The Growth of Robotics in Small to Medium Manufacturers

As the world of manufacturing continues its transition into Industry 4.0, both physical and digital automation have grown exponentially. In terms of physical automation; while robotics have previously only been feasible for large manufacturers, technological advances have allowed small to medium manufacturers (SMMs) the opportunity to incorporate robotics into their operations. The following are a few key factors that play a role in the growth of robotics in SMMs.

Return on Investment

The declining cost of industrial robots, paired with the rising costs of human labor, has made investing in robotics more feasible for SMMs. Key elements in calculating return on investment (ROI) include:

Robot Usage: The number of shifts per week a robot operates directly impacts its ROI. For instance, a robot running 24/7 can produce significantly more output than human labor, leading to higher returns.

Productivity Gain: Robots can enhance production rates by performing tasks more quickly and consistently than humans. This increased productivity can offset the initial investment over time.

Labor Cost Savings: Replacing or supplementing human labor with robots reduces labor costs, including wages, benefits, and potential liabilities associated with human workers.

Production Metrics

Robots significantly improve production metrics by:

Improved Quality: Robots offer unparalleled repeatability and accuracy, which reduces errors and improves the quality of the final product. Consistent performance ensures fewer defects and less rework.

Higher Efficiency: Robots can operate at faster speeds and for longer durations without breaks, leading to higher product throughput and shorter cycle times. This efficiency is crucial for meeting tight production schedules and increasing overall output.

Flexibility

Modern robots are highly adaptable, which is crucial for SMMs dealing with varying production needs:

Smaller Form Factors: Compact robots can be easily integrated into existing production lines without requiring significant changes to the workspace.

Advanced End Effectors: New end effectors offer greater dexterity and precision, enabling robots to handle a wider range of tasks, from delicate assembly to heavy lifting.

Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Cobots are designed to work safely alongside human workers, increasing flexibility in the production environment. They can be quickly reprogrammed and redeployed for different tasks, making them ideal for SMMs that require versatile automation solutions.

Ease of Use

Advancements in robotics have made them more user-friendly, even for SMMs with limited technical expertise:

Simpler Programming: Collaborative robots often use visual block-based coding, which involves graphical elements that are dragged and dropped into a project. This intuitive interface simplifies the programming process, making it accessible to workers without extensive programming knowledge.

Re-Programming: The ability to easily reprogram robots is crucial for SMMs that need to adapt to changing production requirements. Simple reprogramming processes mean robots can be quickly switched between different tasks or stations, maximizing their utility.

Conclusion

The growth of robotics in small to medium manufacturers is driven by the compelling return on investment, improved production metrics, increased flexibility, and ease of use. By investing in robotics, SMMs can enhance efficiency, improve product quality, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. The adaptability and advanced capabilities of modern robots make them an invaluable asset for manufacturers looking to thrive in the age of smart manufacturing.

About the Digital Foundry at New Kensington

The Digital Foundry can assist you in gaining the skills to be successful in the operation and programming of industrial robots and assist your organization with accessing and de-risking specific applications before making investments. Reach out and learn more about our technical assistance for SMMs and our robotics training, including full FANUC certification training. Contact us at info@digitalfoundrynk.com or 724-472-1180 to learn more.