Posted: February 11, 2008
Advantages and Disadvantages of Automating with Industrial Robots
As with any business decision, there are pros and cons to automating with industrial robots. It's important to take time to consider the facts and evaluate your needs. The following points address some of the good and the bad of buying robots.
The Advantages of Industrial Robots
- Quality:
Robots have the capacity to dramatically improve product quality. Applications are performed with precision and high repeatability every time. This level of consistency can be hard to achieve any other way.
- Production:
With robots, throughput speeds increase, which directly impacts production. Because robots have the ability to work at a constant speed without pausing for breaks, sleep, vacations, they have the potential to produce more than a human worker.
- Safety:
Robots increase workplace safety. Workers are moved to supervisory roles, so they no longer have to perform dangerous applications in hazardous settings.
- Savings:
Greater worker safety leads to financial savings. There are fewer healthcare and insurance concerns for employers. Robots also offer untiring performance which saves valuable time. Their movements are always exact, so less material is wasted.
The Disadvantages of Industrial Robots:
- Expense:
The initial investment of robots is significant, especially when business owners are limiting their purchases to new robotic equipment. The cost of automation should be calculated in light of a business' greater financial budget. Regular maintenance needs can have a financial toll as well. - ROI:
Incorporating industrial robots does not guarantee results. Without planning, companies can have difficulty achieving their goals. - Expertise:
Employees will require training in programming and interacting with the new robotic equipment. This normally takestime and financial output.
- Safety:
Robots may protect workers from some hazards, but in the meantime, their very presence can create other safety problems. These new dangers must be taken into consideration.
Are you still on the fence about whether or not to automate with robots? Call RobotWorx at 740-383-8383 to discuss your options.
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