In 2017, collaborative robots, or cobots, began to drive the expansion of the robotics market. According to BIS Research, by 2021, the market is expected to see over 150,000 units of collaborative robots sold, with revenue projected to reach $2 billion. Many industries are now adopting cobots as a way to move toward a more automated and efficient future.
What makes cobots stand out is their ability to perform tasks that were once done entirely by humans. Thanks to built-in safety features like force feedback and collision detection, they can work safely alongside people, reducing risks in shared environments. Universal Robots, a leading manufacturer in this space, recently released a white paper highlighting the seven most common applications for cobots.
**Pick and Place**
Figure: A typical pick and place robot. The robot identifies parts and objects and then wraps them.
Picking and placing is one of the most repetitive tasks workers face today. These manual operations can lead to errors, especially in dirty environments, and repeated motions may cause physical strain. By introducing collaborative robots into these tasks, companies can reduce human repetition and improve efficiency. This task involves picking up an object from one location and placing it elsewhere, such as retrieving items from a conveyor belt or pallet for packaging or sorting. Advanced vision systems are often required for such tasks, and end effectors like grippers or vacuum cups are used to handle the objects.
**Equipment Care**
Equipment care involves workers monitoring machines like CNCs or injection molding devices for long periods, changing tools, or restocking materials. This process is not only time-consuming but also monotonous. Cobots can take over these tasks, freeing up human workers while maintaining productivity. These robots typically require I/O docking hardware to interact with specific equipment, signaling when to start a new cycle or when materials need to be replenished.
**Packing and Palletizing**
Packing and palletizing fall under the broader category of pick and place. Before products leave the factory, they must be prepared for transport—this includes shrink wrapping, box assembly, loading, and stacking on pallets. This type of work is highly repetitive and often involves small loads, making it ideal for automation. For mass production companies that handle both high and low volume orders, quick product changeover is essential. This application often requires conveyor tracking to synchronize the robot’s movements with the conveyor belt, and vision systems are needed for irregularly shaped items.
**Processing Operations**
Figure: The Universal Robot is one of the few manufacturers that can provide specialized soldering end effectors. Other collaborative robots also have different end effectors for various processing tasks, such as glue dispensers.
Processing operations involve tasks like welding, painting, or gluing, which require precision and consistency. Cobots equipped with specialized end effectors can perform these tasks efficiently. Whether it's applying adhesive, soldering, or handling delicate components, these robots offer flexibility and accuracy, helping businesses maintain quality while improving workflow.
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