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ABB COLUMN GROW WITH ROBOTS IN 2020
Developments in robotic technology are on the rise to help tackle the continuously evolving challenges found in today’s UK manufacturing industry. The opportunity for greater productivity, quality and flexibility is
greater than ever before. Industrial robots are no longer only large machines
suitable for repetitive processes in an automotive plant. There are now smaller collaborative robots which work alongside people to help alleviate dull tasks, as well as software which allows larger robots to be reprogrammed easily according to changes in production requirements. SafeMove2, for example, provides greater flexibility through restricting robot motion to precisely what is needed for a specific application, so operators can trust the robot to slow down and come to a stop when they move into closer range. These developments open up more career paths in roles which are set to be big in the future such as robot programming and maintenance. For those that know little about robots, starting with a
robotic cell or collaborative robot is a good option for growth. Personalised confectionary manufacturer, Boomf, has benefitted from 600 per cent growth by simply installing a robotic cell for improved marshmallow cutting into its North Bedfordshire-based manufacturing plant. Even if you already have robots in your factory,
assessing the capabilities of those robots and re- evaluating how the business performs can be the difference between maintaining a steady flow of production and exceeding performance. CHX, a plastic promotions manufacturer originally invested in a robot cell in 2005 to keep up with demand and become more competitive in the industry. Picking, placing, printing and cutting times were drastically reduced, meaning lead times for customers were reduced by almost a whole week. Years later, CHX decided to upgrade their system with a more technologically advanced robot leading to further improvements to production. Whether currently a robot adopter or not, there’s
always a way to improve business through automation. Getting to know what technologies are out there is the best place to start and if you’re looking to add flexibility, improve quality and boost productivity, why not grow with robots?
Nigel Platt LBL manager UK and Ireland – ABB Robotics
automationmagazine.co.uk
Automation | December/January 2020 7
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