Which Industries Are the Best for Cobots?

Which Industries Are the Best for Cobots?

Robotics has been transforming the way businesses manufacture, process, and distribute their products since some of the earliest FANUC Robotics in 1958 (at that time, part of Fujitsu). Robotics has become more nuanced, versatile, and cost effective, particularly when you consider the more recent emergence of cobots (collaborative robots). So, which industries are the best for cobots?

Advantages of Cobots in Industries

1. One of the advantages of cobots in industries is collaboration between cobot and people. This means staff can program, oversee, and collaborate with the cobot, while also working in a safer, less risky work environment. This is particularly true of repetitive tasks, accessing enclosed or tight spaces, and working with machines or tools that have high staff risk of burns, or other injuries such as welding.
2. Efficiency and consistency of quality that automation of processes through cobots make possible is a great benefit in any industry, leading to a competitive edge for businesses that integrate cobots.
3. More efficient processes also free up staff in a business to dedicate their time to more nuanced and growth-focused tasks.
4. Compared to other robots, cobots are smaller and more cost effective. With  reconditioned, used cobots available this creates quality opportunities at different price points. 

Identifying Ideal Industries for Cobots

There are a range of industries that benefit from integrating cobots into their work practices. One of the best ways to identify which industries are best for cobots is to consider their versatility to be reprogrammed (and/or other end-of-arm tooling to be added) when tasks change, or adaptations are required. This makes cobots particularly useful for industries where there is a wide range of products in small quantities.

Some ideal industries for cobots include:

• Manufacturing

Car manufacturers have used robotics for years in their production and assembly processes. The introduction of cobots has now enabled smaller scale manufacturers (and packaging) to become automated. This includes the manufacture of items as diverse as reading glasses, through to the fine detail of electronic components, making manufacturing an ideal industry for cobots.

• Logistics and Warehousing

The palletisation capacity of cobots is one of the features that makes logistics and warehousing another ideal industry for cobot integration.

• Agriculture and Food Processing

The nuanced grippers available for cobots make handling food by the cobot directly possible and automation meeting a need in the agriculture and food processing industries for higher food and worker safety.

• Construction and Infrastructure

Construction and infrastructure, including welding tasks, are one of the ideal industries where cobots can automate processes while elevating quality and consistency.

Cyber-Weld Can Help You Understand If Cobots Are the Right Solution for Your Industry

Technological advances continue to change the way people do business and get their products to their customers. In an ever-changing market, you need your business to keep a competitive edge. At Cyber-Weld we have over 25 years of experience in product support, from planning through to integration. Cyber-Weld is known globally for its expertise and quality of service. Contact Cyber-Weld today for more information on how cobots can help your business.