Collaborative Robots and the Future of Plastics Product Manufacturing
Overview In an era of rapidly evolving technology, the application of collaborative robots (cobots) is presenting promising implications for the future of plastics product manufacturing. Cobots, designed to work alongside humans, are projected to account for Nearly 35% of all industrial robots sold by 2025 (IFR). This guide highlights how cobots can revolutionize manufacturing processes for the plastics industry, given their efficiency, versatility, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it touches on the significant role of robotic safety software solutions, such as those offered by 3Laws, in ensuring smooth and safe operation of cobots.
Cobots and Efficiency
Cobots are transforming the manufacturing landscape by increasing efficiency. They can work without rest, resulting in consistent production rates. The World Economic Forum estimates a potential average productivity increase of about 5% annually worldwide with the implementation of robots and automation. In particular, cobots can be instrumental in repetitive tasks such as plastic molding and assembly, thereby reducing human error and boosting overall productivity.
Cobot Versatility
The versatility of cobots is another key factor contributing to their growing popularity. Cobots are easy to program and can be rapidly repurposed for different tasks, making them ideal for small scale and customizable operations. With over 90% of plastic manufacturing companies being classified as small (PlastikCity), the flexibility offered by cobots could serve a crucial role in enabling adaptability and fostering innovation for these small businesses.
Cobot Safety and Cost-effectiveness
Cobots are built with integrated safety features that enable them to work alongside humans without requiring extensive physical safety barriers, thus reducing setup costs. Moreover, the initial investment for a cobot can be as low as 20% of traditional industrial robots (IFR), making them financially accessible to more businesses. The inbuilt safety features also mitigate the risk of workplace accidents, potentially resulting in cost savings on insurance and compensation costs.
The Role of 3Laws Robotics
Robotic safety software solutions such as 3Laws are paving the way for widespread and reliable application of cobots. Leveraging their software, 3Laws Supervisor, the company is looking to simplify the component of certification, a substantial hurdle for many robotic companies. The software offers robust safety options and evidence of system durability, possibly smoothing the path to certification. Moreover, 3Laws' technology can help improve cobot potential by reducing downtime due to emergency stops or collisions, further enhancing productivity.
Key Takeaways - The use of collaborative robots can significantly boost efficiency and versatility in the plastics manufacturing industry. - With incorporated safety measures and promising economical aspects, cobots have potential to become cost-effective solutions for smaller plastic manufacturing companies. - 3Laws Robotics is developing quality software to enhance the safety and reliability of cobotic systems, potentially simplifying the certification process for robotics companies.
About 3Laws Robotics 3Laws is at the forefront of developing innovative software to enhance safety and reliability for the expanding robotics industry. Through their software solution, 3Laws Supervisor, the aim is to address and alleviate the notable challenge of certification for robotics companies. By making technology developed at Caltech, the Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), widely accessible, they strive to offer mathematically proven safety while enhancing operational efficiency by minimizing downtime. Ultimately, 3Laws plans to unlock the full potential of robotics by providing dynamic, predictive safety that can offer safety certifications for ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.