What are the best collaborative robots (cobots) for enhancing productivity in manufacturing?

The benefits of robots in the workplace is to perform repetitive tasks that are either tiring, boring, inconsistent, or hazardous to human workers. Cobots build on these fundamental benefits to work alongside human workers on tasks where the human cannot be entirely replaced by a robot. A fundamental requirement of a cobot is that it must be safe to operate collaboratively with the human workers.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work alongside human workers in a shared workspace. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are often caged off due to safety concerns, cobots are engineered to interact directly with humans. They are typically smaller, more flexible, and easier to program, making them ideal for a variety of tasks in manufacturing. Cobots excel in repetitive, mundane, and ergonomically challenging tasks, freeing human workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities.

In the design or implementation of cobots, engineers should adopt the concept of intrinsically safe cobots. We typically think of robots as being made of metal end effectors, metal limbs and motorized joints. Cobots can be designed soft parts that provide more of a human-to-human tactile sensation which makes them intrinsically safe to work within a human worker's space. Other means of creating an intrinsically safe cobot may be to employ low torque motors or flexible end effectors where the application allows. The whole point is that the robot can safely contact a human being without introducing any harm to the human worker.

Safety is a paramount concern in the deployment of cobots. Cobots are equipped with advanced safety features that allow them to operate safely around humans. These include: Force Limiting: Cobots can detect when they come into contact with an object or person and can limit the amount of force they apply, reducing the risk of injury. Speed and Separation Monitoring: Cobots can adjust their speed based on the proximity of humans, slowing down or stopping when a person is near. Emergency Stop Functions: Cobots come with multiple emergency stop buttons, allowing operators to halt operations immediately if necessary. Safe Zone Programming: Operators can define safe zones where cobots can and cannot go, ensuring they stay within designated areas

Robotics is becoming a very exciting field with the introduction of Generative AI. Companies such as Figure and Nvidia are actively working on releasing robotic systems that have Gen AI built in to make programming not required. Just like how Gen AI is disrupting software development, Gen AI is poised to disrupt the traditional requirement to program or teach robots on sophisticated tasks. I am very excited about how this field will rapid transform the way we deploy robots into our workplace over the next few years.

Cobots are highly flexible and adaptable, making them suitable for a wide range of applications across different manufacturing environments. Their key attributes include: Versatility: Cobots can be used for tasks such as assembly, pick and place, packaging, quality inspection, and machine tending. They can switch between tasks with minimal reprogramming. Mobility: Some cobots are mounted on mobile bases, allowing them to move around the production floor and perform tasks at different locations. Scalability: Cobots can be easily scaled up or down depending on production needs, providing manufacturers with the flexibility to respond to changing demands.

The degree of flexibility and adaptability of cobots will hinge on the rate of adoption for humanoid robots or other forms of freely roaming robots. The traditional application of a fix-mounted robotic arm fitted with an array of sensors to make it a collaborative robot is giving way to robots that can freely roam the factory floor (or warehouse, kitchen, hospital, supermarket, etc.) These roaming robots will coexist along side their human workers to assist the human workers with both simple and complex tasks.

Cobots must inherently understand and comprehend the human-filled world they work in and also human behaviour. The cobot must understand the course of action if a human worker bumps into the cobot. The cobot must understand what to do if a human worker states "I need help to hold this." The cobot must understand where to go if a human work calls summons it from a distance. This type of human-like behaviour will transform the collaborative integration of cobots into the human world.

The potential of cobot in manufacturing is vast, driven by ongoing advancements in technology and increasing adoption across industrie: AI and Machine Learning: Integration of AI and machine learning can enable cobots to perform more complex tasks, adapt to new scenarios, and improve efficiency over time through self-learning algorithms. Enhanced Sensing and Perception: Advances in sensor technology will improve cobots’ ability to perceive and interact with their environment, leading to safer and more precise operations. Increased Connectivity: The development of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will enhance the connectivity of cobots, allowing for real-time data sharing and more sophisticated automation strategies.

These machines can have a significant impact on the human element of manufacturing. Cobots that remove monotonous tasks from the users can enhance employee retention allowing the worker to focus on more complex (and ultimately more rewarding) elements of manufacturing.