Cobots are often talked about as an indispensable tool for the future of industry; their ability to integrate seamlessly into an existing workspace makes them an attractive machine. But what are they, how do they work, and why might you need one?
What is a cobot?
A cobot, or collaborative robot, is a robot that is programmed to safely operate alongside human technicians. Operating with reduced speed, torque, and with enhanced safety sensors, cobots are an excellent solution for smaller shops, or for applications that require both robotic and human input – for example, supervising a particular weld, or swapping parts in and out for sanding. What many people think of when they hear the word “robot” – humanoid helpers tasking alongside human workers – are actually cobots.
What is a cobot used for & when to use a cobot?
A cobot is used when an automated task is being carried out near human operators. They can be used in a variety of circumstances and applications, from factory floors to welding shops, and are particularly helpful for sequences where a human needs to complete a portion of the task either concurrently or consecutively. This contrasts with industrial robot cells, which operate at such high speeds and with such torque that it is unsafe (and illegal) to approach when they are operating. Industrial robot cells, once programmed, operate independently; they carry out their tasks without further intervention, making them an excellent option for enhancing efficiency and reducing errors, particularly for predictable, repetitive tasks or workflows. When considering whether a cobot is the correct machine for a job, it’s important to assess how much space is available for it to execute its task, and how much human involvement is required in the sequence. If space is limited, or human participation is essential, a cobot is likely to be the right choice.
How a cobot works
Like their industrial robot counterparts, cobots can look and move differently depending on their intended function. Part of what makes cobots safe to work with is their speed; they operate at less than half the regular speed of a standard industrial robot, allowing operators ample reaction time should the robot’s path make an unexpected deviation. Like with any robot, the specific functionality of any given cobot can vary depending on the output requirements. Cobots are programmed in advance to carry out specific tasks, such as grinding or sanding; they can take care of these tasks while the staff can concentrate on things that need a personal touch or just can't be automated. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which typically operate behind fences or other protective barriers, cobots can integrate seamlessly with other operations.
Cobots rely on a breadth of technology to accurately operate in shared spaces and to produce reliable outputs. They are built with a variety of internal and external sensors, such as piezoelectric and capacitive. This allows them to react appropriately when they are approaching another entity, and when they have come in direct contact with something.
Capacitive sensors are used to determine a cobots proximity to liquids, objects, or people; they do this by emitting an electrical field from the sensing end. If this electrical field is disrupted, the cobot can then understand that is within a specified proximity and either stop or change direction. This is necessary for multiple reasons; first, it is an essential safety feature that keeps the cobot from harming any people or other equipment that may share its space. It also helps the cobot to carry out its programmed functions; for example, in the case of a pick-and-pack cobot in a warehouse, the arm may begin to slow as it approaches a bin or box.
Piezoelectric sensors can be calibrated to suit a variety of uses and applications. The sensor is designed around a particular signal level, corresponding to a force acting upon the sensor, like pressure or the length of a sound wave. Piezoelectricity refers to the electric charge that accumulates in certain materials, such as crystal – quartz is a particularly popular choice for applications relying upon piezoelectricity due to its chemical makeup. The piezoelectric technology collects data, such as the amount of pressure, from the robotic arm's joints and relays that information to the controller. This type of sensor could be used, for example, in the case of a sanding cobot; once it senses, based on the pressure input, that it is touching the surface, the sander can then begin to move.
These sensors, sometimes in conjunction with other sensor types depending on the desired output, work harmoniously with the robot programming to allow the cobot to carry out its activities.
Collaborative robots can be an excellent addition to machine shops, manufacturing facilities, and other industrial settings. They are a great tool for enhancing accuracy and efficiency without compromising on space or safety.
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