What?
A cobot (collaborative robot) is a type of robot designed to work alongside human workers in a manufacturing environment, such as a CNC machining shop.
Cobots are designed to help humans increase efficiency and productivity by taking on tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding. They are typically smaller and lighter than traditional industrial robots and are designed to operate safely alongside human workers.
Cobots are equipped with sensors and safety features that allow them to respond to changes in their environment and collaborate with human workers in a safe and efficient manner. In a CNC machining shop, cobots can handle tasks such as material handling, machine loading and unloading, and quality inspection.
By working together with human operators, cobots can improve production efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase overall productivity.
Time Commitment: High
Features Required: Tally Sheets (Recommended, not mandatory)
Notes: On a machine or work cell you have targeted for a cobot, look at the utilization of a job after setup until it runs out. Robots have the potential to perform a job at over 90% utilization as long as they only need to load and unload. You can find your standard utilization while a job is running (Subtracting setup and unforeseen circumstances) and compare the utz of current state to an estimated 90% state to estimate a cost benefit. See Use Utilization Data to Justify CI Projects.
How?
To determine if your CNC machine shop needs a cobot, consider the following factors:
- Labor shortage: If you are facing a shortage of skilled labor or are struggling to recruit workers, a cobot can help fill the gap and increase productivity.
- Repetitive tasks: If you have repetitive tasks that can be automated, such as machine loading and unloading, a cobot can help reduce operator fatigue and improve efficiency.
- Dangerous tasks: If you have tasks that are physically demanding or pose a safety risk to workers, a cobot can help by taking on these tasks, reducing the risk of injury.
- High production volume: If you have high production volumes and need to increase your production capacity, a cobot can help by working alongside human operators to increase efficiency.
- Limited working space: If you have limited working space and need to optimize your use of floor space, a cobot can be a compact solution that can be integrated into your existing production line.
- Increased quality control: If you need to improve your quality control processes, a cobot can help by performing tasks such as inspection and measurement, reducing the risk of human error.
- Lead time reduction: If you need to reduce lead times and increase delivery speed, a cobot can help by performing tasks such as machine loading and unloading, freeing up human operators to focus on other tasks.
In summary, if your CNC machine shop faces any of these factors, a cobot may be beneficial. However, it is important to consider your business's specific requirements and the tasks you want to automate before making a decision.