Robots are Taking Over Dangerous Jobs

FANUC R2000ib 125L R30ia Motoman MA1400 FANUC M710ic 50 Motoman HP6 NX100 FANUC Arcmate 120ic
Industrial robots are being deployed across numerous industries to automate dangerous jobs. Improving worker safety is one of the main benefits of robotic automation. Robots are resilient machines capable of performing tasks that are unsafe or unpleasant for humans. Automating hazardous work with robots prevents worker injuries, negative health effects, and interruptions to productions due to worker shortages from injuries. Below are some of the dangerous jobs being automated with robots.

Welding

Welding is one of the most common robotic applications. Robots are ideal for welding automation with their accuracy, repeatability, and controlled movements. They are also ideal for welding because of the hazards associated with it. Welding can be unsafe for workers due to the noise, heat, fumes, and UV light. Many metals when melted produce toxic fumes, especially if they contain lead. Toxic fumes are not only unpleasant when inhaled but can cause a number of serious health problems. The loud noise of welding may cause hearing loss in welders. While heat produced during welding can cause severe burns or heat exhaustion if a welder is exposed to it for a long period. Ultraviolent light produced during arc welding can cause serious eye problems such as arc glare.

Welding robots are able to handle all of the hazards of welding. Fumes, noise, heat, and UV light will not slow down the Motoman MA1400 from completing welds. Implementing robotic weld cells will ensure workers are protected from welding risks while the FANUC Arcmate 120ic is operating. In addition, articulated robots do not require the protective equipment that manual welders need, saving companies from addition equipment expenses.

Heavy Lifting

Heaving lifting robots are routinely used to lift objects that would be impossible for humans to handle, such as cars. However, even objects that humans are capable of lifting can be dangerous when done repeatedly. Lifting boxes, large parts, or loading items onto pallets may be possible with manual labor, but when done over and over can lead to stress injuries. Fortunately, many companies are opting to automate their light and medium lifting jobs along with their heavy lifting ones with robots. The FANUC M710ic/50 can routinely lift boxes quickly, relieving workers of this back breaking task.

Working with Chemicals

When it comes to working with chemicals, six axis robots are the better choice. Industrial chemicals such as paints, adhesives, and sealants can be extremely toxic if inhaled by humans. Painting robots can safely handle the chemicals of industrial grade paint while improving the consistency, accuracy, and quality of the paint finish.

Robots are even being deployed to clean up nuclear sites. The large amounts of radioactive materials on nuclear sites are way too dangerous for human interaction, which is why robots have been used for nuclear cleanup for several decades.

Foundry Work

Foundry work often involves applications such as die casting, mold casting, and forging. Foundries are known for their hot and high dust environments, which make them dangerous to humans. Foundry robots are designed to handle the hostile conditions of foundries. They are heat resistant to withstand the extreme temperatures and to prevent operation failures. The ABB 4400-60 is capable of automating die casting, removing workers from the hazards of working with molten materials.

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