A manufacturing robot, sometimes known as an industrial robot is an automated system consisting of sensors, controllers, and actuators that perform and executes a variety of tasks and operations such as assembling, welding, and packaging in a manufacturing line. In general, manufacturing robots operate based on the commands written into a program. In the modern era, they are widely used in almost all manufacturing industries, including electronics, automotive, and food processing because of the efficiency and effectiveness it provides compared to human labor.

Brief History of Manufacturing Robots

Manufacturing robots have a long history, dated way back to 1954 when the first industrial robot, UNIMATE, was designed by George Devol. It was a simple robot with limited capabilities and is designed to perform simple tasks such as transferring objects within 2 points of short distances, and lifting and stacking wooden blocks or hot metal parts. Devol then founded the world’s first robotic company with Joseph F. Engelberger in 1962.

Fast forward to the present day, industrial robots are made in large numbers and widely used in most manufacturing industries. Since 1980, the innovation and creation of manufacturing robots reached a new height as we see new designs and concepts being introduced to the market at an astonishing rate of one per month where we see each generation of robots becoming increasingly sophisticated, smarter, and have more operational freedom than their predecessor.

Benefits of Manufacturing Robots

Manufacturing robots can be said to be industry-defining as the advantages they bring to the table have positively impacted the manufacturing sector.

One of the main reasons manufacturing robots are widely used is due to their fast rate of production that no human labor can compete with. Naturally, robots do not experience fatigue and can work around the clock without the need for breaks as long as they are maintained properly. With a consistent production rate, not only that we can achieve more output at a faster time, but we are also able to accurately calculate the output rate we are able to achieve within a given timeframe, allowing better planning and management.

While a fast production rate is the main highlight of a manufacturing robot, the ability to ensure excellent product quality with a high level of precision and accuracy is also one the few main reasons that attracted industry experts and investors’ interest. Programmed to operate with pinpoint accuracy for every movement pattern, force, and speed, the outputs of manufacturing robots are said to be high quality with minimal defects and indirectly lower production costs.

Manufacturing robots are also able to handle hazardous or physically demanding tasks to prevent the risk of injury or fatalities in a workplace. Dangerous tasks such as those involved in hostile conditions, extreme temperatures, pressure, or handling heavy loads are easily withstood by robots, hence providing a safer work environment for employees.

Future of Manufacturing Robots?

With automation robotics taking over most of the manufacturing and processing lines, employers are able to free up the need of workers to work on a repetitive task while transferring these labors, skills, and expertise to other parts of the business. Not only does this help in the productivity of the whole company, but it also massively reduces production costs and labor costs.