UKM-SUM23-PG10+11_Layout 1 02/05/2023 10:19 Page 10
MACHINERY
INTEGRATING ROBOTICS INTO CONTROL SYSTEMS:
UNLOCKING EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN MANUFACTURING
Several components of a smart factory need to be integrated together in order for it to run effectively and efficiently. However, with many robots added once the production line is up and running, they often function as standalone equipment. Here, Stephen Hayes, managing director at automation and control technology specialist Beckhoff UK, explores the benefits of integrating robots into a full manufacturing environment.
becoming increasingly compelling. According to research undertaken by the International Federation of Robotics, the number of installed robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers in the UK grew by 77 per cent over the last five years,
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obotic automation has been transforming manufacturing and industrial operations for decades and as technology continues to evolve, the benefits of integrating robotics into control systems are
demonstrating a clear trend towards greater adoption of automation technology in the manufacturing sector.
Integrating robots into a control system offers a myriad of benefits, with increased efficiency and productivity being one of the most significant. Robots excel at performing repetitive tasks much faster than humans, leading to faster turnaround times and more efficient use of resources. Automation helps eradicate bottlenecks, reduces cycle times, and increases
overall production capacity, resulting in a streamlined manufacturing process that minimise waste and maximise productivity. Moreover, robotic automation ensures higher quality control by performing tasks with greater precision and consistency than human workers. Robots maintain strict tolerances, perform quality inspections and measurements and quickly identify defects, thereby reducing the risk of errors and enhancing product quality. With human error minimised, businesses can produce higher-quality products, resulting in better customer satisfaction and improved brand reputation. An easy way of integrating robots into manufacturing lines is to implement a modular approach using motion control solutions - like Beckhoff’s Automation Technology for Robotics (ATRO) - so that machine builders can secure a complete automation solution from a single source. This technology is specifically designed for robotic applications, offering high- performance and precise motion control capabilities. The system consists of a range of hardware and software components that work together to achieve high levels of accuracy and repeatability in motion control. One of the key features is their ability to integrate with a wide range of robotic systems, including articulated robots, cartesian robots, and SCARA robots. This makes it a versatile solution that can be used in a variety of
Summer 2023 UKManufacturing
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