Safety First: How Cobots Are Redefining Human-Robot Interaction

In the fast changing manufacturing environment of the world today, cobots or collaborative robots have emerged as the next industrial automation frontier. Taking into account the integration of complex robotic technology into manufacturing and manufacturing with human-robot cooperation in cobots as well as the further development of safety concepts, it has not only achieved maximum efficiency, but is also pushing the boundaries in the interaction between human and robot. This article focuses on by describing how cobots are a leading part of the future of manufacturing, explaining the role they play in relation to safety, productivity, and the future.

The Rise of Collaborative Robots

This kind of robots is developed to operate in collaboration with human beings in a shared environment with a focus on easing working pressure and at the same time avoid the occurrence of accidents. Cobots differ from conventional robots as the latter are standalone robots that demand massive safety buffers around, while the former is designed to interact with employees safely due to their sensors and algorithms. The aspect of integration in human work also plays a significant role on why robots are quickly appearing in almost every industry.

Cobots in Manufacturing are reshaping the working of the production lines. In this way, cobots take over monotonous functions, or potentially risky jobs, in order to ensure that human employees perform those activities which are more truly valuable. Besides increasing efficiency, such integration also helps to increase the level of workers’ satisfaction due to decrease of injuries and monotonous work. In industries such as automobile, cobots are used for joining operations or even inspection which is an indication of how efficient cobots are.

Collaborative Robots vs Traditional Robots

Nonetheless, there are many differences between collaborative robots and traditional robots as accredited by their functions and use. Cobots are obtained purposely to operate near humans, to this end, they incorporate innovative security protocols and can readily adapt. Climbing robots, on the other hand, can be hazardous to humans and to the robots themselves in their conventional form, they have to be shielded and take a considerable amount of time to program to ensure that they do not come close to a human being. As found in the theory and application of the Human-Robot Interaction, cobots are found to be safer and more flexible than other traditional industrial robots, especially where integration of human and robots is possible.

Human-Robot Collaboration in Manufacturing

The utilization of humans and robots in the manufacturing process is a model that is considered to be rather critical to the present practice.

They are designed to work side by side with human resource instead of replacing them, thus complementing each other in the working environment. This also makes operations to be efficient while at the same time reducing workplace risks since machines provide minimal chances of failure and exposure to risky situations. The strength of human-robot interaction is that it enhances the strength of a human being and at the same time, enhance the working ability of a cobot- therefore, being more efficient and safe.

Augmented Reality for Human-Robot Collaboration

Particularly, AR is gradually integrated as the enabling technology for human–robot interactions in an effort enhance human-cobot relations. AR technologies give information and visions which help the collaborative robots to run continuously and smoothly. With the addition of digital information on the physical setting, the application of AR helps enhance cobot’s productivity and safety aspects. This integration is a step forward for both the theory and the application of Human-Robot Interaction, and what the cobots are capable of.…….Know More

Read Full Article: https://www.plantautomation-technology.com/articles/safety-first-how-cobots-are-redefining-human-robot-interaction

Kate Williamson More about AuthorKate, Editorial Team