Automation Canada Quarterly Volume 1 Issue 1 - 15

That puts a limit on what they can do. The positive is they can be
utilized to enhance production working alongside operators by
taking up repetitive tasks, increasing accuracy, and limiting waste.
With their consistent, regulated speed, production lines can be
closely synchronized. Adding to potential output.
"Cobots protect human workers by reducing the risk of injury from
dangerous jobs and repetitive movements, and they improve overall
equipment efficiency-all while enabling human workers to get their
jobs done faster and more easily than ever before," explains
Shepherd.

Ultimately, determining when cobots are right for you comes down to
the particulars of your operation and the goals you want to achieve. Are
you looking to complement production lines or fully automate? How
much floor space do you have? Are your payload requirements
compatible with cobots? What are your long-term goals for growth? Is
scalability important? It is important to assess all possible scenarios.

"all while enabling human workers to get their jobs
done faster and more easily than ever before"
Another benefit associated with cobots is to alleviate worker
shortages. Shepherd touches on this while also addressing the
concern of robots taking jobs.
"What's interesting is that, in reality, demand for manpower is actually
outpacing supply. Baby boomers are retiring, and Gen-X, Gen-Y, and
Millennials are not interested in manufacturing and warehouse jobs.
There simply aren't enough human workers to get the job done."
Cobots are ideal for repetitive tasks that require interaction with
people but don't require a high level of dexterity. They save workers
from repetitive task/ergonomic injury, while also limiting interaction
with potentially dangerous machinery. Adding to ROI and protecting
companies against potential liability.
Currently, cobots are used most in applications involving machine
tending, pick and place, packaging and palatizing, quality control, as
well as in flexible manufacturing assembly. As well as finishing
applications like welding, polishing, grinding and gluing.
They are great for high variety, low volume product manufacturing
operations because they can be programmed for multiple functions,
easily re-tooled and can be mounted to portable workstations.
C A N A D I A N A U TO M AT I O N

But perhaps the most important factor is ROI. What is going to provide
the maximum benefit for your investment? With automation there are a
number of factors that aren't so plainly quantifiable in financial terms.
Quality, waste, production rate, cycle time, set up time, manufacturing
flexibility, business growth and implementation risk, should also be
considered.
The most expensive, high tech option isn't necessarily going to translate
into the greatest return. Adversely, the cheapest option won't
necessarily provide the greatest value. When deciding if cobots are
right for your operation it is important to weigh all potential variables to
determine what is going to provide the best value for your investment.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

15
Automation Canada Quarterly Volume 1 Issue 1

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automation Canada Quarterly Volume 1 Issue 1
