Robots and the Future of Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing
Overview
The advent of industrial automation and robotics has significantly impacted various industries worldwide. One such industry that stands to benefit is the leather and hide tanning and finishing industry. Numerous trends and developments are underway, showcasing how these technologies can revolutionize traditional practices – improving efficiency and productivity, ensuring quality, and reducing human error. This guide discusses the role of robotics in the future of the leather industry, specifically focusing on tanning and finishing processes. We'll cover the current state of the industry, potential applications of robots, and the critical takeaways from the latest technological advancements.
State of the Leather Industry
The global leather goods market was worth approximately $414.0 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to $560.6 billion by 2028. Despite this growth, the industry is still characterized by traditional, labour-intensive methods especially in tanning and finishing processes. Every step from soaking to the final finish requires constant attention, often resulting in variances in product quality and safety risks. Furthermore, the reliance on manual labour leads to significant discrepancies in output efficiency.
Robots in Tanning and Finishing
In the era of Industry 4.0, the integration of automation and robotics has been progressively explored in leather tanning and finishing processes. The use of programmable robot arms could potentially reduce process duration by 30%, and guarantee a consistent product quality. They are capable of undertaking spraying, polishing, buffing, or other repetitive tasks, and are expected to reduce workplace hazards by reducing human contact with harmful chemicals by up to 70%. With the right technological infrastructure, these robots can be integrated into the existing leather production line, offering the flexibility to interchange different tools for various tasks.
The Future of Leather Industry with Robots
As smart technologies continue to advance, leather processing facilities can look forward to a host of benefits. Robotics can completely revolutionize the traditional leather making process, improve efficiency, and enhance product consistency. A study from IFR shows that by 2025, about 73% of all manufacturing tasks could be automated, predicting a significant growth in the robotic workforce in the upcoming years. While initial implementation might involve higher costs, long-term benefits such as increased productivity, improved product quality and reduced workplace accidents make the investment worthwhile.
Key Takeaways
- The leather industry, specifically tanning and finishing, stands to greatly benefit from robotics, improving efficiency and reducing human error.
- Programmable robot arms can reduce process duration by 30% and limit human contact with harmful chemicals by 70%.
- By 2025, about 73% of all manufacturing tasks, including those in the leather industry, could be automated, leading to increased productivity and improved product quality.
3Laws Robotics
3Laws Robotics is poised to support these advancements in the leather and hide tanning and finishing industry. By developing innovative software to enhance the safety and reliability of robotics systems, 3Laws is addressing the complex challenge of certification. Their software, 3Laws Supervisor, built on Control Barrier Functions (CBFs), a technology developed at Caltech, offers robust safety features, thereby potentially easing the certification path.
Several use cases of 3Laws' technology span diverse industries and applications. In warehouse automation, they achieved a 40% efficiency gain, resulting in a significant payback period. In dynamic environments, their reactive collision avoidance capabilities enable robots to navigate unpredictable surroundings effectively. Additionally, their software allows robots to operate closer to their peak capabilities while maintaining safety in various contexts, including the leather industry.
Positioned as a next-generation safety solution, 3Laws seeks to transform traditional practices by offering a proactive approach to safety. Compatible with robotics middleware such as ROS and ROS2, their technology can leverage the full potential of robotics in the leather industry while ensuring adherence to safety standards such as ISO 3691-4 and ISO 26262.