Universal Robots – 6 key considerations for cobot applications

The presence of humans in the robot's workspace

Cobots enable human workers and robots to safely live in the same workspace, but with varying degrees of collaboration. In some applications, workers and robots may interact closely and continuously. In other cases, humans may simply intermittently enter automated workspaces to load parts bins or perform inspections. The degree of collaboration helps determine the need for cobots.

　　Line speed and task danger

A fully collaborative robot moves at a speed of about 250 mm/s and has a constant human presence, which is about 10% of the speed of an average industrial robot. Unless humans and robots work closely together for 20% or more of the time, fully collaborative robots cannot optimize production time. Equipped with technology that senses a human presence and stops moving, industrial robots can run at full speed until a human enters the workspace.

Some robots perform dangerous tasks or use end-of-arm tools equipped with equipment that can endanger humans, such as rotating blades or cutting torches. In these applications, a protective fence surrounds the workspace without the need for cobots.

Most of the processes specified for automation are manual tasks performed by humans. The key question to ask is how to move the work of these employees into an automated solution. To determine the answer, the facility must identify all the manual step-by-step actions/decisions that were performed to complete the task, and then determine how the automation will accomplish each action/decision. To illustrate this, humans can easily identify items that need to be moved, but robots must be taught to do so, perhaps by putting barcodes on materials or parts.

When preparing a list of actions that make up a task, it's crucial not to lose sight of the obvious. Such a list will also help determine how much intelligence is needed for automation, what security factors are coming into the picture, and how to handle the priority and level of interaction with people, devices, and software.

　　Payload and range

Cobots typically have payloads of up to 20 kg or less, and cobots use shorter arms with less mass and momentum to improve safety around human workers. Industrial robots work more efficiently than cobots when the production line handles large or heavy parts, or when robots that need to reach distances of about 1.5 meters or more. Heavy loads and long distances require more safety regulations and are not suitable for the capabilities of cobots.

　　Floor space and traffic flow

When used correctly, cobots can provide many benefits. For example, if there is no safety fence, the manufacturer can free up floor space. This regeneration area can handle other production operations, provide storage space, or provide clear access for walking, forklifts, or other equipment.

When integrating cobots in mobile automation, the facility's environment, floor conditions, and pedestrian/other vehicular traffic are all the most important considerations. For example, some robots must drive both indoors and outdoors and withstand extreme temperatures, as well as high humidity and other environmental challenges. In these cases, it is essential to determine if and how the automation handles these conditions, and whether the automation can smoothly navigate over gaps, slopes, bumps, or unevenness on the facility floor.

In addition to ground conditions, traffic on foot or other vehicles can also hinder the robot from navigating around the facility. Similarly, the width of aisles and intersections, the separation of different paths, the stability and usability of physical environment features will also take into account the navigation equations.

Based on the results of the evaluation of driving conditions, does the mobile robot need a separate path? Does the robot's navigation system have the physical characteristics to guide it? For example, in an empty hall that is long and wide, a laser scanning navigation system requires some additional relays/physical features such as columns.

　　risk assessment

The delicate balance between speed and collaboration may require fencing around any robot, whether it's a cobot or not. To achieve the right level of collaboration and maximize the value of your automation investment, robot installation requires knowledgeable, comprehensive pre-installation risk assessment and programming. Work with an experienced robotics OEM or integrator who can visit your facility to assess your application and identify areas of risk.

There are several application risk factors to consider for automated security. These will affect the level and type of security procedures and systems required. It goes without saying that any interaction between a robot and a human puts safety first.

Facilities also need to determine the frequency of these interactions. Is human-computer interaction necessary, does it happen occasionally or not at all? These critical questions must have answers to determine if the application requires additional security, such as a complete safety fence or other protection system, in addition to the inherent safety of the robot.

As with human interactions, the robot's interaction with other devices raises safety concerns, especially when the robot is docked or loaded/unloaded. Facilities must take steps to ensure that robots do not hit machines, other equipment, or humans. Imagine the consequences of a human reaching distance between a mobile conveyor and a stationary conveyor during a parts transfer.

　　Employee environment and job satisfaction

Rather than replacing human workers, most robotic automation frees them from hard, repetitive, "dull, dirty, or dangerous" jobs, many of which require repeatable accuracy. Robots can upgrade the work environment, improve employee concentration, reduce injuries, and improve the work environment to help make work more rewarding and improve employee retention. Free from humble jobs, employees can develop new, well-paid skills, which also benefit their employers. This is a win-win for both employees and employers, as robots increase job satisfaction and productivity at the same time.

Universal Robots – 6 key considerations for cobot applications

Universal Robots – 6 key considerations for cobot applications

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