How do you choose between cobots and robots for material handling tasks?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Material handling is a crucial process in many industries, such as manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and e-commerce. It involves moving, loading, unloading, storing, and sorting materials or products, often with the help of automated or semi-automated machines. However, not all material handling tasks are the same, and choosing the right type of machine can make a big difference in efficiency, safety, and quality. In this article, we will compare two common types of machines for material handling: cobots and robots. We will explain what they are, how they differ, and what factors to consider when deciding which one to use for your material handling needs.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 6 条内容中精选。了解更多

1 What are cobots and robots?

Cobots and robots are both machines that can perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or require precision. However, they have different features and functions. Cobots, or collaborative robots, are designed to work alongside humans in a shared space. They have sensors, cameras, and software that allow them to detect and avoid obstacles, adjust their speed and force, and communicate with humans. They are usually smaller, lighter, and more flexible than robots. Robots, on the other hand, are machines that work independently from humans in a separate space. They have fixed or pre-programmed movements, speeds, and forces, and require safety barriers or cages to prevent accidents. They are usually larger, heavier, and more powerful than cobots.

添加您的观点

Marketing Mid-Ohio Forklifts

Marketing Manager & Sales Coordinator at Mid-Ohio Forklifts, Inc
举报内容
Identify the needs, pros, and cons. Perform a soft-cost analysis including various elements. Do not try to cut corners regarding safety. Include members from every department. This will alleviate the chances of missing an important key to the best choice for your company and employees.

已翻译

赞
Jamie Callihan

Authority in Mobile Robotics | Championing Simple, User-Friendly Solutions | Transforming Automation for All Industries
举报内容
Cobots have less payload and speed than standard robots because they are designed to work around humans and can stop faster in case of a collision. They are great for repetitive motions that do not have fast cycle times.

已翻译

赞

2 What are the benefits of cobots and robots?

Cobots and robots can offer many advantages for material handling, depending on the task and the environment. Cobots can enhance human capabilities and productivity by taking over strenuous or complex tasks, improve safety and ergonomics by reducing human exposure to hazards or fatigue, increase flexibility and adaptability by being able to switch between tasks, locations, or products, and reduce costs and space requirements by being more affordable, compact, and easy to install. Robots can achieve higher levels of speed, accuracy, and consistency than humans can, handle heavier, larger, or more delicate materials or products with greater strength, stability, and precision, operate in harsher conditions due to their resistance to heat, noise, dust, or chemicals, and optimize workflow and efficiency by being more reliable, predictable, and scalable.

添加您的观点

Jamie Callihan

Authority in Mobile Robotics | Championing Simple, User-Friendly Solutions | Transforming Automation for All Industries
举报内容
The best benefit is for cobots/robots to do dull and/or dangerous work. Many young people want to avoid working in factories, so companies must automate. By using robots, people can do more value-added and, therefore, rewarding work.

已翻译

赞

3 What are the challenges of cobots and robots?

Both cobots and robots present challenges or limitations for material handling, depending on the task and the environment. Cobots may not be suitable for tasks that require high speed, force, or precision, as they have lower performance and capacity than robots. Additionally, they may not be compatible with some existing machines, systems, or standards due to their different interfaces and protocols. Moreover, cobots may pose safety or ethical risks if they malfunction, interfere, or harm humans due to their higher interaction and autonomy. They may also face legal or regulatory barriers or uncertainties as there are less established rules and guidelines for them than robots. On the other hand, robots may not be able to cope with tasks that require variation, customization, or feedback due to their lower flexibility and adaptability than cobots. They also may not be able to integrate with humans or other machines due to their lack of communication and collaboration compared to cobots. Furthermore, they may require more investment and maintenance costs as they have more complex and expensive components and systems than cobots. Finally, they may create social or environmental issues if they displace, replace, or harm humans or nature due to their greater impact and influence than cobots.

添加您的观点

Libor Kafka

CEO at AXIMA Automation ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????? ? ???? ?????????????????????? ???????????????????? ?? ????????????????????
举报内容
While both cobots and robots have their own unique challenges and limitations, they also offer immense potential for improving efficiency and productivity in various industries. It’s necessary to carefully consider these factors when deciding to implement either technology.

已翻译

赞

4 How do you choose between cobots and robots?

To determine which type of machine is best suited for material handling, various factors must be taken into account, such as the goal, duration, and complexity of the task, the size, weight, shape, and fragility of the materials or products, the layout and conditions of the workspace, the skills and preferences of the workers, and the budget and resources of the business. By carefully evaluating all these aspects, you can decide which type of machine is most suitable for your needs. Additionally, you may also consider using a combination of cobots and robots to create a more efficient material handling system.

添加您的观点

Jacob Anthony, MBA

Supply Chain Professional and People Manager.
举报内容
For me the answer depends on the goals and needs of your organization as well as the labor market in your area. If you have a limited budget and are looking to increase your automation and tech to drive automation there are a large number of cobot, semi autonomous, or wearable tech options available to drive efficiency in your DC. If you have a limited labor pool and a larger budget you can focus on adding fully automated options where applicable to drive productivity and allocate your human resources to other tasks.

已翻译

赞

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Libor Kafka

CEO at AXIMA Automation ?? ?????????????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ?????????????? ? ???? ?????????????????????? ???????????????????? ?? ????????????????????
举报内容
Cobots and robots increase productivity, efficiency, and even create more jobs. It’s a complex issue that requires a holistic understanding and careful management.

已翻译

赞

Material Handling

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

How do you choose between cobots and robots for material handling tasks?

1

2

3

4

5

1 What are cobots and robots?

2 What are the benefits of cobots and robots?

3 What are the challenges of cobots and robots?

4 How do you choose between cobots and robots?

5 Here’s what else to consider

Material Handling

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Material Handling相关文章

更多相关阅读内容