Collaborative Robots

The Collaborative Robots market research study delivers current market analysis plus a five-year market and technology forecast. The market adoption for cobots varies considerably by industry sector.  This report includes revenues of hardware, software, and services for cobots and covers different payloads (up to 5 kg, >5-10 kg, and >10 kg ), and different arm types (articulated, parallel/delta, dual-arm, SCARA). The study is available in multiple editions including worldwide, all regions, and most major countries.

Collaborative Robots Fill A Crucial Need for Connected Manufacturing Operations

ARC’s new report on the market for Collaborative Robots reveals that to get the full benefit from human-robot collaboration, manufacturers must develop integrated strategies that combine data analytics, design, and a new partnership ecosystem. Intelligent robots with integrated vision guidance and enhanced sensors are more adaptable to the production environment. The new breed of robots is more mobile, better integrated with human activities, and most importantly, can learn new skills and generate new insights/thoughts on the job. The increase in the use of cobots also leads to increased data, and manufacturers need to put in more effort in securing and analyzing this data. Cobots will become increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to maximize flexibility in their automation strategies.

Collaborative Robots Strategic Issues

In addition to providing a five-year market forecast, the Collaborative Robots market research report provides detailed quantitative current market data and addresses key strategic issues as follows.

Add Cobots for Manufacturing Efficiency

There is a growing need among end users to speed up the flow of product through the factory and consume a minimum of factory floor space. To address this problem, new robotic configurations are emerging, which lend themselves, at the very least, to greater efficiency. Collaborative robots are a massive new trend that make life easier for businesses by providing a safe and easy-to-program option that works alongside a human worker.

Once you’ve purchased a collaborative robot, the next step is to integrate it. There are several things to consider when working on integration. Machine tending, material handling, assembly line, and packaging are the dominant applications for cobots. End users should integrate cobots in these application lines to improve manufacturing efficiency. These tasks are ideal for work that is closely associated with humans. Assembly tasks can be done efficiently without putting employees at risk.

Utilize the Appropriate Cobots Available

The choice of the right robot depends on the application. If you are faced with the question of whether you need a large industrial robot or a smaller flexible collaborative robot, you must check carefully whether this robot also accomplishes its purpose as optimally as possible. Process speed and cycle times are factors, as are space requirements and payload; precision required; robot versatility; and if it support worker effectively. Possible extensions in the future should also be considered. Robot suppliers, as well as system integrators, with a large portfolio, offer solutions for all applications and should be able to provide comprehensive advice to the customer.

Improve Energy Efficiency through Automation

Holistic energy efficiency strategies evaluate the potential energy savings in the upstream and downstream processes affected by investments in capital equipment. The return on investment of machinery based on energy consumption, productivity improvements, and impact on infrastructure has a large effect on buying decisions. Assembly, pick & place, packaging, material handling, and machine tending where a large number of collaborative robots are applied offer huge energy-saving potentials.

Evaluate a Supplier and Its Solution Capabilities

End users need to evaluate a supplier for not only its product portfolio but also its solution capabilities for automation solutions. They should also evaluate a supplier for the important aspects of the application. These aspects include: How quickly can a more cost-effective route to an optimum solution be achieved with the supplier’s product portfolio and its experience in the similar applications? Can a high level of integration be achieved? Will a solution be scalable? Does a solution allow end users to customize for their unique requirements very quickly and cost-efficiently? Does a solution offer forward compatibility for maximum investment protection? Do the supplier system integrators offer a consulting approach that will help view automation as a business enabler and help create a business case to justify the investments? 

Other important issues end users may evaluate are:

• Ease of use, operation, and installation to reduce the cost of ownership
• Comprehensive system diagnostics facilities with a broad range of powerful functions accessible from anywhere in the world 

ARC offers selection guides with supplier details that can help guide users in selecting a supplier that can provide successful solution(s).