Jonathan Wilkins, the director of marketing at EuAutomaTIon—a company specializing in industrial components—discusses how robots are becoming a viable option for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He points out that while automation can bring significant benefits, many small businesses struggle with the initial costs and complexity of adopting new technologies like robotics.
According to industry reports, robots are often seen as costly, unsafe, and hard to program. However, automation is no longer just for large corporations. Many robotic systems designed specifically for SMEs have made great strides in improving safety, efficiency, and ease of use. These advancements are especially valuable for companies dealing with labor shortages, global competition, quality control issues, and supply chain risks.
One of the key advantages of modern automation is its compatibility with existing equipment. For example, robots can be controlled through programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or industrial PCs, which helps reduce upfront investment. Additionally, more flexible robotic systems allow SMEs to perform multiple tasks across different environments, eliminating the need to purchase several specialized machines.
Many SMEs operate in limited spaces, so they often avoid traditional robots that require extensive safety barriers. This is where collaborative robots, or "cobots," come into play. These robots are equipped with built-in safety features that allow them to work alongside human operators without the need for heavy shielding.
Most cobots include advanced safety monitoring systems. If a person enters the robot’s workspace, it automatically stops to prevent any potential accidents. Moreover, these robots are designed with lower power output or protective covers, ensuring they won’t cause harm even if they come into contact with a worker.
Another notable feature of collaborative robots is their gesture-based guidance. Operators can physically guide the robot through a task, eliminating the need for complex programming. This makes automation more accessible for SMEs that may not have in-house programming expertise. With this intuitive approach, even non-technical staff can quickly learn how to use and adapt the robot for different applications.
As the manufacturing landscape continues to evolve, automation—especially through collaborative robots—is becoming an essential tool for SMEs looking to stay competitive, improve productivity, and overcome operational challenges.
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