by application, as this determines the
type of robot needed. If you’re looking
to automate a pick and place activity, a
SCARA robot might be most suitable. If
your application requires the robot to
work closely alongside human staff, a
collaborative robot will most likely be for
you. Different applications will require
different numbers of axes of motion,
payloads, speed and reach. It is important
to check these features to make sure the
robot can perform the task required at
your facility.
Once you’ve specified the action you’d
like the robot to perform, you can
consider the size of the work area to
make sure it will suit your production line.
Manufacturers must also take into
account the accuracy and repeatability
of the robot, as this will impact its
performance on the production line. It
is a common mistake to buy an accurate
robot without considering how well it
repeats the accurate motion.
operating costs social implication
Robots are unlikely to break down soon
after purchase, but as time goes on the
machines can wear and break. In order to
keep costs down, manufacturers should
consider maintenance before purchasing
a new robot. Introducing a new robot is sure to impact
your staff. This is particularly noticeable
when introducing collaborative robots,
which work directly alongside humans.
Companies must ensure that staff are
comfortable with the purchase and
receive sufficient training.
It’s useful to know if the robot
manufacturer or systems integrator
that you’re purchasing from offers a
preventative maintenance contract,
whether this is 24/7 and what it includes.
Knowing this in advance will minimise
the risk of a breakdown and being hit
with unexpected costs down the line.
Running costs will also depend on the
expected use of a robot and power usage.
Looking at the reliability and life span of
the robot may help to guide you towards
the best value for your application.
You should ensure your company has
the capacity to provide any training
needed so that staff understand robot
programming and operation and can
follow safety standards like crush zones
and access areas. The programming ability
of your staff must be up to the challenge
of a new robot, otherwise it will be
extremely difficult to operate it correctly.
The best robots are well designed, safe
and user-friendly. By thinking carefully,
manufacturers can combine a human
workforce with a robot to best achieve
business goals.