Top Manufacturing Challenges Easily Solved with Industrial Automation and Robotics

Industrial automation and robots have been on a fast-paced trajectory, as evidenced by the fact that we are already moving into our FIFTH industrial revolution. Yes, you heard that right: Industry 5.0 is on the horizon. Are you ready?  

Before you learn how Industry 5.0 disrupts industries, let's examine the top manufacturing challenges that can be solved with automation and industrial robots. Your readiness for what lies ahead depends on how effectively you have conquered the following:  

Labor Shortages 

Labor shortage is one of the world's oldest challenges and has become one of the most significant drivers of automation adoption in recent years. HowToRobot, a global automation market platform, published data showing that 80% of automation projects focused on relieving employees from manual tasks and shifting them to more complex jobs.  

Adding industrial robots to your shop floor allows for the automation of manual tasks, allowing employees to focus on more complicated tasks. Transitioning labor away from manual and repetitive tasks can improve efficiency and enhance satisfaction. Industrial robots were introduced to work alongside human labor, not replace it.  

High Production Costs 

Operational costs are always a concern for manufacturers, as the company's health and competitiveness rely heavily on low costs. When production costs are high, consumer prices are adjusted to compensate for any loss, which could hurt a company's attractiveness, especially if consumers can get an identical product from a competitor for less. 

Robotic automation is a cost-effective solution that can reduce high production costs, raise operational productivity, and increase worker safety. One of the most significant benefits of robot systems is that they can operate around the clock without breaks. This increases production efficiency and throughput rates. Manufacturing with robot automation can also result in process consistency, leading to fewer errors and inefficiencies. Inconsistencies can arise in many areas, including low-quality raw materials, errors in manufacturing processes, or issues in the final expectation states. Inferior production results in high scrap and poor finish quality and contributes to the rising cost of production. These failures result in product unreliability, which could affect a brand's reputation and lose customer trust.  

Robot automation begets consistency with the introduction of standardized procedures, leading to minimal human error and better product quality, all while increasing productivity. Robot automation also excels at adapting to variations in production. Integrations into machine learning, vision systems, sensor peripherals, and high-speed connectivity all increase production output and streamline processes for maximum productivity.  

Supply Chain Disruptions 

Disruptions in a company's supply chain are the main cause of operational and financial problems. These lead to rising costs, low sales, missed deadlines, and dissatisfied customers. Supply chain issues can include shipping and transportation delays as well as parts shortages. Robot automation increases efficiency by enhancing consistency. Consistent cycle times, which can be maintained even with rapidly changing conditions, bring agility and responsiveness to traditional manufacturing processes. 

With the addition of real-time data and predictive analysis, robot automation provides an even more precise view of the state of the entire products and production, which forms a cornerstone of a well-functioning supply chain. Instant access and visibility into the production process enable manufacturers to make more informed decisions and predict potential disruptions while optimizing overall operations. 

Safety on the Factory Floor 

Of course, safety in manufacturing always has priority for people dealing with large machinery, potentially hazardous conditions, and unforeseen accidents. There are often significant safety concerns when something doesn't work as planned and workers have to intervene manually. 

Start-up and shutdown times are the most sensitive periods for injuries, as workers are often nearby and could get hurt. Dangerous conditions are expected in manufacturing environments that expose workers to physical stress, tripping hazards, lifting, and dangerous equipment. 

Robot automation is one of the best solutions for dangerous conditions. By automating repetitive tasks and tasks dealing with hazardous materials, injuries and contamination are reduced. Robot systems also make a significant contribution to reducing accidents. 

Conclusion 

Robot manufacturing is the key to success in manufacturing. Whether dealing with worker safety, labor shortages, high costs, quality control, or other issues, automation can positively impact your operations. Just remember that your employees are equally as crucial as your automation journey.  

The best robot automation processes flow smoothly alongside your team. Educate your workers on how to best engage with new automation processes and robots to ensure everyone is as efficient as possible. While robots can run independently, the people behind the robot operation make implementing them so successful.  

Connect with us today and learn how Wandelbots can improve the robot automation on your factory floor. Ensure you are working optimally so when Industry 5.0 sweeps in, you are ready for the next wave of innovation.