Automation and robotics are the two terms often heard in almost every field nowadays. The manufacturing industry is no exception. Industrial automation and robotics are significantly revolutionising the way manufacturing units and processes operate. From heavy lifting to welding, these technological advancements help human operators in numerous ways while allowing you to expand your business.
Curious to know more about what is robotics and automation and how they are contributing to the advancement of the manufacturing industry? Continue reading this article. The Schunk team has curated this exclusive post to help you better understand robotics and automation in the manufacturing industry.
What is Robotics and Automation?
Robotics and automation go hand in hand. However, they are quite different. Automation refers to automating tasks to reduce human dependency and errors and enhance productivity. On the other hand, the integration of robotics helps with better performance and execution of tasks. Industries today are increasingly using robots for their tasks and handling machinery.
The primary aim of industrial automation and robotics is to reduce manual labour and enhance productivity, quality and efficiency. Presently, using this combination, several businesses are able to speed up their tasks based on real-time insights.
Difference Between Automation and Robotics
In simple words, automation refers to using self-operating physical machines and computer software. These technologies assist humans by automating manual tasks. Automation follows a predefined sequence of functions and operations. They might also respond to the encoded instructions.
On the other hand, robotics is the use of physical robots designed and created to substitute for the physical actions of humans. The two terms might overlap each other. However, you must understand the differences between them. Below is a detailed table distinguishing between industrial automation and robotics.
| Differentiating Factors | Automation | Robotics |
| Functionality | Arranging and automating the working of physical machines and processes | Replication of physical tasks performed by humans |
| Human Involvement | Need negligible human involvement | Robots work collaboratively with humans |
| Intelligence | Primarily focuses on completing predetermined tasks | Capable of learning, problem-solving and adapting |
| Sensors | Uses IoT sensors for monitoring | Contains several sensors for enhancing perception and interaction |
| Types | Intelligent Process Automation (IPA), Business Process Automation (BPA) and Industrial Automation | Various types of robots are available for varying use cases |
| Use Cases | Ensures smooth functioning of processes | Handles a wide range of physical tasks in industrial areas like heavy-lifting and welding |
| Goal | Streamlining processes and reducing errors | Reducing workloads, enhancing efficiency, speed, flexibility and adaptability |
| Integration with AI | May integrate with AI for decision-making and data analysis | May use AI for enhanced cognition and perception |
Robotics and industrial automation solutions are two different technological advancements. However, their aim is quite similar. They both aim to enhance productivity by speeding up tasks and ensuring the high quality of the products.
Advantages of Industrial Automation and Robotics
The past few years have witnessed a sudden surge in the integration of automation and robotics in industrial processes. Businesses are heavily investing in automating their work processes with the help of automation and robots. These technological advancements are helping them to maintain their product’s quality while enhancing speed and efficiency.
The increasing use of automation and robots is also giving rise to rumours about their impact on jobs. People believe that they are reducing jobs. However, it is quite the opposite in reality. Human diligence is essential for automation and robotics engineering. Operating these technologies is impossible without humans.
Some of the key advantages of automation and robotics are as follows.
High Productivity
Industrial robots do not need breaks as humans do. They operate non-stop without getting tired. Also, even while working tirelessly, they offer precision and consistency. Their relentless work boosts productivity and offers swift ROI. Also, their precise work eliminates the chances of production errors.
Consistent Quality and Speed
Integrating robotics and industrial automation helps maintain a consistent speed and quality in the production tasks. These integrations ensure consistent qualities of the crafted product and predictable production output. By offering high quality and speed, they allow humans to work on more intricate tasks.
Enhance Workplace Safety
The manufacturing industries have high-risk environments. However, when you use robots for dangerous tasks, you can easily foster a risk-free environment for your employees. They minimise occupational hazards for employees in sectors like mining.
Optimal Floor Space Usage
Modern robots use very little space in industrial environments. They can work even in the most confined spaces, allowing you to maximise floor space for other uses like production lines and additional inventory.
Future of Industrial Automation and Robotics
Already in bloom, the use of industrial automation solutions and robotics is expected to be further enhanced in the future. The production of robots is increasing rapidly. This indicates the rising demand for robots. Also, several advancements are being made in robotics, resulting in more skilled robots. The present robots are being programmed to operate and maintain easily.
The future of robotics is expected to introduce even smarter, easier and cheaper robots. These trends will be introduced soon through constant technological advancements. Future robotic systems will be able to collect data, troubleshoot problems and monitor processes much more efficiently. Although robots are already mimicking human actions to reduce their rework, their future is seen to be much more advanced and easy to use for humans.
The modern robots present today are capable of performing repetitive physical tasks. However, the future holds much more for them. It is expected that in the future, robots will be able to respond to voice commands with AI integration, making them easier for humans to control. Also, this will allow them to perform varied tasks. They will be able to adapt to the changing work environment swiftly to offer unmatchable adaptability and flexibility.
The future of robotics is expected to offer robots with much more precision. They might even be able to perform delicate tasks. The future robots will work more collaboratively with humans and understand their language. The robotics industry is making a tireless effort to make them much more easily operable by non-robotic experts.
Wrapping Up
Industrial automation solutions and robotics are significantly helping the manufacturing industry to reduce manual labour. These technologies are constantly revolutionising the way processes work in production fields. From efficiency to quality control, their wonders for the industrial units are innumerable. Also, the future of robotics and automation holds much more in its pockets. So, do not hold back and start automating your business processes today with automation and robotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Industrial Automation?
Industrial automation refers to automating regular tasks for machines and other handling units in industrial areas. It refers to the control systems and information technologies that reduce the reliance of machines on humans for their operation.
What is Industrial Robotics?
The use of robots in industrial areas is known as industrial robotics. They are commonly used in manufacturing processes for various tasks like inspection, painting, packing, labelling, assembly, welding, testing and much more. The main goal of using robots in these industries is to reduce errors and ensure high speed, precision and endurance.
