Radwell International’s Blog

Mobile robots are a useful form of technology that are utilized in many manufacturing operations. Mobile robots use sensors along with other technology to move around the plant in which they are operating in.

Over the past few decades, robots have become more and more integrated into the manufacturing floor. Over the years they have proved themselves to be an extremely effective resource to aid in the growth of efficiency in manufacturing operations. First introduced to the industry in the 1960’s, robots have constantly been improved an updated to increase their job capabilities.

Using robots in manufacturing has grown exponentially over the last few years, with many manufacturers now using them to perform tasks that were previously done by human workers. The introduction of these robotic applications into the workplace presents unique safety challenges for both employers and employees.

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.

Companies today use collaborative robots for manufacturing to address a wide number of challenges, including the growing labor shortage. The jobs often consist of fast-paced, repetitive tasks in environments that are far less comfortable than an office. So, attracting employees to manufacturing jobs can be difficult.