10 Reasons you should invest in robots!
Robots have been proven to deliver a host of benefits in a wide variety of applications. Manufacturers introducing robots to their production processes have typically seen a significant transformation in their productivity and efficiency.
Building on a survey by the International Federation of Robotics that identified the top 10 reasons that manufacturers should invest in robots, ABB Robotics developed the below guide to help you better understand the “10 good reasons for investing in robots” with real-life case studies from companies and integrators who exemplify each one of the reasons.
1. Reduce operating costs
Robots enable you to reduce both your direct and overhead costs making a dramatic difference to your competitiveness. Take energy, for example. With no requirement for minimum lighting or heating levels, robots can cut your energy bills. Current estimates point to a potential saving of 8% for every 1°C reduction in heating levels, while savings of up to 20% can be achieved by turning off unnecessary lighting.
2. Improve product quality and consistency
With robots, a consistently high quality finish is achievable as machines will not suffer the effects of fatigue, distraction or repetitive and tedious tasks. Their inherent accuracy and repeatability ensures a high quality finish for every product produced as well as being programed to follow instructions!
3. Improve quality of work for employees
The presence of robots can improve working conditions for staff, who no longer have to work amid hot or potentially hazardous environments. In addition, they can learn valuable programming skills and undertake more stimulating work.
4. Increase production output rates
Robots can work day and night and during weekends with little supervision, enabling increased output levels to achieve order deadlines. A robotic solution has no downtime, sickness or lapses in concentration. Increased flexibility is also achieved by programming robots to handle new products off-line, ensuring a faster overall production.
5. Increase product manufacturing flexibility
Robots can provide flexibility to the production line. Once the required processes are programmed into the robot controller, switching between them is simply done to maximise investment by using robotics equipment for a variety of products.
6. Reduce material waste and increase yield
Robots vastly increase the quality of production. More products are finished at the first attempt to the standard required by customers, reducing the amount of breakages and waste produced as a result of poor-quality or inconsistent finishing. A higher level of finished products means greater yields.
7. Improve workplace health and safety
Robots can readily carry out unpleasant, arduous or health-threatening tasks that may be currently undertaken by manual workers. By using robots, the likelihood of accidents caused by contact with machine tools or other potentially hazardous production machinery decreases significantly. They also help to eliminate ailments associated with rhythmic or intensive processes, such as repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
8. Reduce labour turnover and recruitment difficulties
The high precision demanded by today’s industrial processes requires the highest levels of skill and training. With highly skilled manual workers becoming harder and more expensive to employ, robots provide an ideal alternative. Once programmed, they are ready to begin work with none of the costs associated with recruitment or ongoing training of people. Robots also offer greater flexibility, both in terms of work patterns and the ability to handle different production tasks.
9. Reduce capital costs
Robots can reduce the cost of consumables used and wastage. By moving products faster in production, businesses can predict the manufacturing rate with confidence and ensure a fast and efficient service is delivered.
10. Save space in high value manufacturing areas
Robots can be placed on shelf systems, on walls or even suspended from ceilings. They can also be programed to work in confined and under-utilised spaces, maintaining valuable floor space.
To chat with one of our experts and find out more about why you should be investing in robots, contact us today on +44 (0)1234 783 680, or send an email to sales@newtech-ltd.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
