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Robots have long been a standard topic in manufacturing circles, and recently we've seen an increased frequency of these conversations as we deal with unprecedented situations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its disruptive effects on global business and the economy. Topics include robotic capabilities, the future of robotics, everyday utilities, and robots replacing our jobs. Today we discuss the question of why implement robotic automation.
Humans excel at thinking, predicting, and problem-solving. Robots and automation excel at dangerous, difficult, dirty, and boring tasks that humans cannot complete (safely or accessibly) or don't want to do. Robots can take on repetitive tasks, helping to reduce repetitive strain injuries in people, thus reducing time loss. Additionally, robots can reduce human contact, which means fewer opportunities for disease transmission like COVID-19, and overall improvement in employee health and safety.
A major challenge facing global manufacturers is labor force aging. In the next 10 years, as our skilled workforce retires from manufacturing, a challenge will emerge. In the past decade, the market of college-educated unemployed and underemployed young people has led students to reconsider their career choices and choose industry. Although we should see them entering the labor market in a few years, automation is helping us fill gaps in these areas.
Almost every industry uses robots. Robots load machinery (called machine tending), welding, material handling, packaging, assembly, and painting. They cut, trim, remove excess material, and so on. Robots are extensively used in the automotive industry and automotive supply chain, but more importantly, we see increasing demand from general industrial manufacturers who want to take advantage of numerous benefits that the automotive industry has achieved for decades. Soon, it will be difficult to find an industry unaffected by robotics technology.
Robots are among the most flexible tools available to manufacturers that can provide competitive advantage. They can almost be programmed, reprogrammed, located anywhere in the factory, or redirected to another factory. They can have multiple end-of-arm tools to handle various part types. Robots can provide you with competitive advantages in quality, speed, cost, and agility.
In manufacturing, as in many industries, thoroughly understanding costs and implementing measures to control costs is essential for profitability. Automation allows easy collection and analysis of production and process data, helping companies increase productivity and reduce costs. Most automation is cost-justified within a 24-month timeframe.
Manufacturers have been installing robots for over 40 years, and according to the Association for Advancing Automation, there are approximately 250,000 robots in use in North America. Robots have been declining in price over the past decade while continuously improving in capability, speed, maintenance, and ease of use. Robot manufacturers have been innovating and introducing new models and technologies to reduce manufacturing costs.
Robots and automation are also good news for factories. When management decides to invest in a factory by installing robots, it's a good sign that they're working to improve efficiency, productivity, and greater profitability. Highly automated factories enable uninterrupted production.
Robot accessories such as machine vision, innovative sensing, new innovative end-of-arm tools, and robot mobility enable robots to do almost anything; communicate, navigate, update, and remain safe. We see robots performing more tasks than ever across every service and industry, from assembly and material handling to surgery.
We are entering the golden age of robotics. Robots are easy to program, low-cost, and high-performance. So many new robot manufacturers are entering the market with innovative technologies. Intrinsically safe new collaborative robots are coming soon, along with the emergence of autonomous (self-guided/driving) robots, providing manufacturers with new innovative ways to integrate and utilize these production tools.
The future of robotics is fascinating and constantly evolving: Industry 4.0: automatic collection and recording of data, making analysis and evaluation smarter and more effective. Internet of Things: smart sensing, vision, and sensors. Artificial Intelligence: software that helps manufacturing tools (such as robots and machine vision) learn from each other, share information, optimize production, and make wiser decisions.
Quality remains an important driver of overall automation. Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers need high-quality manufacturing. They want flawless, durable products with perfect packaging. Quality is achieved through quality parts and robust, repeatable manufacturing processes. Robots and automation are fundamental keys to achieving quality.
As you can see, the benefits of automation are numerous, and companies that early adopt robotic automation may find themselves less affected by current impacts and some unstable conditions throughout the economy. From unmanned manufacturing to flexibly changing their manufacturing to produce critical medical equipment, those with robotic automation have been able to respond to crises faster with less loss. Now work with Speed to develop an automation solution that can help you save money, improve quality, and increase employee health and safety. Welcome to consult us online!
