Revolutionizing Automation with Ready Robotics: How Collaborative Robots are Changing the Manufacturing Game

Revolutionizing Automation with Ready Robotics: How Collaborative Robots are Changing the Manufacturing Game

In the world of manufacturing, time is money. Increased efficiency, reduced errors, and cost savings are always prized. Over the years, automation has been the backbone of this industry, and it has taken on various forms. However, traditional industrial robots seem to have reached their limit in regard to flexibility and ease of use. Collaborative robots, or cobots, are here to change that.

Cobots are designed to work alongside humans and are programmed to automate specific tasks. They are simple to operate and require minimal coding skills, enabling a company to deploy them quickly. This flexibility is critical as it allows manufacturers to adjust production schedules with ease.

Ready Robotics, founded in 2016, is one of the leading companies in this space. The company’s flagship product, the Forge Station, is a plug-and-play platform that includes a robotic arm capable of handling loads up to 11 kg. The station can also be integrated with multiple sensors, vision systems, and end-of-arm tooling to handle different tasks.

One of the key advantages of cobots is the ability to reduce cycling time and human error. The Forge Station, for example, can be programmed to perform quality control checks, which is particularly important in high-precision industries such as aerospace. Cobots can also take over repetitive and mundane tasks, freeing up workers for more critical thinking activities.

Another advantage of cobots is the ability to adapt on the fly. The Forge Station, for example, can use sensors and vision systems to detect changes in the environment, making real-time adjustments in positioning and payload. This adaptability ensures an optimized production environment where efficiency is maximized.

Moreover, cobots can safely work alongside humans without the need for safety barriers. With the help of sensors and machine learning algorithms, cobots can detect human presence and adjust their movements to avoid collisions. This increases safety in the workplace while also reducing the physical strain on workers.

Companies around the world are starting to adopt cobots, and the Forge Station is becoming a popular choice. Precision, an aerospace and defense company, is one example. The company was able to increase throughput by 30% while maintaining or even improving quality control. Another example comes from Duke Manufacturing, a supplier of commercial food service equipment. By using cobots, Duke Manufacturing was able to reduce assembly time by 75%.

In conclusion, the manufacturing industry is evolving, and cobots are at the forefront of this transformation. With companies like Ready Robotics providing flexible and easy-to-use solutions, businesses can now automate their production lines effectively and at a fraction of the cost of traditional industrial robots. As applications for cobots expand, we can expect to see more companies adopt them, leading to increased efficiency and productivity across various industries.