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Whether your manufacturing process is fully automated or not at all, it may be a prime candidate for robotic integration. Here are some things to consider when taking it to the next level: Do you have a need for increased product quality? Robots improve quality. This is the one undeniable fact that was demonstrated when the first robot was integrated into a GM assembly line in the early 60's. Although they can perform to greater accuracies than a human, the real test of their value is in repeatability. A human worker may perform at differently levels of efficiency during the day, whereas a robot never gets tired or distracted. The last part off the line will be as good as the first. Do you need higher production rates? Robots produce faster, for the simple reason that that's what they're made to do. They work longer and faster, reduce labor costs, and are often the result of a conscientious and well-executed plan to reduce the waste in a process. Do your customers or certifications require accountability? Robots produce traceable results. They improve quality and production, and they can prove it. This is increasingly important, especially in the medical industry. Do your company's factory employees perform repetitive, monotonous, or just plain dangerous tasks? Robots keep humans safe and improve working conditions. The improvements can be subtle--lighter workload's, the elimination of repetitive motions-- or extreme, like removing the need for human workers in hot, anaerobic, or otherwise dangerous environments. Do you require production flexibility? In the beginning, automation was employed mainly to cut costs and increase production. Now as the market changes and manufacturers strive to keep up with changing product demand, more value is placed on flexible production lines. The use of robots can make the transition into a new production line much easier. Do you already have automation in place? Robots can make an already lean system even leaner. A single robotic cell can tie together several automated or semi-automated processes, allowing it to carry out complex assemblies. The footprint of the new robotic cell is much smaller in comparison with the space taken up by the previous stations, and the cell may only require one operator. If any of these questions got you thinking, you may need to look further into robotic automation.
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