Wondering what the role of robotics is in modern manufacturing? Robotics have always been seen as futuristic, but the future is now, and automation plays a massive role in modern manufacturing. This post will explore the role of robotics and how they are changing the manufacturing world as we know it in 2024.
Automating Production Lines
Perhaps the most notable way that robotics are changing manufacturing is by automating production lines. This can involve automatic production lines in the machinery parts processing industry and the automatic assembly line produced after the assembly of products.
Automated production lines can involve a combination of robots, machines, software, and industrial controls to automate various production tasks previously carried out by humans. This can ensure precision, speed, and accuracy throughout the manufacturing process while eliminating human error (this can be an issue in repetitive tasks). Additionally, automation can free up time for employees to focus on other tasks and many dangerous tasks can be automated to enhance safety, so it can be helpful for staff.
Cobots
Another interesting way that robotics are transforming the manufacturing industry is with the rise of cobots (collaborative robots). For a long time, automation has been seen as man vs robot, but cobots prove that both can co-exist peacefully on the manufacturing floor (and in many other industries).
Essentially, cobots are robots that are capable working alongside human workers. These impressive robots are fitted with advanced sensor systems that enable them to detect and respond to the presence of humans, allowing them to work together while minimizing the risk of accidents. Cobots can be programmed to perform all kinds of tasks, making them useful in a manufacturing plant where there are many different processes.
This can include performing physically demanding tasks like lifting and carrying, which reduces strain on human workers and prevents injuries (which can be common with this role). Statistics show that the total cost of work injuries in 2017 was $161.5 billion, so automating potentially dangerous tasks is helpful in more ways than one and beneficial for both the business and workers.
In addition to this, integrating cobots into manufacturing can lead to higher levels of job satisfaction for human workers. This is because cobots can remove the hard, physically demanding tasks to create more time and energy to focus on value-added tasks that require the all-important human touch.
It is fascinating to see how robotics are changing the manufacturing industry. It is also excellent to see that robotics can actually help workers instead of replacing them, which has always been a concern when it comes to automation. It will be fascinating to see how robotics continue to change manufacturing (as well as other industries) in the years to come as the technology continues to improve.
