Advantages of Material Handling Robots Over Manual Labor
The replacement of manual labor with material handling robots has become quite common in many industries. Handling robots can automate the transfer, loading, unloading, packaging, and unpacking tasks often associated with material handling processes. Industries from the automotive to the electronics to the food and beverage are implementing the FANUC R-2000ib and other industrial robot arms to reduce the amount of manual labor they rely on in their factories. robotic manipulators provide several advantages over manual labor. These advantages include:
- • Replace Multiple Workers - The average factory robots can handle the workload that would be the equivalent of four workers. One ABB 6640 can replace several employees, streamlining productions and creating more efficient operations. With the current labor shortage, many manufacturers are already down several workers. Automating with a industrial robot allows companies to quickly fill labor gaps. Automating an entire production line would require far fewer articulated robots than workers.
- • Scalable - Manufacturing robot arms are flexible and adaptable. The KUKA KR16 can automate multiple tasks including packaging, picking, and part transfer. Material handling robots can easily adapt to process changes or changes in production volume. If companies are needing to scale up their operations, the KR16 can be programmed to handle higher volumes. This allows manufacturers to increase productivity without having to hire additional workers or invest in extra equipment.
- • Cost Savings - Robot manipulators may cost more upfront than hiring new employees, but they will save manufacturers considerable money in the long run. With the Yaskawa Motoman MH50 most of its costs is associated with its initial purchase, unlike with workers whose cost is continuous. With industrial robotic arms there are no salaries to constantly pay. Most companies will see a return on investment within two years of purchasing a robot through higher productivity, shorter cycle times, and lower operational costs. Companies could also consider buying a used FANUC LR Mate 200id to make the initial investment in robotic material handling more affordable.
- • Safer Work Environment - Manual material handling is back breaking work. Repetitive lifting, reaching, bending, and twisting put considerable strain onto workers, making injuries common. Worker injuries increase costs, cause worker shortages, and can lead to lower productivity. Automating material handling with industrial robots creates a safer work environment. Six axis robot are better equipped to handle the hazards of material handling applications than humans.
- • Space Optimization - Material handling robots are able to maximize factory space, utilizing it more efficiently. The long reach of the FANUC M-710ic/20L allows it to stack products vertically at much higher heights than humans. Material handling robots can also be integrated with track systems allowing them to cover greater distances and transfer or retrieve parts at faster speeds.
- • Mitigate Errors - Manual labor is extremely error prone. Parts may be damaged, packaged incorrectly, or mislabeled. Material handling robots are programmed to follow specific steps of a material handling process, minimizing the change of any error from occurring. The mitigation of material handling errors improves part processing, speeds up order fulfillments, and will ultimately lead to improved customer satisfaction.
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