Busting the Myths: The Largest Misconceptions About Cobots

Busting the Myths: The Largest Misconceptions About Cobots

Collaborative robots, or cobots, have taken the automation world by storm, offering a flexible and user-friendly alternative to traditional industrial robots. However, as with any emerging technology, there are several misconceptions that can cloud their true potential. Let’s clear up some of the largest misconceptions about cobots and set the record straight.

Let's dive in!

1. Cobots Are Too Expensive for Small Businesses

Misconception: Many believe that cobots are only affordable for large enterprises with substantial automation budgets.

Reality: While the initial investment in cobots can be significant, they are often more affordable than traditional industrial robots. Cobots' lower installation costs, minimal maintenance, and reduced need for extensive safety measures make them a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. Moreover, their ability to work safely alongside humans can reduce labour costs and improve ROI over time.

2. Cobots Are Not Safe

Misconception: Some people think that cobots can pose safety risks to human workers.

Reality: Safety is one of the defining features of cobots. They are designed with built-in safety features such as force-limited joints, collision detection, and speed reduction to prevent accidents. Cobots are rigorously tested to meet safety standards and can work safely alongside humans without the need for extensive safety barriers.

The main item to consider here is to remember that we look at the application to say whether it's safe, rather than a robot itself. I.e. a cobot picking and placing a sheet of paper involved much less risk than carrying a knife. Everything is relative.

3. Cobots Will Replace Human Jobs

Misconception: There is a fear that cobots will lead to widespread job loss by replacing human workers.

Reality: Cobots are designed to work collaboratively with humans, not replace them. They handle repetitive, mundane, or hazardous tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex, creative, and rewarding activities. This collaboration can lead to job enrichment and the creation of new roles centred around managing and optimising cobot operations.

4. Cobots Are Difficult to Program

Misconception: Many assume that programming a cobot requires advanced technical skills and expertise.

Reality: Cobots are built with user-friendly interfaces and no-code programming options, making them accessible to users with little to no programming experience. Features like drag-and-drop programming and teach-by-demonstration capabilities allow operators to easily program cobots for various tasks without specialized knowledge.

5. Cobots Can Only Handle Simple Tasks

Misconception: Some believe that cobots are limited to simple, repetitive tasks and lack the versatility to handle complex applications.

Reality: Cobots are incredibly versatile and can be deployed in a wide range of applications, from simple pick-and-place operations to complex assembly, welding, and quality control tasks. With the right accessories and programming, cobots can handle intricate and demanding tasks just as efficiently as traditional robots.

The ecosystem that surrounds cobots is growing by the week and therefore new application possibilities may not be that far away!

6. Cobots Have Limited Payload and Reach

Misconception: There is a notion that cobots cannot handle heavy loads or operate across large work areas.

Reality: While it’s true that cobots typically have lower payload capacities and shorter reach compared to some industrial robots, advances in cobot technology are continually expanding these capabilities. Many cobots now offer impressive payload capacities and extended reach options, making them suitable for a variety of industrial applications.

Cobots typically have a payload of up to 30kg (including tool) with a reach of just under 2m. However, it's often possible to extend this operating window by using an additional axis (which is plug and play).

7. Cobots Are Only for Manufacturing

Misconception: Cobots are often seen as exclusively useful in manufacturing settings.

Reality: Cobots are finding applications far beyond manufacturing. They are being used in healthcare for patient assistance and laboratory automation, in agriculture for planting and harvesting, in logistics for sorting and transporting goods, and even in education for teaching robotics and automation concepts. Their adaptability makes them valuable across multiple industries.

8. Cobots Require Extensive Downtime for Setup

Misconception: Some think that integrating cobots into existing workflows involves significant downtime and disruption.

Reality: Cobots are designed for quick and easy deployment. Their plug-and-play nature allows them to be up and running within hours, not days or weeks. This minimizes downtime and ensures that businesses can start reaping the benefits of automation almost immediately.

Conclusion

Cobots are a game-changing technology with the potential to revolutionize various industries. However, misconceptions can hinder their adoption and prevent businesses from fully realizing their benefits. By understanding and addressing these misconceptions, we can better appreciate the true value of cobots and leverage their capabilities to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth.

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I hope this blog post helps to clarify the largest misconceptions about cobots. If you need any adjustments or additional points, feel free to let me know!