Robotization of production is the process of replacing manual labor with automated labor using industrial and collaborative robots. This solution significantly reduces production costs, improves quality, and speeds up production output.
Robotization is possible not only on large industrial lines, but is also suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Almost any dirty, dangerous, monotonous work can and should be done by robots instead of humans.
The pandemic caused by the coronavirus has highlighted the benefits of businesses with automated lines. COVID-19, as well as other diseases, is not afraid of robots, and the production process can be monitored from a distance.
Experts believe that the widespread spread of the virus and the economic crisis caused by it have triggered a new stage in the introduction of robotics at domestic production facilities. It is expected that by 2035 such plants will be able to produce 40% more products than today.
Tasks solved by robotization of production
The process of robotization of production involves the gradual replacement of people with automatic assistants. On the scale of a large industrial enterprise, this reduces the risks associated with human error and increases labor productivity.
An industrial robot is capable of performing various functions according to the program that has been programmed into it. As a rule, this involves manipulating parts, delivering them to a conveyor, installing them in a machine, fixing them in the right place, and so on. An automatic performer does not make mistakes, does not get tired, he does not need breaks for lunch and sleep.
The list of technological operations performed by workers in industrial production is extensive. It includes casting, welding, manufacturing parts on CNC machines, painting blanks, various types of assembly, quality control.
Most of these jobs fit the basic tenet of robotization – compliance with the three D’s (dull, dirty and dangerous).
The following operations, which in many enterprises are still performed by people, can be automated:
- welding operations;
- feeding materials to the assembly line;
- moving components of the future product on a conveyor;
- sorting and packaging of finished products;
- quality control of products;
- maintenance of CNC machines;
- palletizing products, moving them to the warehouse, loading them onto transportation;
- surface coloring;
- cutting materials and grinding products.
Robotization of industrial production can start with the introduction of robotic manipulators – industrial and collaborative – into the process.
With their help, it is possible to automate almost all processes carried out at the enterprise and significantly reduce costs. For example, by installing a pair of SCARA robots in a food production facility, a business owner can reduce the number of employees by up to 25% of the initial requirement. The savings are significant: instead of 150 thousand dollars, the cost will be 37.5 thousand dollars, and the production will operate smoothly, without weekends and breaks.
Robotization of production can be successfully applied at several stages:
- Manipulation. The automatic assistant is assigned the function of moving materials, blanks and parts, their unloading and loading. Robots perfectly cope with simple repetitive operations, freeing people from the need to carry heavy loads and perform monotonous actions;
- Processing. At this production stage, robots are used for specific tasks: welding parts, cutting materials, testing products for strength, and quality control;
- Assembly. Step-by-step connection of components into assemblies, units and finished products is a complex process that requires human participation. However, robots are able to perform monotonous actions qualitatively and quickly, and people only have to observe the correctness of the operations. Assembly lines at many companies are equipped with robots, so that the assembly process proceeds without delays and with a minimum of errors.
Automation and robotization of modern production is a promising direction of industrial development, which will make it possible to achieve high product quality while reducing costs. The introduction of robots will lead to positive changes:
To switch to the production of new products, it is only necessary to change the program. The flexibility to reconfigure automatic “employees” can save time in manufacturing plants where half of the products are made in small batches.
If small and medium volumes of parts are required for production needs, direct production takes about 5% of the time. The vast majority of working hours are spent on machine readjustment, tool change, component loading and so on. Automated line allows to redistribute working time in favor of finished products by reducing the preparatory stages. As a result, not only time is saved, but also raw materials, materials and parts by minimizing scrap.
