Human and Robot, no more separation

The term collaborative robots refers to robots designed to work in direct interaction with humans within a defined collaborative workspace. Collaborative robots are creating a new kind of manufacturing workforce and opening the door to a greater human-robot co-habitation.

The emergence of collaborative robots on the manufacturing scene fulfils industry demands for flexible, reliable and safe automation; helping to replace operators in routine, dangerous, or repetitious tasks. The features of collaborative robots mean that more manufacturers can take advantage of the many opportunities that robot technology offers.

Industrial vs Collaborative Robots

Industrial Robots

• Separate from humans; guarding or other additional safety devices needed
• Applications: Precision and repeatability
• Expensive
• Expert programmer needed
• Integration needed
• Faster, more powerful

Collaborative Robots

• • Work alongside human operators; usually no need for guarding
  • Applications: Flexibility and ease of use
  • Low cost of ownership
  • Plug and play; easy to program
  • Fully integrated & Self contained
  • Slower, less powerful

Type of tasks/Industries using collaborative robotics

• • Less structured tasks/Short tasks
  • High dexterity tasks
  • High-mix, low-volume operation
  • Packaging / Pick & Place / Material handling
  • Manufacturing / Fine assembling
  • CNC machine tool tending