What are the pros and cons of robotic automation?
Robotic automation is becoming more and more popular in a variety of industries. Businesses are becoming more aware of the advantages and many benefits it offers. Manufacturers are beginning to invest in automation and technology to ensure they have a competitive advantage in the markets they operate in.
Obviously, not everyone is convinced of the advantages of robotic automation and are reluctant to change their existing production lines for fear that the changes will disrupt current production methods. To address both sides of the discussion, we have compiled some brief pros and cons of using robotic automation.
Advantages
Cost effective
Lunch breaks, vacations, and sick days will no longer exist. The robot can be set to work in a repetitive cycle, and as long as it is properly maintained, it will continue to run until programmed to do otherwise. The risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is radically eliminated. This increases production at a lower cost and pays for itself in a relatively short period of time.
Improved quality assurance
Research has shown that performing repetitive tasks over a period of time can lead to a decline in quality, as concentration levels naturally drop. This leads to costly errors in organizations and can cause serious injury to employees.
Robotic automation eliminates these risks by accurately producing and checking production standards, proper pass or fail. As more and more products are produced to a high standard, this could create many recurring new business opportunities.
Increasing Productivity
Using robotic automation to perform repetitive tasks makes complete sense. Unlike humans, robots are specifically designed to perform repetitive motions.
Freeing up employees and giving them the opportunity to expand their skills and work in other areas improves employee morale and creates a better business environment. With higher energy levels and motivation, products will only improve and this new culture will shine through to satisfied customers.
Working in hazardous environments
In specific industries, staff may be required to work in unstable or hazardous environments. For example, if there are high levels of chemicals present, robotic automation will provide the perfect solution as it will continue to work without causing harm.
Due to the nature of their work, some production areas that require extremely low or high temperatures usually have a high turnover of personnel. Once again, robotic automation can be used to prevent humans from putting themselves at unnecessary risk or harm.
Shortcomings
Potential unemployment
This always seems to be a key reason why people resist changes in robotic automation. The belief that they will take away people's jobs. Frankly, this is not the case and statistically, robotic automation creates more jobs than they take away, as new roles are created as employees skill up into more satisfying positions.Did drone pilots or social media managers exist 10 years ago?
Initial Investment Costs
One of the biggest hurdles companies face when deciding whether to invest in robotic automation is the initial cost. A comprehensive business case must be robustly constructed when considering the implementation of such technology.
Increasing throughput and reducing defects both need to be considered along with capital expenditures when deciding if there is a business case for investment.
Hiring/upgrading employee skills
Skilled employees must be sourced or upskilled to fill specialized positions in the plant. The introduction of automation also comes with the need to learn how to operate production. The automation company assists with initial installation, training, commissioning and full validation where required. After-sales support, on-site and remote dial-in ensures that your new automation downtime is minimized. Overall, we have found that if automation is introduced correctly and your people are brought on board early and feel part of the process, they are more likely to accept and support the introduction. The result is that these people "own" the system within a few months and know it better than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).