FEATURE Robotics Ten myths about robots By Peter Swanson, Managing Director of Intertronics T
he benefi ts of robotics are quite compelling: improved productivity, effi ciency, output, quality and fl exibility. In
addition to production benefi ts, they can also improve health and safety and job satisfaction for employees. However, the International Federation of Robotics World Robot Report in 2021 found that the UK has a robot density below the global average of 126 robots per 10,000 employees. With just 101 per 10,000 employees, the UK ranks 24th in the world in terms of robot density.
Dispensing robots Dispensing robots enable the automation of the application of adhesives, potting compounds, encapsulants, sealants, form- in-place gaskets, temporary masking, lubricants and other liquids, fl uids and pastes. There are several myths around the use
of robots that could be holding back their uptake. Here we’ll bust 10 myths about dispensing robots.
1. Robots steal jobs They actually create them – competitive companies grow and employ more people! According to the World Economic Forum, more than half of the world’s workplace tasks will be carried out by a machine by 2025. And, whilst 75 million jobs are likely to be lost to automation by 2025, a further 133 million will be created. In addition, robots allow manufacturers to move people out of repetitive and potentially dangerous jobs, and into positions that add more value.
2. It might unsettle my team The preconception that robots take jobs means it’s vital for businesses to present the idea of robotics to the workforce and get buy-in.
If a manufacturer uses robots to automate dispensing tasks, it can actually improve job satisfaction by upskilling its team and moving workers into more creative and fulfi lling jobs.
3. Robots are expensive / their price point is inaccessible
22 June 2023 | Automation
You can actually buy a dispensing robot for as little as £5,000. With added enclosures and other equipment, the cost of the project is typically from £10,000 to £20,000.
4. The payback period will be too long Many dispensing robots are off ered at a reasonable price point that delivers a short payback period.
Return on investment (ROI) can be achieved in a short time – as quickly as six months in some cases – and almost certainly within a year or two. Importantly, they off er an incredibly short time to value. As soon as the robot is installed, the manufacturer can gain value immediately.
5. I need to run it 24/7 In fact, most people don’t run their dispensing robots continuously. Many robots can be run as and when needed and they still deliver value through faster output and better quality.
6. It will be diffi cult to get going For those who are yet to install a robot, a common concern is that the installation, set up and programming will be challenging.
For dispensing robots, look for a supplier who can off er dispensing robots as well expertise, integrating the two to provide a complete installation. Off ering team training on how to set a robot up, use and maintain the equipment optimally is of great benefi t, too.
7. It could injure people We provide full safety enclosures that minimise risk to the operator. In most cases, dispensing robots are moving employees out of a repetitive role working with chemicals. In these cases, introducing a robot can improve health and safety by reducing chemical exposure and decreasing the chance of repetitive strain injury.
8. It might not work the way I planned A reliable supplier can help you throughout the process, building your confi dence and proving the technology works, greatly reducing any risk. Intertronics operates a Technology Centre in Kidlington, where our customers can run trials and tests to ensure the equipment operates as planned.
9. It won’t be fl exible Dispensing robots can be off ered in a way that means they can be easily reprogrammed and used for something else, so the opportunity to increase ROI is increased. It may be as simple as just adding new tooling.
10. Now isn’t a good time There is never a perfect time! Henry Ford one famously said: “If you need a machine and don’t buy it, then you will ultimately fi nd that you have paid for it, but don’t have it.”
However, there is a good reason to invest now due to the tax advantages. Until March 2023, companies investing in qualifying new plant and machinery assets can claim a 130% deduction, which will allow companies to reduce their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest.
CONTACT:
Intertronics
www.intertronics.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
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