24.2.1. From Industrial Robots to Cobots

• Transition driven by safety concerns and demand for flexibility.

The movement from traditional industrial robots to collaborative robots (cobots) has primarily been influenced by two main factors: safety concerns and the growing need for flexibility in work environments. Traditional industrial robots were often isolated in cages to prevent accidents since they operate with high speed and strength, posing a potential threat to human workers nearby. However, cobots are designed to work alongside humans, emphasizing safety and the ability to adapt to dynamic environments, leading to more collaborative workspaces.

Consider a factory environment with a large, fast-moving robot that assembles parts. Humans must stay at a safe distance to avoid injury. Now, picture a smaller, gentler robot able to work directly next to a human, handing them tools or assisting with tasks. This shift not only enhances safety but also increases efficiency, as humans and robots can perform tasks together without barriers.

• Early robots: Focus on welding and material handling in factories.

In the early days of robotics, industrial robots were primarily focused on repetitive tasks that involved high precision and strength. Their main uses included welding, where strong and accurate movements are critical to ensuring quality joins, and material handling, which involves moving parts or materials within a manufacturing plant. These tasks required the robots to operate in fixed, controlled environments where human presence could be effectively restricted.

Imagine a car manufacturing plant where large robots are tasked with welding the chassis of vehicles. These robots are extremely efficient at handling the heavy-duty welding demands. However, their lack of interaction capabilities with human workers means that any error or issue would require a complete halt and intervention, thus limiting overall productivity.

• Cobots: Extend capabilities into unstructured, dynamic construction sites.

Cobots are designed to work in environments that are less structured than those where traditional industrial robots operate. This means they can function in the dynamic world of construction sites, which often present unpredictable challenges such as varying terrain, changing layouts, and the presence of both people and equipment. Cobots remain versatile and can adapt to various tasks such as lifting, assembling, or inspecting materials due to their designed-in flexibility and safety systems.

Think about building a house. Unlike a factory line where everything is standardized, construction sites are constantly changing. Cobots on a construction site can help with everything from lifting beams to helping workers lay bricks. Their ability to interact safely with workers means that they can quickly adapt to the tasks needed on a specific day, making the construction process faster and more efficient.

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