Collaborative robots, also known as kobots, create additional automation opportunities in the electronics industry. They are characterized by the ability to work in tight production areas, in close proximity to people, as well as for quick execution and reallocation to new tasks, as well as intuitive programming and management. They support pick and place and palletizing processes for both large and small companies
Manufacturers are investing in automation worldwide. The “SME Robotics Barometer” survey, which also covered electronics companies in Hungary in the spring of 2020, showed that SMEs expect robotics, among other things, to enable them to reduce production costs, thereby improving their efficiency (72%) and increase their efficiency. competitiveness (71.4%) and the volume of products produced (68.7%), which is of greater importance for small businesses. In addition, it is important for companies to eliminate human error (61.3%), retain employees (63.9%), and improve product quality (56.6%) and production flexibility (54.6%). The electronics and high-tech industries are the most important players in the industry 4.0. Companies in these industries demand the greatest possible flexibility to support production automation, speed and innovation.
Rapid adaptation to the sudden needs and requirements of customers is one of the main challenges for electronics manufacturers. This requires the creation of samples and certified products, as well as regular production in the shortest possible time. In addition, striving for maximum quality, all products in the electronics industry must be tested. Many companies leave this time-consuming task to manual processes, which means employees are forced to deal with routine, less productive tasks and make more mistakes compared to automated processes. More and more high-tech manufacturers are striving to optimize their testing tasks and even the entire production process to meet changing customer orders more efficiently.
To meet these needs, collaborating robots offer manufacturers the ideal balance of repeatability and flexibility. and suppliers, even in processes that have not been suitable for automation so far. The ability to work 24 hours a day and the repetitive range of motion with an accuracy of 0.03 mm (in the case of Universal Robots) allow companies to make the most of their production capacity while maintaining consistent quality. The lightweight design and small size make the kobots suitable for working in smaller work areas.
Applications
Kobots allow almost complete automation of the production of electronic devices. They guarantee consistently high quality, accuracy and constant dosing even after many repetitions. Collaborating robots increase process accuracy and reduce waste. They are excellent in assembly, gluing, welding, packaging, palletizing or quality control. Their application has a positive effect on speed and quality, while minimizing the risk of injuries associated with working with heavy machinery. Depending on their individual needs, the company may use kobots with different end effectors or monitoring systems at different stages of production, e.g. when assembling small electronic components requiring high sensitivity
Application of kobots in different market areas
Paradigm Electronics is a manufacturer of high performance speakers and subwoofers. To meet the demand for labor-intensive products, the Paradigm UR10 uses a robot for polishing. “ This type of robot has allowed us and humans to work in the same work area. They are currently working in a pendulum-type operation, allowing the human workforce to be safe. with this intervention, make sure the robot has done the right amount of work before it is finally polished by another human workforce. In this operation, machine and human labor are highly intertwined, ”said John Phillips, Paradigm’s manufacturing manager. “If too much force is applied, the surface heats up and results are obtained that are different than expected. It is therefore a huge advantage to be able to precisely determine the force to be applied by the robot “, Phillips.
Universal Robots’ mobile fleet receives daily orders for the ever-changing tasks of Scott Fetzer Electrical Groupp (SFEG), a manufacturer of high mix-low volume products. The UR5 and UR10 robots stand on a wheeled base and build a whole fleet of mobile UR robots that are installed and integrated in the sheet metal department throughout the production cycle, from the cutting of the starting blank to the punching press to shaping, folding and final assembly of electrical components. Additional robots are planned to assist in the service of tower presses and bending presses.
The various case studies describing the use of kobots illustrate the versatility of these solutions. Thanks to its ease of programming and use, the kobot is a tool that can help companies grow faster and compete more effectively in the hands of operators who are open to technology.