Cobot integration in the workplace
For improving ergonomics and efficiency
Three out of five people Working-age workers report work-related musculoskeletal complaints, while simultaneously careers are lengthening. Absenteeism and occupational health costs are increasing. Many of these complaints are caused by physical strain and performing difficult, tedious, and repetitive tasks. Integrating a cobot into the workplace can offer a solution; they can easily perform these types of tasks.
Cobots are increasingly being deployed in industrial work environments to improve working conditions, minimize safety risks and production times, and enhance quality and efficiency. In this article, we explain what a cobot is and delve deeper into the benefits of cobot integration in the workplace.
What is a cobot?
A cobot is a robot that collaborates with humans and doesn't require any special safety features. Unlike a conventional robot, it can also interact directly with a human.
Cobots were originally developed to improve work ergonomics and enhance human-robot collaboration across various industries. They are used to enhance working conditions and safety, create more meaningful workplaces for employees, and simultaneously increase efficiency and economic growth.
A cobot's construction is often lightweight, allowing it to be safely integrated into the same workspace as a human. Cobots can also be mounted on mobile workstations, such as trolleys, allowing them to be used in multiple workstations.
What tasks can a cobot perform?
Cobots can perform difficult, tedious, and repetitive tasks that lead to musculoskeletal complaints. Ergonomically demanding or monotonous tasks such as gluing, screwdriving, packaging, and activities that require reaching are suitable for a cobot to perform.
Human-robot collaboration (HRC)
Cobots do not replace employees, but work alongside them. In this context, the term HRC used, which stands for Human-Robot CollaborationHRC has five levels (Levels of Collaboration, LoC), which are determined by the robot's technical characteristics and the work requirements. The five levels of human-robot collaboration:
Level 1: Cell
Humans and robots work in different cells.
Level 2: Coexistence
Humans and robots are in the same environment, but do not interact.
Level 3: Synchronized
Humans and robots work in the same space, but at different times.
Level 4: Cooperation
Humans and robots work simultaneously in the same space, but perform different tasks.
Level 5: Collaboration
Human and robot perform one task together.
Benefits for employers and employees
It's clear that integrating cobots into the workplace benefits both employers and employees. We'll explore this in more detail below.
Benefits for the employer:
- Less absenteeism and lower healthcare costs
- Longer-lasting careers
- Better employee retention
- Optimization of human work for tasks that require skill
- Higher motivation among employees
- Improved quality
- Higher productivity
- Shorter production times
Benefits for the employee:
- The work is safer
- Work is more meaningful due to fewer monotonous tasks
- Lower risk of injuries, leading to healthier free time
- Less awkward working positions
- Higher job satisfaction
What are the challenges with cobots?
Cobots have become increasingly popular in recent years, and their benefits are clearly demonstrable in industrial environments. However, they also present challenges. For example, working with technology can create psychological barriers or challenges.
As with any new tool, working with a cobot requires learning something new. Being able to adjust features like speed and a good introduction are crucial factors in the initial implementation.
Want to know how to design a cobot-friendly workplace? Then take Contact Contact one of our workplace specialists. They'll be happy to help! Also be sure to read the article about the integration of Treston cobots for ABB.
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