Cobots: The new darlings of factory automation
With the advent of Industry 4.0, factory automation has become a key factor in the development of the manufacturing industry. Automation drives productivity, and productivity in turn increases profitability. In fact, robots have filled a vital role of factory automation for decades. Traditional industrial robots have dominated the manufacturing industry with their high efficiency and precision. However, with the growing demand for intelligent and flexible manufacturing, the limitations of traditional robots are gradually becoming apparent.
In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the form of collaborative robots, also known as “cobots.” They have fast become the new darlings of factory automation. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots focus on interacting and collaborating with human workers. They bring a breath of fresh air to industrial automation and represent a new direction in automation technology.
Cobots: Breaking with Tradition to Create Factories of the Future
Cobots have become increasingly important since the early 2000s. Their most valuable feature is their ability to work in tandem with human workers. Since they are designed to operate in the same workspaces as humans, there is no need for the safety fences or other protective barriers required with traditional industrial robots. In many modern factories, cobots are no longer just mechanical replacements, but have evolved into “colleagues” of human workers. They can assist humans in situations that require a high degree of flexibility and ingenuity, thus customizing and optimizing the efficiency of the production process.
The market for cobots has grown significantly over the last decade, and this trend looks set to continue. According to analysts at Grand View Research, the technology is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 32% from 2023 to 2030. It is expected to reach a global market size of US$11.04 billion by 2030, up from US$1.58 billion today.
The 14-axis dual-arm cobot YuMi from ABB, which was unveiled at the 2015 Hannover Messe trade fair in Germany, has changed the world of robotics and automation. YuMi was developed for delicate tasks that require high precision and flexibility, such as the assembly of small parts. Equipped with two arms that can work together or independently, it is able to perform complex tasks that would normally require multiple robots or human operators.
ABB YuMi
Q5D, a UK-based manufacturer, has also recently launched its first 5-axis CNC additive manufacturing robotic cell, the CY1000. The CY1000 is a stand-alone robotic cell that enables the use of bare or insulated wires in the additive manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for heavy, expensive, and potentially unreliable electrical harnesses. By adding two more axes to the machine, enabling five degrees of freedom, the CY1000 can construct structures and deposit electrical wires with even greater precision. Hence this unique cobot is able to perform wiring work during the manufacturing process.
The CY1000 robotic cell from Q5D is a major breakthrough in additive manufacturing. Besides increasing the level of automation in wire harness assembly, it also paves the way for the automated wiring of future electronic products. Chances are, it will serve as a model for the future automation of the wiring of electronic products.
Q5D’s CY1000 robotic cell
Cobots’ main advantage is their ability to perform tasks that are highly repetitive or dangerous to humans, as well as those that require complex and delicate handling. In many industries, including automotive, electronics, food, and pharmaceutical, cobots have begun to perform a variety of tasks such as assembly, packaging, inspection, and transportation. Their versatility and ease of deployment allow companies to respond more quickly to market changes and customer demands. This type of collaboration between humans and robots not only improves work efficiency, but also increases the flexibility of the work environment. Workers can intervene and operate the machines as required, allowing for finer control and more efficient workflows.
Safety First
The first question that arises in any discussion of cobots is whether they are safe enough to work alongside humans. The ISO/TS 15066 specification, published in 2016, sets detailed international standards for the safe operation of cobots. These standards cover power, speed, cobots’ force limitations, mandatory safety control systems, ergonomics, operator training, and mandatory risk assessment. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can develop cobots that work efficiently and ensure the safety of their human coworkers.
In the field of collaborative robotics, safety comes first. Continuous innovation and improvement will lead cobots into a smarter and safer future. To ensure that cobots are both safe and can work efficiently with humans in the rapidly evolving factory automation environment, the following four key factors must be considered.
- Perception capabilities: Thanks to advanced sensors, cobots can instantly perceive their surroundings, including the location and movements of their human colleagues. These perception capabilities are the basis for safe collaboration.
- Smart decision-making: With the help of artificial intelligence, cobots can react quickly to effectively avoid potential risks and increase safety.
- Force limitation: Limiting the force and speed of the cobots’ mechanical arms ensures that as little harm as possible is caused in the event of accidental contact with human workers.
- Multimodal interaction: In addition to the physical interface, various means of multimodal interaction, such as voice and gesture control, make it easier for workers to communicate and collaborate with cobots.
In an era of ever-evolving automation, increasing the intelligent capabilities and autonomy of cobots has become a high priority. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, cobots are getting smarter. Future cobots will learn and adapt more autonomously and be able to perform more complex tasks automatically. As the Internet of Things becomes more widespread, cobots will become more closely integrated into the overall production process and supply chain. In turn, this will lead to more efficient data analysis and resource optimization, moving the manufacturing industry forward in a smarter, more efficient development direction.
Conclusion
With rising labor costs, labor shortages, and the constant need to increase productivity, cobots have vast potential for growth. The introduction of the ISO/TS 15066 specification and the in-depth application of cobots over the past two decades have facilitated the cobots’ continuous improvement, making them increasingly safer and more effective.
Looking to the future, the wider deployment of cobots heralds a smarter, more flexible, and more human-centered manufacturing industry. Compounded by continuous advances in technology and the constant development of new and diverse applications, cobots will play an increasingly important role in the future of industrial production. Companies have already come to depend on them, and many more will follow.
The new darlings of factory automation, cobots will not only improve productivity and working conditions, but also open up exciting new opportunities for the development of the entire manufacturing industry.
