Radwell International’s Blog

Robotics technology is revolutionizing industries by automating processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing productivity. Understanding robotics technology is crucial for businesses and individuals alike, as it opens up new possibilities for innovation and growth. Since the field is evolving rapidly, acquiring knowledge about robotics enables individuals to stay competitive and adapt to the changing technological landscape. The purpose of this comprehensive guide is to provide readers with a detailed understanding of robotics technology. It aims to explain the principles, components, and applications of robots, as well as the factors to consider when choosing the right robot for a specific task. By exploring the world of robotics, readers can gain insights into this rapidly changing field and make informed decisions regarding the implementation of robots in various industries.

As technology continues to grow and expand, so does the Industrial Revolution. There are four established stages as of now, with a fifth beginning to take shape. It started with the first stage of mechanized production. During this stage, water wheels and steam engines were created, and manufacturing moved from manpower to machine power. The second stage was mass production. A major technological advancement was achieved in the form of electricity. This technological advancement allowed for the creation of assembly lines. The third stage was the Digital Revolution. Analogue electronics and mechanical devices were expanded into digital technology such as personal computers, the Internet, and information and communications technology.

A type of robot growing in popularity in the industrial manufacturing industry is called a cobot, otherwise known as a collaborative robot. The reason for the growing popularity of cobots is their ability to work side by side with human operators to accomplish a task. With ever expanding technology, many fear it will make human workers obsolete. Robots are one of the top concerns. However, when it comes to cobots, they have one great difference from traditional industrial robots. Their design purpose is to work productively alongside humans. This will obviously have the benefit of human labor still required and an advanced form of technology assisting in the job process. Nobody wants to see human labor become obsolete. This is why more and more manufacturing operations are making use of cobots, as they integrate automation systems.

The manufacturing sector has typically been among the first to benefit from technological innovation, particularly in the field of robotics and automation. Traditional industrial robotic systems usually require the use of peripheral safety equipment and physical barriers for the safety of human co-workers. However, the features designed to protect human workers tend to increase cost and space requirements.

Also, the current market demands a reduction in lead times, as well as mass customization, which, in turn, require flexibility and the use of multi-purpose assembly systems. These needs are common among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It falls on manufacturers to find a solution that not only addresses problems with cost and space availability but also the need to provide customized solutions to customer needs in the shortest time possible.