Bridge the Labor Gap: Using Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing
With labor shortages continuing in manufacturing, companies are searching for ways to keep production humming. One rising trend is the use of robotics and automation in manufacturing. Automated robotic systems have proven to help manufacturers in many ways, including filling labor gaps.
Benefits of Robotics and Automation in Manufacturing
As we have established robotics and automation in manufacturing has become an effective way to substitute manual labor during the time of labor shortages. That being said, filling labor gaps isn’t the only advantage. Here are five benefits you may discover when implementing robotics and automation into your production process.
- Increased Productivity: Automated robotics are able to work consistently and for long periods of time without the usual time needed for breaks or resolving human errors. Because of this, robotics are able to produce a higher yield of products while decreasing the need for labor workers to work overtime or in shifts.
- Reduced Errors: Human workers make mistakes, even if they are small ones. Whether it is due to fatigue, distraction or any other environmental factors, there are bound to be errors that will require time or money to resolve. Using automation significantly reduces the risk of errors during the production process because of automation’s ability to replicate minute details repeatedly and provide for quality inspection of products.
- Collaboration: As we discuss below, there is the option of going fully or semi-automatic when implementing robotics. Choosing semi-automation gives the unique benefit of labor augmentation. Robotic systems in a semi-automated manufacturing process are able to effectively work alongside human workers. This is a great solution if a company does not want to replace their human workers, but wants to give their overall production process a little boost.
- Improved Quality: The use of automated systems ensures high-quality yields. With human error eliminated and the precision of a robot, automated productions are able to consistently perform highly complex activities that may prove difficult for a human worker.
- Lowered Costs: While the initial cost of set up for robotics and automation is high, long-term costs of production can prove to be significantly lower. Automation lowers labor costs, increases productivity and reduces errors. All of the benefits put together make for a more smooth and cost-effective production process.
Fully Automated vs. Semi-Automated: Options for Automation
While fully automating production can be intimidating and quite risky for a company, there is also the option of semi-automation which levels the ground between being fully automated and fully manual. We recommend this solution as a step for newer companies to offer the benefits of automation while keeping the risk significantly lower than full automation.
If you’re interested in learning more information about your options for automation, you can read our article Semi-Automatic vs Fully Automated vs Manual Assembly: What’s Right for Your Manufacturing Process?
What Is Best for You?
As you can see, there are many benefits to robotics and automation in manufacturing. That being said, figuring out what systems are best for your company can be difficult. There are so many factors of your production process that require careful consideration in order to pick the automated systems that will work best for your company. The good news is you are not alone in this decision: our team of experts is ready to help. You can contact us or book a virtual meeting to discuss your manufacturing process and how automation will benefit your company.
