Industrial robotics, process efficiency taken to the limit

Numerous manufacturers have used industrial robots to automate tasks in their industries, with the aim of improving worker safety and increasing total production, while reducing surplus and operating costs.

Industrial robotics and automation are directly involved in the consolidation of Industry 4.0, generating substantial benefits for productivity and resource efficiency.

The various automation models that are being implemented have the advantage of eliminating the subjective factor of decision making and human error, achieving greater reliability in processes and freeing workers from tasks that represent a potential risk.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (FIR), on the most automated countries in 2020, of the 40 countries analyzed, 15 include industrial robots in their production, export and import. This list is led by the United States, Japan and China.

What are industrial robots?

As industrial robots we refer to mechanical devices that aim to replicate human tasks. They are used when it is necessary to reduce danger to workers, as well as to provide greater precision, or when uninterrupted operation is required. Some manufacturers of industrial robots are considering leasing models, in order to accelerate adoption by small and medium-sized industries. Most of these machines are stationary, but some are mobile.

On the other hand, for industries that lack specialized robotics personnel, it is important to provide user-friendly robots that can be easily operated in order to sustain efficient and flexible manufacturing.

Simplification in this regard is a key factor for the market.  The need for robots that are easier to use and program has led to the development of increasingly intelligent solutions.

Types of automation

Programmable automation allows a robot to reconfigure itself and perform various tasks. This type of robotics is very useful in productions where different variants or models are covered.

Flexible automation is the type of robotics that allows robots to work interconnected and the exchange of information to coordinate their actions. In this way, a central computer controls all the automated systems so that they perform their tasks in a joint and orderly manner.

One of the main industries that use industrial robotics is the automotive industry, however, other industries such as manufacturing, food production, medical, among many others, use this type of technology. Given its imminent growth, this sector is a focal point that attracts the attention of investors.