Did you know that 59% of manufacturers are using robots in fabrication? It’s no secret that automation is playing an ever-increasing role in our economies.
Advancement in robotic technologies has transformed the way factories run and has opened doors to new industry standards.
In this article, we will explore how robots are used in fabrication and why it matters.
Robots in Fabrication
No doubt, the role of robots in fabrication will increase further as machine learning and automation technologies develop. As it is, robots are useful in a wide range of applications. When it comes to repetitive tasks, robots make life much easier for human workers.
Here is a quick look at some of the aspects of fabrication that have been improved with automation:
- Welding
- Assembly
- Shipping
- Handling raw materials
- Product packing
Robots have helped the fabrication industry by improving the efficiency of operations. Plus, when you can offer products of a consistently high standard, with faster turnaround times, you get a competitive edge in the market.
Additionally, when you implement robotic automation in your factory, you achieve a reduced margin for error in your production. Moreover, since the monotonous tasks are taken care of, your human employees can be upskilled. With less time spent on an assembly line, human efforts can be more productively directed.
How Robots Make a Difference
Robots don’t need to earn a salary, take breaks, and production doesn’t have to stop during a shift change. While robots lack a sense of pride in their work, they don’t make the mistakes that we humanoids are prone to. After all, assembly lines don’t require emotional investment or a sense of job satisfaction to meet production standards.
The combination of these factors reduces production costs and increases efficiency at the same time. Industrial robots create high-quality products consistently, with very little variation.
There are six main types of robotics (for now) that are used in the manufacturing industry. They are:
- Delta
- Articulated
- Cartesian
- Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA)
- Spherical
- Cylindrical
Precision and predictability make robots perfect for tedious work, especially in hazardous environments.
The Future is Now
Some people fear that robots in fabrication will render human skills obsolete. However, the opportunity for more skilled employment increases as robots become more extensively used.
Harnessing automation in manufacturing improves quality, safety, and the profitability of the industry.
If you’d like to know more about our steel fabrication works, get in touch with our team today!