In February, EFP successfully hosted a demonstration event with the team from AUBO Robotics USA (“AUBO”). At this event, the AUBO team showed first-hand how collaborative robots (“cobots”) are transforming traditional manufacturing processes with their ability to perform repetitive tasks safely and efficiently at an attractive price point while freeing up the workforce to perform more value-added tasks. In addition to the general use of cobots, AUBO also provided working demonstrations of their Palletizing Station and SwitchWeld Welding System™ solutions.
What are Cobots?
Cobots differ from traditional autonomous robots by being able to perform a wide variety of tasks safely while in close proximity to the workforce. They are user-friendly and intuitive for non-experts to
program and operate. In general, cobots have easy-to-use interfaces that allow programming through movement rather than having to type software code. Cobots are also easily flexible and adaptable to multiple manufacturing scenarios with hardware changes and changeovers being limited to the end effector. Cobots models are differentiated based on payload capacity with AUBO’s sizes ranging from 3kg/6.6 lbs to 20kg/44 lbs. Generally, higher payload capacity correlates with a longer the reach (ranging from approximately 25 inches to 65 inches for the AUBO models).
Cobots can work autonomously on repetitive and hazardous tasks freeing up the workforce to supervise the cobot and/or focus on more complex and value-add activities. By these types of tasks, cobots help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer workplace environment. In particular, palletizing and welding applications have great potential to benefit from the deployment of cobot technology, allowing for increased productivity, safety, and better allocation of manpower.
How do Palletizing Solutions Work?
Palletizing (and de-palletizing) is central to a wide range of industries and has long been a very labor-intensive but non-value-add task. AUBO has developed an all-in-one out-of-the-box solution that can be deployed and operational very quickly. This type of solutions requires a relatively small footprint and start at an attractive price point because they are a cobot and all the costs of deploying a full robot cell are not required.
With this solution, programming is minimal as users interact with a visual interface which prompts them to enter the details of the specific job (pallet and box dimensions, pallet and box orientation, layers). Programs can then be saved and run repeatedly as many times as needed. All the hardware is preconfigured with minimal setup, and the station can be easily moved with a pallet jack. Thus, a palletizing station can be utilized across multiple production areas in a facility depending on the needs of the operation.
The utilization of cobots in palletizing also offers consistent cycle time and increased efficiency as the cobots work continuously at reduced error rates as manual errors are eliminated. These advantages streamline operations and improve efficiencies across operating environments.
What is a Cobot Welding Solution capable of?
Welding is a fundamental process to manufacturing that historically has required skilled operators and stringent safety measures. Through the use of cobots combined with specific welding technologies, repetitive welding tasks are being improved to allow for less human intervention resulting in higher efficiency and productivity, lower costs, and increased safety.
Welding applications demand precise control and consistency to ensure high quality results. Cobots excel in this regard with their inherent ability to execute welds with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. Powerful (but easy-to-use) programming software uses real-time feedback mechanisms to enable cobots to adjust parameters on the fly thereby ensuring optimal weld quality.
Certain applications often demand welding in hard-to-reach areas or with intricate geometries. Cobots with their compact design and dexterous six axis manipulator arm can access tight spaces and perform welding operations with ease.
How can I use a Cobot Welder in my operations?
The collaboration between welding personnel and cobots provides the highest value to the organization with the welding experts able to be deployed to their highest and best use and requiring less headcount for the repetitive welding tasks. This collaboration leverages the strength of both the employee and the cobot with respect to their roles in the workplace.
AUBO’s SwitchWeld Welding System™ is an enterprise ready cobot-based solution specifically designed for users with both minimal welding and programming experience. The SwitchWeld Welding System™ utilizes a proprietary end effector puck and joystick system that enables precise torch positioning while enabling the majority of the programming to be drag and teach. The SwitchWeld Welding System™ works with all the most popular welding power supplies, so there is no additional cost of the power supply with this solution.
Solve Your Repetitive Production Challenges With Cobots
Collaborative robots are a viable automation solution for a wide variety of industrial applications across many different industries. Automation of palletizing and welding tasks are two solutions which have great potential to be easily automated with cobots, leading to increased efficiency and reduced downtime. Embracing this technology opens up a world of possibilities for manufacturers focused on process and resource optimization. This impact of cobots should continue to increase dramatically with the expected advancements in sensing and connectivity technologies that will maximize the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on collaborative robotics.
EFP can provide a full range of collaborative robot solutions including the ancillary end-of-arm tooling and sensing components that can best address some of your most challenging repetitive production challenges.
Let EFP Industrial Automation be your partner in deploying collaborative robotics!