🤖 Deep Dive into Cobots (Collaborative Robots): Robots that work alongside humans on production lines.
This content will take you on a deep dive into the world of cobots (Collaborative Robots), a specialized class of robots designed to work safely and efficiently alongside humans in the same work environment, without the need for separate fences found in traditional industrial robots. This content will cover safety capabilities and case studies of cobots being used by small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
🌟 What are Cobots?
Cobots are robots designed to work alongside humans, focusing on safety, flexibility, and ease of programming, unlike traditional industrial robots that often operate behind barriers for human safety.
Key features of cobots:
Safety-rated: Built-in sensors and safety mechanisms allow it to detect and immediately stop working if it collides with a human.
User-friendly: Easy to program, often using "Drag & Drop" or "Hand-guiding" instruction.
Flexible: Small in size, easy to move, and can quickly change functions.
Collaboration: Designed to work in the same space as humans without harm.
💪 Capabilities & Advantages of Cobots
Cobots can perform a variety of tasks on production lines, enhancing human productivity:
Repetitive & Tedious Tasks: such as Pick & Place, small part assembly, packaging.
Ergonomically Challenging Tasks: Reduces fatigue and reduces the risk of injury to employees.
Quality Inspection: Using a Vision System camera to check the accuracy of the workpiece.
High Precision Tasks: such as tightening screws with precise torque, dispensing adhesives or sealants.
Augmentation: Cobots do repetitive tasks, while humans do tasks that require high skill, decision-making, or flexibility.
🛡️ Safety Aspects of Cobots
Safety is at the heart of cobots, which comply with international standards (such as ISO 10218-1/2 and ISO/TS 15066):
Force & Torque Sensors: Detect human impact and stop operation immediately.
Power & Force Limiting: Design the mechanism to limit the power and force of the robot to reduce damage in the event of a collision.
Safe Design: Rounded edges, no sharp pinch points to reduce injury.
Stop-and-go operation (Hand Guiding & Speed/Separation Monitoring): The cobot will slow down or stop when a human approaches.
Safe programming: Defining safe working zones and movement limits.
📊 Case studies of cobots in SMEs (Case Studies in SMEs)
Cobots are a technology that is very suitable for SMEs because:
Lower Upfront Cost: Compared to large industrial robots.
Easy to Integrate & Operate: No need to modify the production line much.
Faster ROI: Increases productivity, reduces errors, and lowers labor costs in the long run.
example:
Electronics Manufacturing: A small company that manufactures circuit boards is using cobots to pick up small electronic components (SMDs) and place them on PCBs, increasing assembly speed and accuracy.
Metalworking: Metal fabrication plants are using cobots to load and unload parts on and off CNC machines, freeing up workers to maintain other machines and reducing the risk of repetitive work on machinery.
Packaging & Consumer Goods: SMEs producing food or cosmetics are using cobots to pack or box products, reducing repetitive tasks and maintaining production standards.
| main | Cobots , Collaborative Robots , Automation , Industry |
| technology | Robotics , Industry 4.0 , SME Technology , Smart Manufacturing |
| safety | Robot Safety , Force Limiting , Safety Standards , ISO 15066 |
| Application | Case study , SMEs , production line , production efficiency , assembly |
| concept | Augmentation , Flexibility , Human-Robot Collaboration |
