Drones and the Future of Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing
Overview
The inclusion of drone technology in plastics manufacturing, specifically in packaging film and sheet manufacturing, has brought a significant change to the sector. This emergence has created innovative possibilities in the production, inspection, and delivery processes within this industry. The use of drones, combined with rising global statistics of plastic packaging, could potentially revolutionize the future of the plastics manufacturing industry.
Drone Application in Manufacturing Process
Drones are revolutionizing the plastic film and sheet manufacturing process, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the process in unprecedented ways. For instance, drones equipped with infrared technology are able to detect susceptible areas in the production line, offering manufacturers a 35% reduction in operational downtime, according to TechHub. They are also being used to inspect equipment in hard-to-reach sites, improving preventative maintenance by up to 20%. The efficiency gain could potentially boost annual production quantities, which currently stand at 16.5 million tonnes of plastic sheet and film globally, as reported by Plastics Europe.
Drones Facilitating Plastic Packaging Delivery
In addition to the manufacturing process, drones are revolutionizing the delivery of plastic packaging products. With the global plastic packaging market expected to reach $320.94 billion by 2025, according to Grand View Research, it's crucial to look for innovative ways to distribute these products. Using commercial drones for delivery can potentially reduce the average shipping time by 28%, based on data from Drone Delivery Canada. With their ability to reach remote areas often inaccessible to traditional transportation means, drones could increase market accessibility and consequently, the market size.
The Role of Laminated Plastics in Drone Manufacturing
Laminated plastic plays a crucial role in drone manufacturing. Laminated plastics offer electrical insulation, lightweight, and resistance to environmental factors, features necessary for the construction of robust drones. The global laminated plastics market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2020 to 2027, according to Allied Market Research. The increased production and usage of drones in various sectors might propel this growth even further.
Key Takeaways
- Drones have the potential to revolutionize the plastic film and sheet manufacturing process by improving efficiency and accuracy.
- With the global plastic packaging industry expected to grow significantly in coming years, drones could offer an innovative approach to delivery and reduce shipping time.
- The increasing use of laminated plastics in drones might contribute to the projected growth of the laminated plastics market.
3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is helping industries, including plastics manufacturing to optimise their operations. 3Laws's software, 3Laws Supervisor, simplifies certification for robotics systems with robust safety features, making it particularly promising for applications within the manufacturing sector. Utilising Control Barrier Functions, it promises mathematically provable safety.
3Laws Robotics has demonstrated its value across various use cases, from warehouse automation to facilitating safe human-robot interaction and enabling robots to navigate dynamic environments efficiently. They've enabled an autonomous forklift customer to achieve a 40% efficiency gain with a 6-month payback period.
More importantly, they focus on reactive collision avoidance capabilities and real-time guardrails for autonomous stacks, allowing robots to work closer to their full potential while maintaining safety. Compatible with popular platforms like ROS and ROS2, and ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262 certified, 3Laws Robotics represents a significant step forward in proactive, comprehensive safety solutions for robotic systems.