Human and Robot Collaboration in Industrial Environments

(Source: http://qualitymag.com)

Human and Robot Collaboration in Industrial Environments
By Muhamad Ghazi Athira

Collaboration between people and robots has grown in importance in today’s industrial era for producing an efficient and safe work environment. Robotic technology has transformed the industrial landscape by enabling high levels of automation, yet human presence maintains unrivaled creativity, judgment, and contextual awareness. 

Increased operational efficiency is one of the most significant advantages of human-robot collaboration. Robots are designed to do physical activities consistently and without tiredness, saving the time and effort required for repeated activity. Humans, on the other hand, can play a more strategic role by monitoring operations, making difficult decisions, and collaborating with robots to improve overall system performance.

Aside from operational efficiency, collaboration between humans and robots provides significant benefits in terms of workplace safety. Robots can perform tasks that are potentially harmful or represent a significant risk to people, such as carrying heavy objects or manipulating hazardous chemicals. This limits workers’ exposure to physical and chemical risks, hence lowering workplace injury rates.

Collaboration between people and robots improves flexibility and adaptation in industrial situations. Robots can be reprogrammed or outfitted with artificial intelligence algorithms to respond to shifts in market demand or environmental circumstances. Humans can also adapt swiftly to change, taking over critical activities as needed or upgrading robot algorithms to meet new requirements.

Although the potential for human-robot collaboration is immense, there are several challenges that must be addressed. This includes complicated technology integration, cybersecurity, and ethical and legal challenges with the employment of robots in workplaces. However, with the correct strategy and investment in training and technology development, these obstacles can be overcome.

Collaboration between humans and robots allows extraordinary innovation, efficiency, and safety in industrial settings. Humans and robots can collaborate to reach larger production and manufacturing goals by exploiting each other’s skills. Companies must see the promise of this collaboration and invest in the infrastructure, training, and technology development required to realize it. This allows us to develop a better, more efficient, and safer industrial working environment in the future.

Source:
Hjorth, S. (2021, August 4). Human–robot collaboration in Industrial Environments: A literature review on non-destructive disassembly. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736584521000910