The Fascinating World of Cobots

In this post-pandemic era, we have witnessed the evolution of process automation. One sector that has adopted these changes is logistics, where numerous cobots, also called collaborative robots, have been implemented. These cobots work shoulder to shoulder with operators to prepare orders.

Although cobots are experiencing a great boom today, their development dates to the ‘90s when they were intended to optimize production processes, with an easy-to-generate programming that could be used even by those unrelated to engineering. Collaborative robots, like an industrial robot, have the purpose of doing repetitive jobs that put at risk the safety or integrity of the operators; however, one of the most significant differences is the possibility of working together with humans without the need for delimited areas or additional safety elements to those that the cobot has.

Collaborative robots will have among their main features: 1. Compact, so that the implementation can be possible in almost any part of the process. 2. Mobile, due to its small size that allows it to be easily moved and installed in different locations of the process; there are even applications where the cobots are installed on Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), which provides greater versatility in the assignment of tasks. 3. Easy programming from friendly and intuitive environments; some brands have even developed applications with which it is possible to program from mobile devices. 4. Flexibility with the above makes the cobot a device that can perform various tasks in different locations within the process and production plant.

The implementation of collaborative robots within a production process will have different impacts, including the economic benefit of a faster return on investment compared to an industrial robot, although this is not steadfast rule since it will depend on the brand because each cobot manufacturer will define a different level of technological development and security with the operator, in addition to the load capacity and range of work. Where you can see an interesting effect is the perception of humans working with collaborative robots versus industrial robots. With industrial robots there is a feeling of replacement, but with collaborative robots there is a synergy, an empathy; operators see the cobot as an ally in performing their tasks allowing an environment that can develop motivation and creativity among workers.   

As I mentioned before, cobots have a great presence within logistics and packaging companies, but we must not forget their usefulness to different industries, such as food, medical, pharmaceutical, electronics and automotive, to mention those that implement more automation and robotics in their production processes. The success of implementing tasks with cobots lies in the correct selection of the collaborative robot from the planning of the project, considering its capabilities and operating conditions, in which it may sometimes be better to choose to install an industrial robot. This is because cobots were not created to replace industrial robots, but are there to facilitate and perform tasks shoulder to shoulder with the operators as an extension of the human body. 

To conclude, I would like to mention some data that will allow us to understand in a clearer way the technological evolution and the implementation of robotic systems that we are witnessing. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), after the pandemic the installation of robots around the world increased by 31%, reaching 517,000 robots installed in 2021, with the metal-mechanical, automotive and electronics industries at the top of the list, with applications mainly in material handling and welding. Also in 2021, collaborative robots reached their largest installed base per year with 39,000 units around the world, 50% more than in 2020. Mexico, with an average of 5,000 robots installed per year, ranks second among the Top 3 countries on the American continent with the greatest number of installed robots, behind the US and above Canada. From a global perspective, the coming years are expected to see an increase of 7% per year in the number of robots installed. Nearshoring, the assurance of the supply chain and flexible logistics, coupled with robotic democratization through new distribution channels, low-cost robots and easy installation will set the trend to achieve and maintain an increase in installed base around the world.