Common Misconceptions about the Use of Industrial Robots

Robotic innovation, once a passion project for hobbyists and an imagination restricted to science fiction films, has now become a reality. But before visions of a robot-dominated future start to form, rest assured—they are not here to take over the world.?

The mention of robots working within industries might be a dystopian image for some, but the reality of industrial robotics is far from this bleak scenario.?

Today, we aim to address some common myths surrounding industrial robotics and explore their role and impact in current and future industrial workplaces.?

Common Misconceptions about Industrial Robots?

Robots Will Replace Human Workers

This is arguably the most common misconception that often triggers outright toward industrial robots. Many jobs require traits that are exclusive to humans, and the truth is that robots are neither creative nor empathetic.?

While they may be able to communicate or perform complex mechanical tasks, they cannot lead entire operations. Some jobs can be exclusively reserved for robots, but it is usually for the better. These can be high-risk, labor-intensive, or redundant tasks. Doing so will create new jobs such as industrial robot technicians, automation experts or maintenance personnel.?

Deloitte estimated that 2.4 million jobs will remain unfilled between 2018 and 2028 due to a skills gap. This significant challenge arises because there are not enough qualified candidates to fill these roles.

If the industry simply focuses on upskilling, then robots can take up dirty, dangerous, and monotonous tasks so that human workers can engage in roles that require creativity, critical thinking, and personal interaction.?

Robotic integration is expensive

At first glance, integrating industrial robots might seem costly, particularly for small to mid-sized manufacturers. However, the long-term return on investment significantly outweighs these initial costs, making automation a financially viable option.?

The adoption of industrial robots enhances efficiency, boosts production capacity, ensures safer working conditions, and elevates product quality. All these factors collectively contribute to the financial benefits.

Models like Robotics as a Service (RaaS) and the accessibility of quality-assured refurbished robots are cost-effective pathways to robotic automation, eliminating the financial barrier to entry.?

Here is the ROI Robot System Value Calculator by automate.org, a valuable tool to determine how robotic integration can positively impact your finances.?

It is difficult to program and maintain industrial robots?

It is often believed that industrial robotic automation systems demand high maintenance, complex to program, and require on-site experts.

However, with proper care and upkeep, they do not require excessive maintenance. Regular preventive measures can significantly reduce downtime and operational costs and extend the maintenance frequency to monthly, quarterly, or even yearly.

Advancements in technology have led to the development of user-friendly robots, like Baxter and FANUC’s integrated programming robots. Today’s industrial robots are designed for ease of use without needing programming knowledge.?

Along with these, tools like the Robot Operating System (ROS) and Open Source Computer Vision (OpenCV) are making robots more accessible, simplifying programming, and broadening the scope of automation.

Robots are limited to heavy industries?

People usually associate Industrial robots with large-scale manufacturing sectors. Particularly due to their long-standing use in major automotive production, a practice that extends beyond 60 years.

However, the increasing accessibility and flexibility of robotic applications have made robots useful in many industries today. Improved sensor technology and hardware advancements have made robots more efficient in interacting with their surroundings and performing more intricate tasks.

For instance, robots now assist in surgeries and are used in environmental surveys to observe animals and insects. These new capabilities are quite useful in manufacturing, where industrial robots can now weld, handle volatile materials, process food, paint, assemble, and much more. Robots have a task and a place in any manufacturing facility.?

It is unsafe to work with robots?

The misconception that working with robots is unsafe neglects the rigorous safety standards and protocols that direct their operation. In fact, industrial robot adoption research indicates that there is a corresponding reduction in work-related injury rates by about 1.2 injuries per 100 full-time workers.?

To ensure a safe working environment, robotic automation systems adhere to strict regulations, including comprehensive risk assessments and emergency functionalities.?

Protective measures, such as barriers and safety interlocks, are usually installed to prevent unauthorized access to non-collaborative robotic operation zones and enhance safety.?

Tactile and capacitive sensors make them more receptive to their surroundings and safer to work around. Regular risk assessments and maintenance checks are also important to mitigate potential hazards.?

Robots are only effective In high-volume settings?

The outdated belief that industrial robots are only effective in high-volume production settings isn't true. Robots are now proving their versatility across a number of traditional and non-traditional sectors, leading to higher adoption in small and medium-sized companies. Collaborative robots, or cobots, have played a significant role in debunking this myth.?

Cobots are renowned for their ability to safely interact with human workers. They represent a middle ground between full automation and manual processes. These accessible, easy-to-program, and adaptable robots are perfect for small to medium-sized businesses with variable production demands.?

From assembly and inspection to packaging and machine tending, they are used by businesses of all sizes to improve efficiency.

Robotic systems are still not efficient enough

Traditionally, robotic automation faced challenges in terms of speed and precision, but new advancements are addressing these limitations.?

Traditional navigation algorithms have often been deemed too slow and are being replaced by high-tech LiDAR sensors and AI-based computer vision technology.

With AI-based adaptable pattern recognition systems and real-time data processing, robots can perform complex tasks more accurately.?

Normalize Robotics in Production

Don't let outdated misconceptions stop you from unlocking the potential of your production lines. At Hokuyo, we encourage you to embrace the efficiency and innovation that robotic technology offers.?

As a leading automation technology firm, we’ve witnessed the manufacturing industry turn into a technology-driven powerhouse firsthand.?

Leveraging industrial robots will enhance productivity and help create a safer, more creative workplace.

Explore more about the impact robotics technology is making across industries worldwide, or learn more about our cutting-edge sensor products designed for robotics and automation applications.

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