Robotisation of technological processes refers to the automation of repetitive and precise activities in manufacturing and technological processes using industrial robots. It uses robotic systems to optimise industrial processes, improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase productivity. These processes include, but are not limited to, assembly, welding, painting, packaging, and other operations that can be performed by machines.
Robotisation of technological processes
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Industrial robots: Robots performing tasks that require high precision and repeatability in a manufacturing environment.
- Control systems: Software and control systems that ensure proper operation and integration of robots in the manufacturing process.
- Sensors and cameras: They are used for monitoring and navigation and help robots perform tasks with precision.
- Automated production lines: A production line where processes are fully automated using robots.
- Human-machine interfaces: Systems that enable workers to control and supervise robots in real time.
Industry usage
- Automotive industry: Automation of vehicle assembly with industrial robots.
- Electronics: Precision assembly of electronic components in mass production.
- Pharmaceutics: Automated drug packaging and monitoring of production processes.
- Food industry: Automation of production lines for food processing and packaging.
- Aviation: Robotisation in assembly and testing of aircraft components.
Importance for the economy
Robotisation of technological processes is crucial for the industry, helping to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase the quality of production. Automated processes are more reliable and faster than those carried out manually, which makes companies more competitive. The introduction of robotisation enables companies to scale production while reducing the risks associated with human error.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
AI supports data analysis of robots and improves their adaptation to changing working conditions.
Cybersecurity
Robotisation systems must be protected from cyber threats, especially in manufacturing.
Internet of Things
Connecting robots to IoT networks enables remote monitoring and control of their operation.
Mechanism of action
- Robotisation of technological processes is based on the automation of repetitive tasks in production lines using industrial robots. The robots are programmed to perform specific tasks, such as assembly, welding, and packaging. Sensors and cameras monitor the environment, allowing robots to dynamically adapt to production conditions. Control systems control the robots and human-machine interfaces enable real-time process monitoring.
Advantages
- Increasing productivity: Robotisation makes it possible to perform tasks faster and more precisely.
- Cost reduction: Process automation reduces production and maintenance costs.
- Quality improvement: Robots perform tasks with greater precision and repeatability than humans.
- Cybersecurity: The introduction of robots eliminates the risks associated with workers performing dangerous tasks.
- Scalability: Ability to quickly adapt processes to changing production requirements.
Disadvantages
- Implementation costs: The introduction of robotisation involves high costs for the purchase and installation of equipment.
- Technological complexity: Robotisation requires advanced knowledge and competence, which can be a barrier for small companies.
- Replacing jobs: Process automation can lead to a reduction in the number of workers in the industry.
- Technology dependence: Excessive automation can lead to dependence on robotic systems and problems in case of failure.
- Cyber threats: Robotisation systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt production.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Industrial robots: Advanced robots tailored to various manufacturing processes.
- Control systems and software: Advanced systems for monitoring and controlling robots.
- Sensors and cameras: Devices to monitor and support precision of robots.
- IT infrastructure: Systems to support the integration and management of automated production lines.
- Robotics experts: A team of engineers and programmers responsible for maintaining and developing robotic systems.
Required competences
- Robot programming: Ability to program industrial robots to perform specific tasks.
- Management of automation systems: Competence in the management and optimisation of automated manufacturing processes.
- Robotic systems engineering: Knowledge of the design and implementation of robotic systems.
- IT infrastructure management: Ability to integrate robotic systems into a company’s IT infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity: Competence in protecting robotic systems from cyber threats.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Robotisation of processes can increase energy consumption in manufacturing plants.
- Equipment recycling: Robot maintenance requires regular replacement of parts, which generates electronic waste.
- Waste reduction: Precise process automation can reduce production waste.
- Resource optimisation: Automated processes can improve efficiency in the use of raw materials.
- Emissions of pollutants: Depending on the process, robotisation can reduce or increase emissions.
Legal conditions
- Occupational safety standards: Robotisation must meet occupational safety standards, such as OSHA (example: ensuring the safety of robot operators).
- Automation regulations: Implementation of automation systems must comply with national process automation regulations (example: local regulations on industrial automation).
- Patents and licences: Robotic systems must be protected under intellectual property laws (example: robotic software licences).
- Environmental standards: Robotisation must comply with environmental standards, such as ISO 14001 (example: environmental certification of automated processes).