Collaborative Robots vs. Traditional Robots – Which Add More Value to Organizations
Robots have been performing tasks in manufacturing industries for quite some time now. These machines being non-exhaustible, precise and fast, have been replacing human physical labour to a large extent. Let’s take a look at the two types of robots widely used in the manufacturing industry; Traditional Robots and Collaborative Robots.
Traditional Robots
Traditional robots are the ones that usually work in caged environments and are programmed to perform specific tasks. These robots are not very adaptable and are used only for one specific task, which means that if there is a change in the product, programming them for the new task will require a considerable amount of time and resources.
Collaborative Robots
Collaborative Robots, also known as “cobots”, are designed to work alongside human workers. Unlike traditional robots, these robots do not require a caged environment and have sensors that enable them to detect when they come in contact with a human worker, causing them to stop. This allows for a safer working environment, and more flexible as they can be quickly reprogrammed and adapted to different tasks.
Which one adds more value?
When it comes to determining which of these options is better for an organization, there are several factors to consider, such as cost, productivity, and safety.
Cost
The initial cost of collaborative robots is higher than traditional robots. Collaborative robots cost between $20,000 and $100,000, while traditional robots usually cost between $10,000 and $75,000. However, when it comes to maintenance, training and implementation costs, Collaborative Robots are the better choice.
Productivity
Collaborative robots are more productive than traditional robots in dynamic work environments. Since, these robots are flexible and can adapt to a wider range of tasks, resulting in increased production even when there is variability in workloads. Traditional robots, on the other hand, are specialized for one task only, making them less efficient when there is a change in workload.
Safety
Collaborative robots have built-in sensors that enable them to detect humans and stop their movement as soon as they come in contact with them. This feature makes collaborative robots safer for tasks that involve human interaction. Traditional robots need to be confined to specific areas due to risk factors, preventing them from being used in several applications.
Conclusion
Both traditional robots and collaborative robots have their pros and cons. The decision on which one to use ultimately depends on the organization’s specific requirements. Moreover, the expected productivity and flexibility of the production system are also vital factors that need to be considered for making the right choice.
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