Companies are increasingly considering mobile cobot solutions. Cobots need to be flexible and effective, especially when product changes are frequent, batch sizes are small, and delivery times are short. A mobile base makes this possible. But the question remains: what solutions are available, and when does such a solution become worthwhile?
Here you will find answers to these questions.
Why are mobile cobots becoming increasingly popular?
Mobile cobots provide answers to questions that arise daily in production:
- How can the machines be used even more efficiently?
- How can processes be automated flexibly and effectively?
- How can even the smallest businesses be globally competitive?
Cobots are lightweight robots. This means that collaborative robots can be used in more than just static applications. AUR3e, for example, weighs just 11 kg. This makes flexible use very easy. The cobot can then be seen as a tool in a toolbox that can be used wherever it is needed. But that's not all. It also has a very small footprint. Conventional industrial robots quickly reach their limits due to their space requirements. Cobots are completely different. They can work reliably even in confined spaces. Their compactness makes cobots ideal for mobile robotics.
How can cobots be mobilized?
We present three ways in which you can make your cobot mobile. These three solutions are: our integrators, who support you in finding solutions among the UR+ products, and self-designed constructions.
Implementation with our integrators
Our network of integrators supports you as a user and develops the right application. Even if you want to make your cobot mobile.
UR+ for greater mobility
The UR+ solutions also include several options for mobilizing your cobot. We will gradually make these solutions available here in Switzerland as well.
Your own implementation
There are companies that like to develop their own solutions for cobot mobility. One example is Hofman Glastechnik GmbH. They have made their cobots mobile using their own design.
Optimizing production with mobile cobots
Scott Fetzer has been using mobile cobots in production since 2015. The cobots are mounted on bases with wheels. This mobility is necessary because the product mix is diverse and the quantities are low. Depending on requirements, the cobots can therefore be used throughout the entire manufacturing process. Applications range from cutting on the cutting press to forming, folding, and assembling electrical components. The mobile robots have enabled Scott Fetzer to optimize its production by 20 percent.
Mobile cobots help your skilled workers
Hofmann Glastechnik GmbH also uses mobile cobots. The four cobots are intended to make better use of skilled workers and further optimize processes.
Two of the cobots feed several PLC-controlled glass lathes for up to 11 hours a day. Hofmann has developed its own mobile device that allows the cobots to be easily moved between machines. Employees are convinced of this solution because it greatly simplifies their work processes.
Discover mobile potential
When companies use cobots in a mobile setting, there are even more opportunities to fully exploit the potential of cobots. You should always ask yourself whether a mobile version would be more suitable for your application. If the cobot is not being used to its full capacity with a particular application, then you should definitely consider a mobile solution.
