Cobots

A cobot, or collaborative robot, is a robot intended for direct human-robot interaction within a shared space, or where humans and robots are working in close proximity. Cobot applications contrast with traditional industrial robot applications in which robots are isolated from human contact. These collaborative solutions often best service slower production lines that have a constant stream of product that is allowed to palletize over a long period of time.

Hand Guided cobots use articulated arms that are manually moved by an operator to more easily lift and move product. Safety Monitored Stop cobots use radar or other safety monitoring equipment to sense when an operator enters a cell, stopping the robot until the area is clear. Speed and Separation cobots are similar to Safety Monitored Stop cobots, but uses advanced safety equipment, allowing the cobot to detect and slow the speed based on proximity of the operator to the arm. Power and Force Limiting (PFL) cobots use both safety monitoring equipment like safety scanners as well as force limiting technology within the arm to sense contact and immediately stop when contacting an operator. 

Cobots are Collaborative robots that are cost-effective, safe, and flexible to deploy. Collaborative robots - or cobots - are making automation easier than ever, even for small and mid-sized companies around the world. Cobots are designed to share a workspace with humans, allowing for small footprints, guarding free cells, easy relocation around a facility, and safe working environments. All of these benefits have made our cobots a game-changer for a wide variety of applications ranging from palletizing and depalletizing, to label application.

Among the many factors to consider, safety should be the primary consideration so that the system can run reliably with its operator. Other factors include simplicity of deployment, application type, footprint, ease of programming/operation, operational workflow, capital budget, risk assessment, training and, of course, reliability of provider. 

Cobots are more consistent and more accurate than humans when performing a repetitive task. A cobot can run on a single 110v outlet and compressed air indefinitely, reducing downtime in the production line. It also allows operators to do other tasks like moving finished loads while the robot continues to palletize. With labor shortages in previous years, there has been an increased interest in automation.

Keeping the system in good condition by performing visual checks of all key parts and providing regular maintenance, cleaning of sensors and optics, service, and repairs. Additionally, cobots needs proper airflow to ensure they do not overheat. It is also important to ensure proper training for everyone who is operating the system. Poor installation or initial set up can also have adverse effects.

Conduct all maintenance, inspection, calibration, and repair work according to the latest version of the Service Manual provided by your integrator. Repair work should only be done by authorized system integrators. Client-designated, trained individuals can also do repair work, provided they follow the inspection plan outlined in the Service Manual.

Columbia/Okura’s cobot is designed to be as safe as possible, utilizing safety scanners to actively monitor the cell. The ANSI is the U.S. safety standard for regulating the proper use of safety devices integrated with robots and robotic systems. It also provides guidelines for the integration of robots in manufacturing facilities or other work environments. The primary way to remain safe when using a cobot is to ensure all users are trained properly and follow the guidelines provided.

Cobots can be added to existing manufacturing or plant processes with ease. Not all processes are created equal, but an exact application should be considered before adding a cobot. Cobots offer the unique advantage to manufacturers of filling labor gaps, as well as helping current employees produce more without additional people. Generally speaking, cobots can be less expensive and easier to implement than an industrial robot, due to their size and reduced cost over traditional robotic systems.

Using a cobot for palletizing automation offers a huge amount of flexibility. While your cobot can be up and running performing a range of tasks in a few hours, one of the main benefits of this technology is how customizable it is. To get the most value out of your robotic palletizing system, you should look at making sure it is ready to perform at its best in your specific working environment.