Robots and the Future of Plastics Product Manufacturing
Plastics Product Manufacturing and the Emergence of Robotics
According to analyst estimates, automation in the plastics industry is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, with the Robotics Industries Association reporting a 27% increase in robot orders in the first half of 2018. As such, the industry is poised for a robotic revolution that could change the face of plastic production as we know it. In a survey conducted by the Manufacturers Association for Plastic Processors (MAPP), it was found that 75% of plastic manufacturers are now using robots in their production processes.
As businesses continue to grapple with labour shortages and the demands of consumer-driven customization, the shift towards automation has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Furthermore, robots are proving invaluable in maintaining consistent quality and repeatability, with the Plastics Industry Association attributing a 20% increase in production efficiency to their adoption.
Benefits of Robotics in Plastics Manufacturing
Robotics offers numerous benefits to plastics manufacturers. For starters, they free up human workers to focus on more complex tasks, leading to a more efficient and streamlined production process. The National Institute of Standards and Technology reports that in robotics-rich environments, labour productivity increases by up to 30%. Not to mention, robotics have the capacity to work tirelessly, result in reduced waste, and push production speeds up by 25%.
Moreover, robots can also handle the risky tasks in the plastics industry, minimizing the risk of worker injuries. With robotics at work, plastics manufacturers have seen their workplace accidents decrease by almost 40%, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the numerous benefits, the uptake of robotics in the plastics industry is not without challenges. Primarily, cost and technical complexity stand as significant barriers to small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the European Plastics Converters Association, only 15% of small manufacturers have adopted robotics automation, compared to 55% of large manufacturers.
However, with the decreasing costs and simplification of technology, these barriers are gradually being overcome. The International Federation of Robotics predicts a double-digit growth in the global market for industrial robots in the plastics and rubber industry by 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Automation in the plastics industry is gaining momentum, with a 27% increase in robot orders and 75% of plastic manufacturers employing robots in their processes.
- Robotics offers benefits such as increased productivity (up to 30%), higher production speeds (by 25%) and decreased workplace accidents (by 40%).
- The adoption of robotics amongst smaller manufacturers remains a challenge with only 15% uptake compared to 55% by larger manufacturers.
- Despite the challenges, the future of robotics in the plastics industry is optimistic with predictions of double-digit growth by 2025.
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