Cost Savings with Robots

Replacing manual workers with an automated system benefits the company by reducing wasted time and money while increasing productivity. Robots are beginning to replace pneumatic slides, cams, and other components of fixed-automation lines.

Over the last decade, the cost of robot workcells has decreased by 5-10% per year. While the cost decreases, the speed and throughput of robots has increased significantly, resulting in lower cost per assembly and cost per placement.

As costs are decreasing, robots are being recruited for applications that have generally been performed by humans. Repetitive motion has resulted in potentially high costs in injury liability, and robots can replace this traditionally human task without the liability expenses. Robots can run 24/7, and can perform 2-3 shifts in the time it would have taken a human to complete one. This saves labor costs while increasing productivity, boosting the company’s sales.

Throughout most industries, the cost to support robotics is decreasing with the emergence of remote diagnostics and other online support tools. Robot vendors and system integrators can conduct field diagnostics over web-based interfaces, reducing the time to repair problems. Less downtime leads to more work time, which leads to saved costs.

As fossil fuels prices soar, reducing the cost of the energy component of production is paramount. Deploying robots is a proven method of saving energy costs. Robots can operate and produce products while people are not present; they can work in the dark or in unheated environments.

Fanuc started the Save Your Factory Initiative in 2004 to educate companies on the benefits of moving their manufacturing back to the US instead of off-shore. The initiative attempts to spread the message about hidden costs of manufacturing off-shore (such as a long supply chain, long inventory delays, high shipping costs, and intellectual property theft). Through robotic and automation, manufacturers can remain competitive in North America.

In a globalized economy, using robots is one of the prime ways for manufacturing companies to thrive. New emerging industries, new product developments, and cost reductions in robotics, machine vision, and distributed motion control guarantees the continued popularity of robot systems.

Robots.com provides Integration-Ready Fanuc, KUKA, Motoman, and ABB robots and has been supplying all varieties of industrial robots to businesses across North America. If you would like to learn more about the cost savings robots can bring you, contact us today online or at 877-762-6881.