Understanding Ongoing Development in Manufacturing Automation

Posted by edwardjohnson on December 24th, 2018

Robots have become cheaper thanks to continued technological advancements. In the past, small business entrepreneurs considered automation to be a far-fetched idea. However, it is today a reality that many of them especially those in the manufacturing industry are looking to adopt.

Utilizing robots can improve the workplace both for employees and customers. Embracing technology creates a win-win situation for all players regardless of the size of the company.

Enhancing Productivity

Today, many small manufacturing businesses have outsourced some of their tedious and redundant tasks to robots. These have helped them enhance service efficiency and delivery and for this, they are considering purchasing more robots in the near future.

Players within these businesses agree that while robots are faster and more accurate as opposed to humans, there are specific tasks that are best executed by humans. Customer service, for instance, requires a human touch and businesses should consider hiring a qualified and experienced individual who is capable of engaging their customers effectively.

As the robot demand increases, manufacturers and technology experts are researching methods of enhancing manufacturing automation.

Manufacturing automation is a concept that has been in existence since the 1970s. Technological advancements such as big data, robotics, machine learning, the internet of things, and artificial intelligence have introduced major improvements to the manufacturing sector ever since.

The Popularity of Collaborative Robots

The use of collaborative robots, also known as cobots is becoming popular in the manufacturing industry. Instead of replacing human employees, collaborative robots are specially designed to ensure that they can collaborate with humans in the same workspace hence minimizing fatal injuries and enhancing efficiency.

Studies conducted by Universal Robots show that mobile autonomous platforms are popular in warehouses and factories. Below are various robotic trends that are steering the development of manufacturing automation.

Software for Cost Management

Cloud computing and software as a service tools have transformed operations in both small and mid-sized industries. Apart from minimizing adoption costs, they have eased the process of operating and maintaining fundamental systems.

Universal Robots is committed to ensuring that their products are available and affordable to all entrepreneurs regardless of the size of their businesses. Some of their strategies include provisional acquisition and renting of hardware to make their prices affordable for every entrepreneur.

As a result, more advanced robots and technologies have penetrated various industries enabling entrepreneurs to hire and utilize machines they would otherwise not have afforded and pay depending on the stipulated terms.  

Introduction of Collaborative Robots in Manufacturing Automation

According to Universal Robots, a major cobot manufacturer, the number of small and medium-sized businesses utilizing collaborative robots keeps on rising each year. Unlike the earlier fenced industrial robots, cobots can work with humans in the same work environment.

Further, they are smaller and more versatile and capable of executing numerous tasks within the manufacturing area. Cobots cut down the amount of redundant and dangerous tasks and enable human employees to execute ultimately satisfying jobs.

Collaborative manufacturing robots also come complete with artificial intelligence and machine learning platforms that allow them to execute advanced tasks appropriately. 

Improvement of Older Systems

Older manufacturing automation systems can be enhanced to make them more accessible, efficient, give them new controls, and make them more solid. By enhancing older robotic hardware and designs, companies can create more space within the factory as make huge cost savings.

Universal Robots, for instance, utilizes a solid folding design in their robots to minimize utilized space by up to 45% as compared to robots from other manufacturers. Cobots do not require huge and open spaces since they are designed to operate effectively within confined spaces.

Finally

The developing (IIoT) industrial internet of things obtains data from powered and linked gadgets allowing manufacturers to acquire awareness in actual time. IoT makes hardware intuitive, faster, and smarter. Mobile robots that come with sensors, for instance, can sense when humans are close and either stop or slow down to avoid injuries. IIoT makes it possible for robots to collaborate with other robots to accelerate service dispensation and production.

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