OnRobot

Collaborative Automation Levels the Playing Field!

Collaborative robot arms (“cobots”) have leveled the playing field for small and mid-sized manufacturers. For decades, large manufacturers have had the advantage of automation, using traditional industrial robots. But these large, expensive, and complex robots are designed for high volumes and unchanging production processes—unlike the low-volume/high-mix production that is typical for smaller manufacturers.

Collaborative automation has become a versatile, cost-effective, and user-friendly technology that allows businesses of almost any size (and any level of technical expertise) to increase productivity, improve quality, and respond more nimbly to changing customer demands.

But while cobots have become easier to buy and implement, they’re only part of the equation.

The robot itself can’t do any work without end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) such as grippers, sensors, and other automation peripherals.

With new EoAT technology advances, small and mid-sized manufacturers can now automate even more processes, including those that require the delicacy and precision of human fingers along with the repeatability and productivity of a robot.

Reduced deployment time

Collaborative technologies are designed for easy programming, even for operators without any robotics experience. That allows small manufacturers to take control of their automation plans, experimenting and integrating new applications independently as new needs arise. Employees—even those with no technical background—quickly learn how to use the robot and adapt the tooling for new, more efficient processes with minimal downtime between changes.

Flexible production

Businesses that continue using traditional methods, such as fabricating unique tools for specific manufacturing tasks, are at a significant disadvantage because of the high cost and inflexible nature of this approach. In comparison, flexible, application-focused EoAT can be easily deployed to handle different shapes, sizes, materials, and processes. These flexible, highly versatile tools can be seamlessly integrated into multiple production environments.

Higher ROI

Advancements in EOAT allow robots to handle a growing range of industrial tasks and lead to faster ROI for manufacturers. Safe, collaborative EOAT lowers automation costs since workers can work with them without additional safety guarding, complex programming, or installation costs. The tools are flexible and easily deployed, so operators can quickly switch between multiple tasks with minimal need for additional programming or tool swapping. And the tools allow robots to complete tasks with greater precision and reliability than human operators, so they can operate around the clock and dramatically increase production.

How to Optimize Collaborative Applications with the Right EoAT

Cobots and light industrial robots are now being used in a wider range of applications than ever because of advances in end effectors that provide greater value in more environments. Along with handling variations in product size, weight, and shape, EOAT also enables robots to accommodate several processes at once. As robot arms become commoditized, the choice of cobot becomes less important than the choice of EoAT.

OnRobot offers a full range of innovative EoAT that work with any collaborative or light industrial robot arm.