Collaborative robots can take up a multitude of applications in the automotive industry. They can be used for tasks that are considered boring and commonplace. They can also take up heavy-duty tasks such as lifting and moving heavy objects from place to place.
What is more, cobots are known to increase safety on the production floor. Taking up dangerous tasks ensures that incidents of accidents leading to injuries are reduced. This ia major benefit for any industry.
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Interesting related article: “What is a Robot?”