Automation and the use of robotics is heading the same way, although not yet in the local superstore.

Our first experiment with a cobot went well and instead of being a mobile tool that we could use around the machine/mould shop has become fully employed on one task. Consequently there is now a second and by the end of September we will have half as many robots as we have people!

I should point out that these are not replacing people, they are undertaking the highly repetitive tasks that give our people the flexibility in their day to do other tasks.

Cobots and robots don’t get bored, they are good at repetition, so they complement us humans, especially those with short attention spans!!

Remaining as always, at your service,

How Cobots work for us

Cobots are traditionally designed to repeat a process over and over. For huge manufacturing factories, the use of robots and automation saves humans doing incredibly repetitive jobs that never vary.

As an SME the ability to work 24hr round the clock shifts without having to take on additional manpower is of huge benefit and allows us to be price competitive and produce parts quickly for clients. We feel strongly that automation is the way forward.

However, with varying requirements, processes and much smaller batch sizes, we need flexibility to be able to use cobots in different places on different machines for different tasks. Occasionally we have to think outside the box a little to adapt them to suit the purpose…!

Has Covid accelerated the introduction of automation in industry?

In a recent BBC News article, Manufacturing Wales said its members and other businesses were adopting robotics two or three years faster than expected.

The pandemic has certainly been a catalyst for change, with some businesses turning to automation to ensure they can still open the doors of their business during the pandemic.

During the past 18 months, social distancing guidelines and self-isolation rules have presented challenges for business, including frequent staff shortages and if not before, businesses have certainly started to realise the benefits automation can bring in this regard.

If you have a project in mind, or would like more information, contact us and we will be pleased to help.

01452 386608
solutions@plunkettassociates.co.uk