With robotics and automation entering the manufacturing industry, it is no longer uncommon to see these fine pieces of equipment running assembly lines. There are primarily two kinds of robot models with different automation levels, namely Traditional Industrial Robots and Collaborative Robots (Cobot). Although similar in function, Robots and cobots have distinguishing features that separate them from one another, which is the role they play alongside humans.
The predominant difference between collaborative robots (henceforth “cobots”) and traditional industrial robots (or simply “robots”) is that cobots are meant to work with humans rather than replace them completely. But their differences go beyond simply that. In order to understand the basics and maximize the strengths of both collaborative robots and their industrial counterparts, it is important to be able to know all the features that distinguish the two. Here are 5 distinct features of cobots in contrast to robots.
5 Key Differences Between Cobots and Robots
1. Robots take the place of employees while cobots work alongside employees.
Traditional industrial robots provide complete automation of their part of the assembly line, being able to work without human assistance at all. They also often carry bulky equipment, such as large welding tools, while carrying out their functions with speed and high dexterity. As a result, employees can take up other tasks which need problem-solving or detailed work, lessening the chances of repetitive motion injuries.
Meanwhile, a cobot commonly assists a human operator. It can perform functions that would be dangerous, tiring, or tedious for an employee to accomplish alone. It may also be involved in more complex tasks that can’t be completely automated, such as handling the wires inside an appliance. This teamwork between humans and cobot results in a more efficient workplace, which does not come at the expense of factory jobs.
2. Robots must be kept behind cages or fences, which cobots will usually not need.
Robots might remain superior to cobots in terms of sheer speed, but they are designed with output volume in mind over human safety. Even if comes into contact with an employee and causes an injury, the robot will only stop if it receives the appropriate command. To prevent workers from accidentally getting caught in moving parts, the robots are kept behind fencing or cages.
Human safety is a major concern for the design of cobots, which come with built-in safety mechanisms that meet set safety requirements for human co-operation. A cobot may move more slowly if it detects a human nearby, stopping if the human comes close enough. If something gets in the way in the middle of its operation, it immediately stops and waits for a command. Because of this, the cobot might not even need a safety cage, although this ultimately depends on a formal risk assessment based on its assigned function.
3. Robot programming requires prior skill while cobot programming can be done without coding.
Another difference between robots and cobots is the skill needed to program them. To give a robot its instructions, an employee must have advanced computer coding skills. Also, most robot manufacturers have their own programming language, which the employee must learn in order to accomplish anything. While learning BASIC/Pascal makes most of these languages easier to work with, the sheer number of individual languages has been a problem for assembly lines with numerous machines from different manufacturers.
On the other hand, an employee giving instructions to a cobot may not need any stock coding knowledge at all. Cobots come with a simple easy-to-use interface that doesn’t require any coding. A few more machines even have the ability to share acquired information with other cobots. In the future, they may only need to watch the operator learn new functions.
This also means that cobots are easier to reprogram in the future. A single cobot may be reprogrammed and redeployed several times according to the needs of the production chain.
4. Robots stay in place while some cobots are mobile and flexible.
Robots are commonly bolted to the floor. They normally do not have to be moved around the factory once they have started functioning. This may also be considered a safety necessity, keeping the robot in place regardless of the speed and power required of its task.
Cobots are usually light enough for a single worker to carry. Employees may also move them around with ease by using mobile bases. Most cobots may also be mounted on walls or ceilings. There is also a variety of end effectors to choose from, including grippers and drills, adding to the flexibility of cobots.
5. Robots are better for high volume jobs while cobots are better for complex tasks.
Because of their speed and complete automation, robots are still best for tasks with high quotas or hazardous circumstances (e.g. exposure to lead or high temperatures). Cobots might also be able to function without assistance, but they are still ideal for jobs that need the cooperation of a human operator. They are useful for small to medium businesses, helping such companies take a step towards automation and increased competitiveness. This does not mean that cobots do not have a place in large factories, where they can fill a skill gap between humans and industrial robots.
Robots may be more well-equipped for handling heavier operations, but cobots are easier to set up, more flexible, and more suited for jobs where precision is a must. Neither a robot nor a cobot is necessarily better than the other by default, as it still can depend on the demands of the assembly line. But as far as cobots go, they are certainly ideal for businesses who still prefer human regulation but are in need to improve efficiency in production.
Also Read: Cobot Basics: Cobot Basics: 5 Ways Collaborative Robots Can Improve Your Assembly Line
Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc. has been providing reliable manufacturing solutions together with topnotch post-sales service. If you have been considering automation for improved efficiency, feel free to contact us, and we will help you determine how your assembly line can incorporate cobots.
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