Tips for Picking Your First Industrial Robot
We are living in the age of robots. As the precision, speed, and power of industrial robots continues to grow, businesses that haven’t jumped into the robotics bandwagon are missing out on the huge potential to boost their production capabilities and efficiency.
Whether you are a largescale manufacturer producing one million units per or a medium manufacturer struggling to increase output, you have probably identified tasks and processes in your factory floor that can be automated. Repetitive tasks such as picking and placing items on a conveyer are the best candidates for automation.
But even after identifying processes that can be automated, you are probably asking yourself a lot of questions. For instance, where do you start? What robots are best suited for your industry? How do you install robots in your factory? If these questions have been giving you sleepless nights, don’t worry anymore. This article will address your concerns and set you on the right path of getting the first universal robot for your company.
How Do You Know if You Need an Industrial Robot?
Ask any industrial expert, and they will tell you any process that is repetitive, dirty, highly precise, and dangerous to human workers needs robotization. As you tour the production floor, identify tasks that no one wants to do because they are either repetitive or poses the risk of motion injuries. Such simple tasks can be assigned to robots so that your people can focus on more productive functions. Besides, you can also incorporate robots in your manufacturing process for other reasons such as:
Solving Labor Shortages
Many manufacturers find it challenging to find suitable candidates to fill specific positions in their companies. For instance, manufacturers in the welding industry are experiencing labour shortages because skilled and experienced welders are getting fewer by the day. Such labour issues can force a company to automate, especially if the company is struggling to hit its target. Also, the labour shortage is another catalyst for robotization. For instance, companies producing large quantities of identical products may be forced to incorporate robots in their production process.
Reviewing Machine Performance
Manufacturers spend loads of money to acquire machinery for their production processes. These assets must perform optimally to generate targeted revenues for the company. An underperforming machine can hamper productivity or even become a liability to the company.
A modern robot such as the universal robot features machine learning capabilities and artificial intelligence. These attributes enable them to collect and analyze data on the performance of different machines. Such information is vital in identifying underperforming machines and also predicting problems in the production process.
Choosing Your First Industrial Robot
Many manufacturers spend weeks or even months researching the best robot to purchase for their operations. There’s no doubt that robots are a considerable investment for any manufacturer. Therefore, before you head to the market, you must equip yourself with the right information.
The primary criterion for choosing an industrial robot understands the field of application. For instance, do you need a robot for painting, welding, palletizing, handling, or pick and place? Once you know the application, you can now proceed to choose the appropriate robot to suit your application. The most common types of industrial robots include:
- SCARA Robots
- Cartesian Robots
- Articulated Robots
- Cylindrical and Polar Robots
- Delta robots
Every robot has unique features that set it apart from others. For instance, articulated robots are built on the principle of the human arm, and they can lift a load of up to 2 tons.
Mistakes to Avoid
Many manufacturers make costly mistakes when implementing a robotic automation program. Before, you settle on a specific robot, take your time to research to ensure that your company doesn’t bite more than it can chew. Most importantly, involve your colleagues and industry experts to ensure you are getting the right robot for your operations. Engaging the right people can point you in the right direction and also ensure that you get your robot from a reputable manufacturer.
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