Page 44 - Packaging News magazine July-August 2022

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SMART FACTORY | www.packagingnews.com.au | July – August 2022
Signs that it’s time to automate
As the ‘new kid on the automation block’, cobots have become a hot topic of conversation for those looking to take advantage of automation in their operations. And for those yet to jump on board, what are the signs that you should start looking into it? Jan Arreza reports.
“If staff are complaining, are off sick, or are seeking attention for ergonomic issues, it’s imperative that a business takes the decision to prioritise employee wellbeing and automate,” he says.
“As an example, manufacturers of high-tech suspension solutions for the automotive industry, Ohio-based Thyssenkruoo Bilstein, made a com- mitment to its employees in 2018 that it would decrease ergonomically unfa- vourable tasks.
“Nine UR10 cobots were deployed at the manufacturer’s plant to auto- mate tasks such as machine tending, assembly and product inspection. The cobots optimised production and pro- vided a better work environment.”
The second sign relates to space con- straints, and awkward positioning of machines, with Mase saying that in some cases, employees are forced to work in confined, awkward spaces that compromise quality, efficiency and staff health. Reduction of noise and dust in operations is also highlighted.
“As your business expands, so do your processes. Based on this, many companies are turning to automation to assist with space savings. Due to the small footprint and flexibility of the cobot, space constraints are not an issue,” explains Mase.
Another reason to implement cobots has to do with protecting the ageing workforce.
“Fifteen per cent of Australia’s workforce is over 65, and to protect the ageing workforce from repetitive and strenuous tasks, it is vital that we move to the ways of modern manufac- turing,” Mase adds.
Finally, and most importantly, Mase believes cobots are best for operations where there can be no room for error.
“Handling sharp and dangerous equipment is a task that should be automated,” states Mase.
“As can be seen by the many exist- ing applications and implementations all over the world, cobots offer a safe solution for manufacturers.”
Since its inception in 2007, Universal Robots has provided affordable, safe and accessible cobots automation options for companies both big and small. ■
OFFERING a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional robots, cobots have fast moved to the fore- front of the modern manufacturing landscape, bringing with them productivity and efficiency gains for those that decide to implement
them into their business.
With a wide range of capabilities
covering a broad range of industries, cobots have seen strong uptake and development across the world, how- ever, the Australian market is yet to match those levels. Why? Because it’s still unfamiliar terrain to many and for many manufacturers, the issue becomes knowing when it’s the right time to automate.
According to Masayuki Mase, coun- try manager for Universal Robots Oceania, there are clear signs when a business should automate.
“Cobots are not there to replace employees, but to empower them, while they focus on tasks that add value to the business,” Mase says.
“We want to live in a world where people work with robots, not like robots. No work tasks should threaten employ- ers’ wellbeing, safety or health, and cobots can help to significantly improve the workplace.”
Mase argues that despite the belief that carrying out repetitive, and some- times strenuous, manual tasks in the workplace will help to save on money, this is simply not the case.
“Dull, dangerous and dirty jobs should not be left to employees to ful- fil, and it’s imperative that businesses take a careful look at the signs of stress and strain injuries among workers, in order to decide whether it’s time to pivot to automation,” adds Mase.
“Repetitive processes performed by humans are also subject to more dis- crepancies and errors. This is where cobots comes in.”
The first sign it’s time to automate, Mase says, is if performing repetitive tasks and lifting heavy items are start- ing to become taxing on employees.
ABOVE: Universal Robots believes now is the time to automate.