By Atul Patil
Robotics is an important and very important part of industrial automation. The balance maintained in factories and workshops through the introduction of robotics and automation has transformed work processes and increased efficiency diversity. The use of automation and robotics is transforming various industries in this advanced age. Robots are now an integral part of the manufacturing processes of many industries due to their accuracy and ability to work for hours without fatigue.
When Industrial Robotic Projects first emerged, they brought with them confusion and rejection. Automation is now widely used in many industries, from healthcare to agriculture, although in many of them it used to be more theoretical than practical.
The first phase of this revolution introduced electric machines that performed repetitive tasks without tiring. These robots were used in the automotive industry and similar applications. The second phase brought industrial robots that not only perform basic tasks but also take data to evolve and get better. Today, robots have revolutionized many important industries, including some:
1. Healthcare Industry: Healthcare is not only one of the fastest growing industries, it is also one of the most developed. It has evolved rapidly over time, benefiting from new technologies and innovations, including robotic automation. A range of robots are now specifically designed for medical applications in environments that require very low particle emissions, such as B. in the pharmaceutical, medical or semiconductor industry.
2. The automotive industry: Small robots and robotic automation are needed to meet the changing needs of the automotive industry, so the leading two-wheeler manufacturers can develop vehicles that are safer, more comfortable, greener, more efficient and more future-proof. Due to their high level of accuracy and flexibility, some robots can highlight every aspect of the workpiece, including quality assurance, haptic measurements, and the assembly of intricate components. These robots are able to perform their tasks at full speed 24 hours a day.
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3. food: Compared to other industries, the food industry uses robot automation selectively. But with time this industry is growing very fast and the variety of possible applications like picking and placing raw material or processed food, slicing, slicing, sorting, serving and many other activities would require robots in the near future. Given the stricter hygiene standards, some robots are able to trace the products and processes used to make them. These robots are becoming an integral part of the ecosystem today and will continue to be so in the future. Such robots also guarantee and ensure quality for watertight specification and for food-grade grease under hygiene-related guidelines of the US NSF (National Sanitation Foundation).
4. Industry producing semiconductors and electronics
A horizontal multi-joint robot with space-saving hanging installation is suitable for a wide range of applications from precision assembly of electrical, electronic and other small components, inspection to high-speed transportation and packaging. SCARA robots, drive products, power distribution and control products, computer numerical control and a variety of other products and solutions provide better technical support.
The future of robotic automation
With the advent of Industry 4.0, robotic process automation will gradually expand its presence in other major industries as well as in the areas of current industries, emphasizing its importance in the modern manufacturing process.
Importance of automation in Industry 4.0
We are in the midst of an advanced industrial revolution that makes it possible to manage complex machines and processes much more effectively and cost-effectively than ever before. By reducing the need for human labor in redundant and hazardous processes, automation allows companies to focus on critical operations, energy consumption and safety. With the many technological changes affecting our industries, there is an urgent need for high-quality, precise products that can only be met through a high level of productivity. Engineering systems, automated production and industrial automation play a role here.
Industry 4.0 and automation are currently taking shape thanks to technologies such as AI, 5G, advanced automation, advanced sensing and many others that have significantly changed how different industries work and how their processes are carried out. Automation in Industry 4.0 places great emphasis on efficiency and optimization while significantly reducing the chances of error. In a manual process where the error rate can reach up to 10% when humans do the work, an automated platform can reduce it significantly.
The reasons why industrial automation matters
In addition to discrete manufacturing companies, the following factors are driving new entrants into the industrial automation sector:
cost efficiency: Since automation requires less human intervention, production costs are reduced. Apart from that, the implementation of virtual and augmented reality coupled with automation helps to increase the productivity of business models and facilitate learning.
competitive advantages: Due to the nature of industrial automation technology, production is continuous and operates 24/7. As a result, it offers competitive advantages in terms of increased productivity, capacity and process quality, while minimizing task errors and the cost of downtime.
time reduction: Information processing time is reduced by Automation 4.0. The platform has significant capacity for storing and managing data generated by processes.
flexibility and scalability: A human operator needs training as the industrial sector is dynamic and tasks are constantly changing. The flexibility and scalability of robots and machines are preserved because they can be tightly programmed and reconfigured in limited time.
Maximum security: Machines can be tasked by the production line with risky tasks that pose significant risk to workers. Advanced security controls can also be set up for components, machines, people and systems. With collaborative robots, robots and humans can share a common workspace.
Monitored Control: The automated processes are controlled, monitored, and recorded to generate big data that helps identify patterns, improve operations, and implement changes to prevent future task failures.
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Automation is expected to grow exponentially around the world in the coming years, which will rapidly fuel the growth and development of robotics in the industrial space. At the same time, India is embracing Industry 4.0 at a reasonable pace and has experienced exceptional growth due to recent advances in automation. Industry 5.0 is a recent trend that emphasizes immediate customer service, personalization and the integration of humans and cobots (collaborative robots) to be proactive in the new industrial automation model and to take advantage of new technological advances.
(Atul Patil is Deputy General Manager, Marketing Dept, Factory Automation & Industrial Division, Mitsubishi Electric India. The views expressed in the article are those of the author and do not reflect the official position or policies of FinancialExpress.com.)