A industrial robotics emerged around the 1950s and in the following decades was implemented within factories, which saw potential in the use of robots.
As a result, robots have continuously evolved, reaching a level of automation seen today, where they perform increasingly complex tasks with precision.
According to a study conducted by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), since 2014 the average annual growth of installed robotic units has been about 13%. Another survey showed that Brazil ranks 18th among the most automated nations.
To learn all about the growth of industrial robotics, its advantages, and how this impacts job creation, continue reading the article!
What is robotic technology?
First of all, we can define the word technology as the tools developed to facilitate people’s work, and this can encompass the most diverse factors.
Robotic technology, on the other hand, is a less comprehensive term. Unlike a computer or a smartphone app, for example, the use of these devices requires manual operation performed by a person.
In retrospect, robots perform the functions they were programmed to carry out completely and repetitively, without the need for human intervention. Except in cases where someone handles them to perform maintenance, adjustments, or the like.
Contrary to popular belief, industrial robots do not come to replace human labor, but rather to complement it. Thus collaborating in job creation, which is beginning to take previously unimaginable directions.
This is because robots can be programmed to execute repetitive and heavier tasks, but workers are left with functions more closely related to strategy, such as coordinating, organizing, and analyzing the workflow. Activities that require some level of education.
Advantages of industrial robotics
Currently, the world is increasingly fast-paced and everyone is connected. The internet makes information very accessible, although it is not always grounded on solid foundations.
The consequence of this is a highly competitive market, which fosters the emergence of new products and increasingly demanding customers.
Technologies for Industry 4.0 and industrial robots are factors that help the production chain keep up with this market pace. In addition, see other advantages of investing in robotics:
Greater safety in tasks
Robots have greater precision in performing programmed tasks, therefore, with their use, there is greater safety during execution.
In addition, by using robots in activities characterized as unhealthy or risky, such as cutting or welding, handling chemical agents, or working in hot locations, the company protects employees against accidents and, consequently, avoids team shortages.
Greater quality control
As programmed, robots always use the same precision of force and speed, so the production chain does not become susceptible to a lack of standardization due to human factors.
Due to this standardization, there are fewer errors, rework, and raw material waste, thereby improving the quality control of parts.
High productivity
The use of industrial robotics units on the shop floor makes production work with more usable activity time, as it does not require stoppages.
Thus, robots are capable of completing tasks much faster than if they were done manually by a person, since we have physiological needs and need breaks for rest.
With this, combining greater speed and more activity time, high productivity results are achieved for the factory.
Cost reduction
All the factors listed above, together, result in the reduction of operational costs. It is also worth remembering that, despite requiring an initial investment, robots have a long useful life.
When preventive maintenance is carried out on time, the equipment’s durability tends to be much greater.
In addition, integrating industrial robotics with shop floor planning and management solutions makes it possible to gain greater control over the flow of operations, continuously optimizing processes.
Did you already know the advantages and technological advancements of industrial robotics? To learn more about what is to come in the sector, read our ebook: Are you prepared for the future of manufacturing?
