Everyone is familiar with the image of classic factory halls: large, orange industrial robots performing their work with tremendous power and speed. However, they have one significant disadvantage: they are isolated. To protect humans, they must work behind massive protective fences.
This is not the case with Universal Robots' cobots (collaborative robots). They were specifically designed to break down this barrier.
What does "collaborating" mean?
"Collaborative" means working together. But in robotics, it means even more: the cobot shares the workplace with humans.
Instead of locking the robot away, bring it right up to the workbench. The cobot acts as an intelligent tool that assists the employee.
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The robot holds a component, the human assembles it.
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The robot passes on parts, and the human performs quality control.
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The robot performs precise welding seams while the human operator prepares the next part.
Safety is built into the DNA
How is this possible without compromising safety? Universal Robots' cobots feature a patented safety system with sensitive sensors. As soon as the robot arm encounters unexpected resistance—such as contact with an employee or an obstacle— it stops moving immediately.
Thanks to this technology, cobots can often be operated without any fencing (following a successful risk assessment of the overall application). This saves space in the hall and makes production more flexible.
Active health protection for your employees
Cobots are not only safe themselves—they also make your employees' workplace safer. Many tasks in industry fall into the category of the so-called "3 D's": Dull, Dirty, Dangerous.
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Hazardous substances: Have the cobot paint or glue so that your employees are exposed to fewer fumes.
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Risk of injury: The robot handles sharp edges during deburring or hot parts during welding.
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Ergonomics: Lifting heavy boxes or working overhead for hours on end can lead to health problems in the long term. The cobot takes on this burden.
By automating these tasks, you protect the health of your team while increasing your company's appeal as a modern employer.
Test the safety stop yourself
You have to experience safety to believe it. As part of our free cobot demo, we come to you. You can program the robot yourself and—if you wish—“stop” it during operation to feel how sensitively the technology responds.
Interested? Schedule your demo appointment now.
Learn more about the other advantages of cobots: