Collaborative robots, called co-bots, are redefining human-robot relationships across the manufacturing industry. Companies of all types and sizes are finding reasons to invest in co- robots, and they’re smart to do so. This is how you’ll benefit from working with collaborative robots:

Increased human & robot efficiency

This is the most obvious benefit. When working with traditional robotics, usually the operator loads parts to a fixture, conveyor, or turntable. Next, the operator leaves the work space, and the robot does its work. With collaborative robots, the operator can give the part directly to the robot and never has to leave the work space – reducing time, cost, and floor space.

Learn more about seamless human and co-bot collaboration from our vendor SICK.

Applicable to small to midsized manufacturers

There’s a stigma that robots are only useful or realistic for large industrial manufacturers. However, that’s simply not the case anymore. Automated equipment can now be used with small to midsize organizations by using smarter and more accessible collaborative robots. These smaller companies stand to benefit from co-bots and their various industrial applications, like assembly, loading/unloading, packaging, sorting, dispensing, sanding, and polishing. These types of applications and processes will continue to benefit as collaborative robots are embraced across a range of business sizes.

Increased ROI

With today’s collaborative technology, many applications see a return on investment (ROI) in less than one year when they invest in co-bots, human training, and support. Because these robots can be co-located to work directly next to their human counterpart, there are fewer barriers to work around and less lost time. When you think about it, it adds up: you’re increasing productivity and reducing labor costs while also implementing exciting and cutting edge technology, which is very attractive to many customers.

Robots can safely handle complex and dangerous tasks

In cases where safety and complexity are paramount, not only do collaborative sensing robots work side-by-side with a human counterpart, but they’re also able to complete complicated and dangerous tasks that traditional robots or humans simply can’t. Applications like steadying the motion of surgical tools or lab operations to prevent human error from causing unwanted motion are at the forefront of the collaborative robots industry. This paves the way for humans to rely on the inherent benefits of robots while improving complex and dangerous techniques.

Fill staffing gaps

When positions are hard to hire for it can result in downtime and loss of production. Allowing automation technology to step in and perform a role that is understaffed can ensure manufacturing stays running.

Co-bot sales are predicted to stay on-the-rise from now until 2028. Connect with Kundinger today to learn more about how you can benefit from working with collaborative robots. We have the expertise to help create a custom solution for you.