When Not to Use a Cobot: Understanding the Limitations

Collaborative robots (cobots) are revolutionising industries with their ability to work alongside humans, ease of use, and flexibility. However, despite their many advantages, there are situations where deploying a cobot might not be the best choice. Understanding these limitations is crucial for making informed decisions about automation in your business. Here are some scenarios when it might be better to avoid using a cobot:

Picture for attention only - Don't be alarmed!

1. High-Speed and Heavy-Duty Tasks

Cobots are designed to operate at slower speeds to ensure safety when working alongside humans. For tasks that require high-speed operations or handling heavy loads beyond a cobot's capacity, traditional industrial robots or automated machinery might be more appropriate.

Example: In large-scale automotive manufacturing, where heavy car parts need to be moved quickly along an assembly line, industrial robots with higher speed and payload capacities are more suitable.

Round numbers: Typically cobots can work up to around 30kg product weight (including tooling) with a minimum cycle time of around 10 seconds (depending on application etc).

2. Extreme Environmental Conditions

Cobots are typically designed for environments that are relatively controlled and safe for human workers. They may not be suited for extremely harsh environments, such as those with high temperatures, corrosive substances, or explosive atmospheres.

Example: In chemical plants with corrosive materials, specialized equipment designed to withstand such conditions is necessary, and cobots may not be able to perform safely or effectively. Another example is in ATEX environments, with very few cobots being supplied certified for the job.

3. Complex and Precision-Dependent Tasks

While cobots excel at repetitive tasks and simple assembly, they may struggle with highly complex tasks that require extreme precision, especially those involving very small tolerances or intricate movements.

Example: In semiconductor manufacturing, where tasks demand extreme precision and cleanliness, highly specialized automated systems are required to ensure the high standards are met.

Round Numbers: Typically cobots have a "point to point" accuracy of between 10-50 microns. that means, a cobot will hit the same position within that tolerance, every time.

4. Budget Constraints

Although cobots are generally more affordable and quicker to deploy compared to traditional industrial robots, they still represent a significant investment. For small businesses with tight budgets, even the relatively lower cost of cobots might be prohibitive, if your ROI does not stack up.

Example: A small startup with limited capital might find it more cost-effective to continue using manual labour until they can afford the investment and commitment to cobot technology.

5. Lack of Technical Expertise

Despite their user-friendly nature and no-code programming interfaces, successful deployment of cobots still requires a certain level of technical knowledge. If a business lacks the necessary expertise and resources for training, maintaining, and troubleshooting cobots, it could lead to operational inefficiencies.

Example: A manufacturing plant with limited IT and engineering staff might struggle to integrate and maintain cobots without additional training and support.

But... There are 100's of skilled integrators who will be able to provide you with a turnkey experience. Just be sure to understand your capabilities.

6. Highly Variable Tasks

Cobots are excellent for repetitive tasks that remain consistent over time. However, in environments where tasks are highly variable and change frequently, the constant reprogramming and adjustment of cobots can be inefficient.

Example: In a custom furniture workshop where each piece is unique and requires different assembly steps, the flexibility and adaptability of human workers may outweigh the benefits of automation if, a suitable "off the shelf" technology is not available.

7. Safety Concerns

Although cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans, there are certain high-risk tasks that might still pose safety concerns, even with cobot integration. In these cases, more robust safety measures or traditional automated solutions may be necessary.

Example: Tasks involving sharp tools, high-force impacts, or hazardous materials might require additional safety considerations beyond what cobots can provide.

Conclusion

While cobots offer significant advantages in many scenarios, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding the limitations and identifying when not to use cobots, businesses can make informed decisions that balance cost, efficiency, and safety. Careful evaluation of the specific requirements and constraints of each task is essential in determining the best automation solution.

Understanding these nuances ensures that cobots are deployed in ways that truly add value and enhance productivity, rather than creating new challenges. By acknowledging these limitations, businesses can leverage the full potential of cobots where they are most effective while exploring alternative solutions for tasks that fall outside their scope.

---

I hope this article provides a clear understanding of when it might not be ideal to use cobots. If you need any further adjustments or additions, feel free to let me know!