A Cobot is a collaborative robot, and whether you're in heavy industry, small manufacturing or the food and beverage business, there are creative ways to make the repetitive jobs faster!
How are cobots changing how we work?
Another part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
A “cobot” is a shortened term for “collaborative robot,” also known as a “cooperative robot” or “cobotic system.” These robots are designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace or environment, allowing for human-robot collaboration. The range of automation uses are across heavy industry, through to boutique manufacturers and even hospitality!
Cobots are a key component of Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, where data and technology are integrated into production processes. They can collect data and interact with other machines, contributing to a more connected and efficient manufacturing environment.
Why are cobots important?
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Cobots are important because they bridge the gap between automation and human labor, offering safety, flexibility, and increased productivity in various industries. They are a key part of the ongoing evolution of manufacturing and other sectors where human-robot collaboration is critical.
“Systemise the ordinary, humanise the extraordinary”
So what advantages could this give Tasmanian business?
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Improved Safety
Cobots are designed with built-in safety features, such as sensors that can detect and respond to human presence, which make them safer to work with compared to traditional industrial robots. This reduces the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
TWO
Increased Productivity
Cobots can handle repetitive, strenuous, or dull tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks. They can work continuously without the need for breaks, which can boost productivity and efficiency in various industries.
THREE
Flexibility
Cobots are often designed to be easily programmable and adaptable to a wide range of tasks. This flexibility makes them suitable for a variety of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare, and allows for quick reconfiguration for different tasks or products. TMEC’s ABB GoFa is available for demonstration.
FOUR
Cost Effective
While the initial investment in cobots may be significant, they can provide a good return on investment due to their ability to work 24/7, consistency in task execution, and the potential to reduce labor costs in the long run.
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Labour Shortages
Many industries are facing labor shortages, and cobots can help fill the gaps by performing tasks that are challenging to staff due to the lack of available workers or the unattractiveness of the work.
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Quality Assurance
Cobots can contribute to better product quality and consistency, as they perform tasks with a high degree of precision and repeatability that simply isn’t possible to the human eye.
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Accessible for smaller business
Cobots are particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises that may have limited resources and space. They offer an entry point into automation without the need for a massive infrastructure overhaul.
EIGHT
Agile
The cobot can have a range of tasks that are easily recalled once programmed, so it can switch tasks quickly and doesn’t forget how to do it well!
TMEC member Lightning Protection International have included ABB Cobots for more than 5 years. Here's a video on how Yumi works!
Welcome to the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, refers to the ongoing transformation of the manufacturing and industrial sectors through the integration of digital technologies. It represents a significant shift in the way products are designed, manufactured, and delivered, leveraging advancements in areas such as automation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and data analytics.
What makes Industry 4.0 different from what we know?
Key characteristics of Industry 4.0 include:
- Interconnectivity: Machines, devices, and systems are connected to each other, forming the basis of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This enables real-time data sharing and communication between various components of the production process.
- Information transparency: The ability to collect, analyse, and interpret vast amounts of data provides insights into the entire production process. This enables informed decision-making, predictive maintenance, and optimisation of operations.
- Technical assistance: Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, support human workers by assisting in complex tasks, improving efficiency, and enabling adaptive production processes.
- Decentralised decision-making: With the help of intelligent systems and automation, decision-making authority is distributed across the production environment. Cyber-physical systems can make autonomous decisions based on real-time data and predefined parameters.
- Smart factories: Production systems are optimised through the integration of digital technologies. Physical machines, sensors, and systems are interconnected to form intelligent and flexible manufacturing environments capable of adapting to changing requirements.
The aim of Industry 4.0 is to create more efficient, flexible, and sustainable manufacturing processes, leading to increased productivity, reduced costs, improved quality, and enhanced customer experiences. It has the potential to revolutionise traditional industries and foster innovation in areas such as robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), data analytics, and cyber-physical systems.
So what advantage could this give Tasmanian business?
Businesses can use Industry 4.0 technologies and principles in a range of practical ways.
Here are some examples:
- Smart Manufacturing: Implementing connected sensors, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, and data analytics can enable real-time monitoring of machines, equipment, and production processes. This data-driven approach allows businesses to optimise production, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.
- Predictive Maintenance: By using IoT devices and AI-powered analytics, businesses can monitor the health and performance of machinery in real-time. This enables them to detect potential failures or maintenance needs before they occur, minimising downtime and reducing maintenance costs.
- Supply Chain Optimisation: Industry 4.0 technologies can be applied to optimise the supply chain. IoT sensors and data analytics can provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, shipment tracking, and demand patterns, allowing businesses to optimise logistics, reduce lead times, and improve inventory management.
- Product Customisation: With the flexibility offered by Industry 4.0, businesses can shift from mass production to more personalised and customised manufacturing. By leveraging technologies such as 3D printing and digital design, companies can produce customised products at scale, tailored to individual customer requirements.
- Data Analytics and AI: By harnessing the power of big data and AI algorithms, businesses can gain valuable insights from vast amounts of data collected during the manufacturing process. This can help in improving product quality, identifying operational inefficiencies, and making data-driven decisions across various business functions.
- Collaborative Robotics: Industry 4.0 promotes the use of collaborative robots (cobots) that can work alongside human workers in a safe and efficient manner. These robots can assist in repetitive or physically demanding tasks, freeing up human workers for more complex and creative work.
- Digital Twin: Creating a digital twin, a virtual replica of physical assets or processes, can enable businesses to simulate and optimise production scenarios. This allows for testing different strategies, identifying bottlenecks, and improving overall performance before implementing changes in the physical environment.
- Customer Engagement: Industry 4.0 technologies can enable businesses to better understand customer preferences, behavior, and needs through data analytics. This information can be used to personalise products, services, and marketing efforts, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
It’s important for businesses to carefully assess their specific needs, capabilities, and industry requirements to determine the most appropriate applications of Industry 4.0 technologies for their operations. Implementation may involve investing in infrastructure, upskilling employees, and rethinking business processes.
TMEC, together with the Department of State Growth have brought together a range of suppliers to help businesses know where to start!