Role of Cobots in the Automotive Manufacturing Industry

The problem with transitioning to a purely robotic workforce is that while robots are capable, they are not as capable as humans.

Fremont, CA: Collaboration robots are transforming the automotive production business by increasing efficiency, productivity, and quality. But how will this technology affect people in the automobile industry? Collaborative robots, sometimes known as "cobots," are distinct from pure robotic process automation.

These robots do not intend to replace human employees' particular abilities and skills completely. On the other hand, cobots are causing a disruption in automotive manufacturing by providing many benefits to firms. Cobots automate the monotonous, risky, or simplest elements of the production process, leaving people to handle more difficult, creative activities while the robots are operated and maintained.

Benefits of Cobots in Manufacturing

Why are cobots being employed in the automobile industry? Do they truly outperform human employees? Yes, in some ways. Moreover, the automobile industry is currently confronting a new set of circumstances that amplify the benefits of cobots even further.

By definition, robots are more efficient than humans. A robot can execute the same task indefinitely without deterioration in quality. A robot is less likely to be damaged on the job because it is usually immobile and limited to a pre-programmed set of movements. If it does get damaged, though, repairs are almost typically possible. A worker's injury on the job is significantly more serious. 

The problem with transitioning to a purely robotic workforce is that while robots are capable, they are not as capable as humans. This is at the heart of the popularity of cobots, notably in automotive manufacturing. Although using robotics in the production process has several advantages in terms of safety and productivity, there are still many things that humans are intrinsically better at than robots. Humans, for example, can think imaginatively, naturally, and with considerably more flexibility than a robot will ever be able to. Cobots combine the advantages of robots with the inherent qualities of humans.

Indeed, one of the most significant advantages of cobots is improved interaction and efficiency between humans and robots. This is because cobots are human-friendly robots developed for human interaction and collaboration.