Cobots for Small-to-Midsize Enterprises

Small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) that want to stay competitive must integrate intelligent technology into their workforce. Cobots are one of the best ways to reap the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in a way that helps employees do their jobs better and creates financial success. There are many advantages to integrating cobots into the workplace, and they have the potential to handle tasks in several industries.

What Are Cobots?

A collaborative robot (cobot) is a robot that works alongside humans or other cobots to accomplish certain tasks. Cobots are designed to offer better accessibility and mobility to human workers. They can make certain tasks easier and less stressful for employees. The main purposes of a cobot are to prevent error, increase safety and streamline and simplify procedures.

When many people picture robots in the workplace, they envision conventional industrial robots that involve large and heavy parts and perform tasks away from human workers. While these robots have their place, cobots offer unique benefits.

Applications of Cobots in Manufacturing SMEs

The International Federation of Robotics estimates that in the next decade, more than 50% of production operators will be working with robots. Here are some of the top ways to use cobots in the manufacturing sector: 

• Assembly line: Cobots can be used to accurately fasten or join objects via welding, screwing, inserting or dispensing. They can fit into tight spaces and work alongside human workers.
• Material handling: Shards of metal, plastic and other heavy materials pose a risk to human workers. Cobots stack, palletize and maneuver these heavy materials and safely transport them on their mobile platforms. They also succeed in other potentially hazardous tasks like electropolishing.
• Testing and inspecting: Cobots can assist with quality control checks at every stage, from manufacturing to shipment. They can be programmed to perform quality control tasks like probing and gauging. Cobots also assist human workers during busy peak seasons by taking on strenuous workloads. They can help with a wide range of tasks, from welding and packaging to machine tending, reducing the stress on human employees.

What Are the Benefits of Integrating Cobots Into SMEs?

Collaborative robots are steadily gaining popularity in industries searching for flexible solutions. Companies that may not have the capital resources or workload to take on large automation systems can benefit greatly from the expertise of cobots. Here are some of the ways SMEs in particular can enjoy the advantages of employing cobots:

1. Increased Workflow

Collaborative robots can boost productivity by working with human workers to simplify specific duties. They reduce the number of repetitive, manual tasks that take time away from human workers. For example, a cobot has been shown to reduce a 12-hour sanding job to only 3.5 hours. 

A general rule for using cobots to boost productivity is the 80/20 rule, which states that cobots should perform 80% of repetitive tasks in a workspace. This process allows human workers to spend time on more complex tasks with greater focus and energy.  

2. Improved Adaptability

Cobots have a lightweight design, meaning users can quickly maneuver them across different areas of the workspace. Users can assemble and reassemble them with ease. They can also attach to a mobile platform, allowing them to move freely throughout the workspace as needed.

Cobots have an intuitive interface that lets workers quickly switch to new tasks or setups. Thanks to their adaptive programming, these machines are flexible and fully capable of human-robot collaboration and changes in workflow.

3. Enhanced Safety

Cobots are optimized for safety. Unlike traditional robots, which typically execute their processes without any external awareness, cobots can pay attention to environmental occurrences. Cobots have a range of sensors and use AI to sense nearby humans or potential hazards.

Some models, like MOD-WELD cobots, come with safety accessories like a tabletop magnet screen and pull curtains to keep employees safe during welding procedures. Contact a Meritus Gas team expert to find out more about welding cobots.

4. Increased Space-Efficiency

Many production spaces feature numerous work zones, so it’s important that any new machinery should fit into tight spaces. Cobots are compact, allowing them to perform significant tasks in very little space. Their smaller size also allows them to easily move to different floor locations, and their smart sensors prevent them from crashing into things while on the mobile platform. The installation process for cobots also doesn’t require much space, as many parts are assembled off-site.

5. Improved Cost and Time Efficiency

The global cobot market is estimated to reach $9.2 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 41.5%. One of the biggest contributors to this exponential growth is the high return on investment companies experience from cobots. 

Cobots are typically easier to install than other types of traditional robots or machinery, so companies tend to see results quicker than with other options. In some cases, cobots can be programmed to handle exclusive work that would typically require SMEs to hire a specialist. Cobots allow businesses to do more in-house, which reduces external fees and the need for expensive freelance specialists. 

What Kinds of SMEs Benefit From Cobots?

Aside from manufacturing, cobots can assist companies in various industries. Some of the most common applications are within the following sectors:

• Consumer goods manufacturing: This industry streamlines its manufacturing processes by leveraging cobots. It uses them for various tasks, including product packaging and assembly, while maintaining necessary hygiene standards.
• Polymers and plastics: Cobots assist workers in this industry with injection and blow molding operations, as well as heavy loading and unloading.
• Electronics and technology: Cobots can automate repetitive tasks like screw-driving and dispensing, allowing human workers to engage in more creative problem-solving work.
• Automotive: Cobots can perform crucial tasks like gluing, injecting engine oil, greasing camshafts and streamlining the manufacturing process.
• Food and beverage: This industry has many repetitive tasks, like packaging, and cobots can make these tasks less stressful. Cobots can also work well in some harsh environments, like refrigerated zones in warehouses. 

Why SMEs Can’t Afford to Wait for Automation

With the lack of talent and unsustainable staff turnover many companies are facing, SMEs can’t afford to hesitate when it comes to implementing operational solutions. Cobots offer a level of automation that is irreplaceable to high-mix, low-volume SMEs.

Businesses face many challenges, including supply-chain challenges, tight profit margins and decreased productivity. Cobots can help with a range of tedious tasks, allowing more room for human creativity and skill and allowing companies to progress with minimal effort.

Automate Your SME With Cobots From Meritus Gas Partners

Cobots can boost productivity and make processes more efficient, all while providing a swift and impressive return on investment. At Meritus Gas Partners, we have suppliers with several cobot solutions suitable for achieving varied tasks.

Our experts have the knowledge to find exactly what your business needs, and we can even help you save money by finding you the right combination of products. If you’re interested in getting started with cobots, don’t hesitate to request a quote from us or find a partner near you to start your journey toward cutting-edge technology and manufacturing solutions.