What do you imagine when the subject of manufacturing robots comes up? Like many people, you probably picture a row of ten-foot-tall robotic arms doing welding and assembly operations to vehicles moving along a production line. Or perhaps you imagine a single robot, isolated or fenced in, doing a process deemed too dangerous or difficult for human workers.
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It’s undeniable that industrial automation has brought increased efficiency, accuracy, flexibility, and dependability to the workplace. While automation will save time and effort for many more businesses in the future, specific industries have already reaped the benefits of converting at least some of their processes.
By now, you’re likely familiar with the advantages that industrial robot arms have over human workers. When used in repetitive tasks, industrial robots complete their operations without breaks, mistakes, or injuries caused by those repetitive movements. Moreover, they help to improve quality and consistency, all the while boosting production output.
As the country shifts toward normalcy with the COVID-19 pandemic waning, unemployment rates are declining. But business owners across the country face the challenge of finding enough workers to meet increasing demand.
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When you’re preparing for a first manufacturing automation project, it probably seems like there’s always more to learn about types of robots, end-of-arm-tools, how systems come together, and all the additional equipment that comes into play. Each new example you see can simultaneously provide inspiration and leave you with even more questions.
Automation in manufacturing continues to grow and redefine the shop floor. Evolving at an ever-increasing pace, robotics, and automation, by some predictions, will assume 30% of the tasks in 60% of the industrial occupations over the next few decades. And with all the benefits of automation—including higher production, fewer errors, and increased safety—it’s not surprising that automation will handle more of the tasks previously assigned to human workers.
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Automation helps streamline processes, eliminate some or all human intervention, and reduce mistakes. It allows for completing a designated task efficiently, accurately, and consistently.
Automation and robotics use specialized equipment to perform defined physical tasks, like packing products in boxes or spot welding metal frames. Sometimes we hear “automation” and think “robot.” With a range of payload and reach capacities, easy programming, articulated joints, and high speed, robots are a clear choice for applications requiring precise movements and repeatability. It’s no wonder they’re becoming more and more popular among manufacturers of all sizes, especially smaller, user-friendly collaborative robots.
Companies always approach capital expenditures with great care, but especially now as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. While we think this is actually a good time to invest in automation, we understand it might feel risky in this time of uncertainty and changing markets.
Collaborative robots are a major trend in the automation market, projected to grow by over 40 percent to $7,972 million by 2026. Does that make them the right automation solution for your business? Here are the things we urge manufacturers and industrial automation users to think about.
