If you’ve stumbled upon the term “cobot” while looking for ways to upgrade your production process but weren’t quite sure what it meant, you’re not alone.
Cobots, short for collaborative robots, are gaining traction in industries for a good reason—they’re designed to work alongside humans, boosting manufacturing efficiency and cutting down on costs.
In a nutshell, cobots are all about teamwork between humans and robots to make production smoother and more efficient.
But why should you care about cobots and how they could fit into your setup? Well, let’s break it down. We’ll dive into the different types of cobots, their advantages, and how they stack up against traditional industrial robots.
By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of this innovative technology and whether it’s the right move for your business. Let’s get into it!
What is Cobot?
Cobots are the latest in robotics technology, transforming automation. The name comes from “collaborative robots”, emphasizing their ability to work safely alongside humans. They have sensors that give them a sense of touch.
If they’re interrupted while working, they quickly switch to a safe mode. Traditional robots don’t have this capability and may keep working, which can be dangerous to people nearby. However, cobots don’t have this problem.
Difference Between Cobot and Robot
Cobots are distinguished by their designed interaction with human workers. They are engineered to operate alongside humans, thus enhancing workplace safety and collaboration. Equipped with advanced sensors, cobots immediately halt if they encounter an employee, eliminating the need for additional safety measures such as fencing.
On the other hand, industrial robots typically replace human workers and are common in heavy manufacturing settings. These large machines operate at high speeds with heavy loads, necessitating stringent safety protocols to ensure employee safety.
However, in sectors like third-party logistics (3PL) and reverse logistics, industrial robots excel in tasks such as handling heavy parcels, offering significant efficiency gains.
Advantages of Cobots
Although there are several advantages of cobots, we’ve highlighted a few that will be beneficial for the customers.
Safety
Cobots are small, carry light loads, and have rounded shapes, which reduces the chance of accidents at work. They have sensors and safety features to detect obstacles and stop working if something gets in their way.
Flexibility
Unlike big industrial robots, cobots can do many different jobs. Teams can change how cobots work easily, so they’re good for lots of different tasks that might change often.
Convenience
Many cobots don’t need complicated programming. Instead, people can show them what to do by moving them. This makes it easy for anyone on the team to train a cobot, unlike other robots that need specialized programming skills.
Quality Control
Cobots often have many arms, so they can work very precisely. They also have sensors to check parts and find any problems. This helps improve the quality of products and makes quality control easier.
Cost-Efficiency
Cobots can do different kinds of manual jobs, so they help workers focus on harder tasks. They are also cheaper than big industrial robots. By saving money and making workers more productive, cobots can bring big benefits to businesses.
Applications of Cobots
Robotic technology plays a pivotal role across various industries, revolutionizing tasks that range from material handling and assembly to quality assurance and specialized processes like material removal and dispensing.
Here’s how Universal Rovbkots’s cobots are transforming several industries across the world like electronics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and even automotive:
Electronics and Technology
Manufacturers in the electronics sector, producing items such as lightning, mobile phones, and computers, benefit significantly from UR cobots. These robots, that are known for their user-friendly programming and versatility, streamline production tasks like circuit board assembly and precise component placement.
Food and Agriculture
In the food production industry, where operations run continuously, cobots offer advantages in efficiency and reduced waste. These cobots can operate without the need for safety fencing, allowing human workers to collaborate closely and adjust operations dynamically. This capability is therefore crucial for adapting to varying production demands and packaging requirements.
Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals
Precision is paramount in pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, therefore making these cobots indispensable in this industry. They are also used for tasks such as mixing, counting, and dispensing several materials. These cobots operate reliably, processing thousands of samples daily without compromising on efficiency or safety.
Automotive Industry
The automotive sector leads in robot adoption, utilizing cobots extensively for diverse tasks ranging from assembly line operations to quality inspection and packaging. This deployment not only accelerates production but also addresses challenges like labour shortages and workforce aging, ensuring operational continuity and quality standards.
Cobots Examples
To better understand the role of cobots in everyday life, we’ve included three leading examples of a few popular cobots below:
Welding Cobots
Until recently, welding was considered too complex for cobots to handle. However, in 2024, these emerging trends in industrial automation systems are expected to accommodate welding applications. Universal Robots reported an 80% growth in its welding channel during the first nine months of 2022.
For instance, sheet metal manufacturer Raymath deployed four Universal Robots’ cobot welders in 2022. These machines manage hard-to-staff processes and weld at double the speed of a human employee, resulting in a fourfold increase in productivity and easing supply chain management.
UR20: Cobot for Small Industrial Spaces
Universal Robots had a busy year in 2022, launching the UR20 cobot. Designed for 20 kg payloads, faster speeds, and superior motion control, this cobot is expected to transform industries, including palletizing and welding.
Universal Robots claims this next-generation cobot will handle more tasks, fit more applications, and assist in more environments than ever before.
Whiz: Cleaning Cobot
In a post-COVID world, autonomous vacuum cleaners like Whiz have become increasingly commonplace. Introduced by Japanese-based SoftBank Robotics in 2019, this fully autonomous cobot is already operational in hotels, schools, senior living facilities, and universities.
The AI-powered cobot cleans up to 15,000 square feet per charge, and users gain near-time visibility into when and where cleaning was performed. Whiz is equipped with sensors to recognize when people are nearby and emit a friendly alert.
FAQs: What is a Cobot: Ultimate Guide of 2024
What are a few limitations of cobots?
Cobots have limitations such as limited payload capacity, slower speeds compared to traditional robots, susceptibility to environmental conditions, and challenges with complex, unstructured tasks.
Can I control cobots from my phone?
Yes, many cobots can be controlled from a phone using dedicated apps, enabling remote monitoring and basic task adjustments.
Can cobots be programmed to do certain tasks?
Yes, cobots can be programmed to perform specific tasks through user-friendly interfaces, often involving drag-and-drop programming or teaching pendants for ease of use.
Conclusion
Understanding what is a cobot reveals its transformative potential in modern industries. Cobots are revolutionizing workplaces by enhancing efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Their versatility and ease of use make them ideal for various applications, from electronics and agriculture to pharmaceuticals and automotive sectors. As businesses seek innovative solutions, cobots stand out as a strategic investment.
Interested in integrating cobots into your workflow? Qodenext offers cutting-edge cobot solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring seamless collaboration and productivity. Embrace the future of automation with cobots and unlock new opportunities for your business.
