Although robots entered factories as early as the 1960s, their roles and capabilities have undergone significant changes in the past few years. Early robots mainly handled tasks such as object movement. Nowadays, robots, especially collaborative robots known as cobots, are able to work collaboratively with humans. They are capable of performing complex tasks and are designed to collaborate closely with human workers. This collaborative approach improves work efficiency, safety, and productivity, creating a more integrated and efficient manufacturing environment.

Since the introduction of robots, people have been skeptical about their function. Similarly, during the Industrial Revolution, people were also concerned that machines would take away their jobs. Although the Industrial Revolution profoundly reshaped the labor force structure, transferring many workers from farms to industrial and manufacturing positions, it did not eliminate the demand for labor.

Now, we are experiencing another shift in roles and responsibilities, and this time, collaborative robots will work together with humans. Despite some concerns, what we see is the great help that collaborative robots can provide to human work and open the door to the future, rather than taking away jobs. Today's collaborative robots can complete some tedious tasks, allowing workers to engage in more complex tasks that require problem-solving skills and higher overall quality requirements. These jobs are usually more fulfilling and offer higher salaries.

The robot market continues to grow

During the COVID-19 epidemic, robots played an important role. When workers are unable to come to work, robots maintain the production line and perform critical tasks to maintain basic business operations. The sales of robots have significantly increased, and people have also learned how to better use robot technology in factories.

Although the workers have returned to the factory, collaborative robots are now working alongside them. There are fewer and fewer people working in factories, especially in low skilled and low-income jobs, which brings opportunities for cooperation. The global manufacturing industry is fiercely competitive, and we are facing issues such as labor shortages, intensified competition, and strong consumer demand. To help address these challenges, an increasing number of European and North American manufacturers are introducing robots into their factory production sites. This also gives these manufacturers a competitive advantage. Robots can enable factories to achieve high levels of consistency. In the factory, they can ensure that the filling of bottles meets precise specifications, the sealing of bottle caps is consistent, and labels can be accurately aligned every time. With the help of automatic programming, concerns about the impact of human errors on consistency or quality are almost completely eliminated

In addition, robots do not require significant investment like human workers. For example, robots do not need to sleep, have no sick leave or benefits, and will not be exhausted after a 12 hour shift. All these factors play an important role in the overall efficiency of robots.

Robots in factories can ensure fair competition and create higher quality jobs, thereby promoting sustained market growth

Collaborative robots and the universality of robots

We have started to notice that many industries are using robotics technology, from consumer electronics to pharmaceuticals, to shipping and logistics, covering everything. I am equally excited about the potential application of robots in the service industry. Nowadays, from burger flipping in fast food restaurants, to ordering and delivering meals in restaurants, to hotel room service, collaborative robots are capable of anything. As collaborative robots gradually become mainstream, their usage scope will continue to expand.

The reason why robots can provide support for so many industries is partly due to their adaptability. There seem to be countless ways to configure robots by replacing end of arm tools (EOATs) to enable them to complete various tasks as needed.

By making relatively simple adjustments to the robot, it can pick up packages, handle easily damaged fruits, or transport food on pallets. In addition, the robot can be reprogrammed repeatedly to maintain compliance with requirements.

Collaborative robots that support human labor force

As I mentioned, robots are not replacing human labor, but supporting it. The most common statement I hear is that people are worried that robots will take away human jobs. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), this concern has also intensified. However, human roles always exist: problem solvers, strategic thinkers, and innovators. These roles will not be replaced by robots, but will be supported by robots.

Although robots have reshaped the job market and to some extent reduced the demand for low skilled workers, they have also created new opportunities. This includes emerging positions such as robot designers, programmers, and maintenance technicians, once again highlighting the trend towards skill based positions and providing more opportunities for workers.

In dangerous situations, collaborative robots are one of the best ways to provide support for their human counterparts. They are being used in various fields that pose a threat to human safety. By deploying collaborative robots in hazardous environments, we can avoid situations where humans are exposed to dangerous environments. This transformation has released human resources, improved productivity and safety.

Another example of using collaborative robots to provide support for human peers occurred in Amazon warehouses. Collaborative robots directly transport products to the pickers responsible for handling them, rather than requiring them to manually pick up goods from the shelves. This not only saves time and reduces steps, but also minimizes the burden of heavy lifting on the body to the greatest extent possible. By handling these tasks, collaborative robots help save workers' physical energy and reduce their daily physical wear and tear.

Obstacles to introducing robot technology into factories

There are several factors that may hinder companies from incorporating collaborative robots or robots into their workforce. These factors include available space, suitable applications, budget constraints, and deciding which type of robot to use, all of which have an impact.

For small factories and businesses, the cost of investing £ 30000 to £ 50000 to purchase robots is too high. Although more affordable options have emerged, such as the German made Igus ReBeL robot priced at around £ 5400, cost remains a major obstacle for many factories and businesses.

In addition, a comprehensive understanding of various considerations is also a challenge. Automation is complex, and it is important to program robots to perform tasks. This requires skilled workers. In addition, maintenance and upkeep issues should also be considered. Factors such as occupancy requirements and energy consumption can also affect the decision-making process.

Safety is crucial when integrating collaborative robots and humans for collaborative work. Compliance with safety regulations, including those specified in ISO/TS 15066 for collaborative industrial robots, ensures safe and responsible introduction of robots into the workplace.

Therefore, it is best for factories or enterprises considering adopting robot technology to hire an integrator or consultant who can guide the entire process, understand relevant regulations, and provide realistic budget figures.

To help overcome the barriers to introducing robot technology, DigiKey not only provides necessary products, but also offers online technical forums, online support, customized design solutions, and integrator catalogs for everyone's reference.

Mobile robots and fixed robots

There are various types of robots on the market that are tailored to specific needs. The integrator can help determine which type of robot is most suitable. Fixed robots, as the name suggests, remain stationary and are best suited for tasks such as assembly and inspection. In contrast, mobile robots use scanners and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to navigate along predetermined routes and transport materials to various locations. These robots can handle tasks such as palletizing, unloading, and warehouse garbage collection. In addition, we have also seen the integration of fixed robots with AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots), which enables them to lift items from multiple surfaces and load them onto their own bodies.

The Future of the Robot Market

In the next five years, robot technology will become a part of our daily lives.

The role of robots in manufacturing will continue to expand, as they will be able to undertake more responsibilities and tasks. The adoption of EOAT robots equipped with specialized accessories for limbs will play an important role in market growth. These robots are skilled in precise tasks such as grasping, assembling, and welding, and can switch attachments according to the specific task at hand.

Artificial intelligence will also expand the scope of robot usage. They will require minimal programming and can accomplish more tasks through experiential learning. Artificial intelligence will enable robots to navigate complex environments and perform complex tasks more efficiently.