Industrial robots move with great force and can easily injure worker if he/she enters a work space during operation. For this reason, robots are contained behind curtains, fencing, or other barriers for the safety and protection of human workers. This is great for some operations, but other automation businesses need just a little more flexibility.
Fortunately, ingenuity is prevalent in the automation market and manufacturers such as FANUC, Motoman, KUKA, and ABB, are taking advantage of the new collaborative technologies that enable humans and robots to safely work together. The collaborative robot was designed with multiple advanced sensors, software, and EOATs that work together to help avoid injuries/damages. These robots also no longer require safety cages or barriers; human workers and collaborative machines can safely and effectively work together in an uncaged environment. This idea is quickly catching on and the collaborative robots are now expected to grow at exponential rates from 2015-2020, with an expected tenfold increase.
The proof is in the numbers which reflect just how quickly the collaborative idea is gaining in popularity. According to a new study published by ABI Research entitled, “Collaborative Robotics: State of the Market / State of the Art”, the collaborative market is set to reach $1 billion from approximately $95 million in 2015. In this same article it states that “there are three large markets that are fueling this fast growth: electronics manufacturers and electronics manufacturing services companies, small-to-medium manufacturers, and manufacturers seeking robotic solutions optimized to support agile production methodologies.”
The growth will be continued to be fueled by three key markets: electronics manufacturers and electronics manufacturing services companies, small-to-medium manufacturers, and manufacturers seeking robotic solutions optimized to support agile production methodologies.
The following are examples and proof of just how dynamic and creative the manufacturers are to add to the collaborative sector: