Fascinating, non-traditional ways collaborative robots are used today

Do you know that collaborative robots are also being used in non-traditional ways in business today?

Collaborative robots were introduced to create efficiencies primarily within the manufacturing industry however because of their flexibility, portability, affordability and easy programming they are not only revolutionising manufacturing processes, they’re also innovating other industries as well.

If you’re not sure whether automating with robots is right for your type of business, read through the following examples before you make any decisions because you’ll be able to see that collaborative robots can be used in virtually any type of business and industry. The business opportunities this technology creates are infinite.

By adopting collaborative robots you will create more value for your business that has the potential to:

·      Increase productivity in your business

·      Increase your profitability

·      Improve the quality and consistency of your products or services

·      Drive business growth

·      Improve workplace safety

·      Make your company more attractive to potential investors as well as attract new local and global business opportunities

Across the globe, collaborative robots are being used in non-traditional ways not only to create business efficiencies but also to improve the lives of others.

Security

In Singapore, a UR robot bio-data scanner prototype is being used at the Woodlands Checkpoint and Senoko Fishery Port in an Automated Passenger In-Car Clearance System (APICS). It’s anticipated the integration of collaborative robots will increase productivity and allow more traffic to be handled at Singapore’s land checkpoints, taking Singapore one step closer to its vision of becoming a Smart Nation. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently tested the prototype in operation. Read more in this news article via Straits Times HERE.

Healthcare

Physiotherapists and Chinese Medicine Physicians in Singapore will have the opportunity to work with Emma (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation) to enhance patient care and increase productivity by allowing therapists to treat multiple patients at the one time. It is designed by AiTreat and uses a UR robot arm and 3D-printed massage tip which is designed to assist practitioners with the delivery of sports massage, acupoint therapy and other specific movements. Learn how collaborative robots are being used in the health, well-being and medical industries HERE.

Surgery

In Spain, the Broca Project was developed by Tecnalia and engineers from Malaga University, to assist surgeons with laparoscopy procedures. This innovative technology uses three UR5 robotic arms, which can work together, or individually depending on the needs of the patient. The easy programming, installation, precision, and collaborative nature of the robot arms allow surgeons, nurses, and theater staff, to work side-by-side and care for patients. Read more about The Broca Project HERE.

Food

UR robots can be used across all areas of the food industry and we’ve developed several collaborative applications specifically for restaurants and their employees. From collaborative robots preparing dosai (an Indian pancake, watch clip from 01:08 – 01:36) to the famous Singaporean noodle soup laksa. Watch the UR5 collaborative robots working together to prepare food HERE.

Painting

Painting can be tedious, time consuming and dangerous especially when it comes large commercial painting projects. Singapore electronics company Elid Technology International and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) co-developed an automated painting system for high-rise buildings designed to increase productivity and enhance worker safety. This application uses a UR robot arm to spray and apply the paint to the building. Read more in this news article via Straits Times HERE.

These are only some of the non-traditional ways UR robots are being used in businesses today and it’s all due to their flexibility, easy programming, affordability and portability. Today we’re seeing UR technology being used in the television, education, 3D printing and aviation industries.

With collaborative robots the opportunities are infinite.

?About the author:

Shermine Gotfredsen is the General Manager Universal Robots Pte Ltd (Southeast Asia and Oceania). Shermine is committed to working in partnership with companies across the SEAO region to help them make the right decisions on how to improve productivity through automation.