A collaborative robotic system, or collaborative robot (cobot), is a machine designed specifically for direct human operator interaction in a closed physical space, such as an assembly line where multiple robots and humans are all in close proximity to one another. Instead of the more conventional industrial robot applications where robots are completely isolated from humans, collaborative robot (cobot) systems contrast with more conventional industrial robot systems in which robots remain completely isolated from humans. In this way, a collaborative robot (cobot) helps to provide a more robust system to warehouse employees, as well as supplying an effective solution to the challenges of manufacturing environments that are characterized by tight spaces and limited floor space. In regions such as the U.S., the increasing usage of industrial levels has increased the research and developments related to the collaborative robot (cobot). For instance, according to the Information Technology Association of America, in 2020 there were around 39,000 industrial robots in the U.S.
The basic function of collaborative robot (cobot) systems has been primarily geared towards supplying robust industrial robots that can perform on-the-job tasks in a variety of work environments, such as warehouses, shipping containers, mines, drilling sites, and assembly lines, among other applications. However, as the manufacturing industry has grown in both size and complexity, the need for collaborative robot (cobot) products has increased as well. Collaborative robot (cobot) is used to refer to either automated systems specifically designed for heavy industrial use or collaborative robot (cobot) themselves, which are automated systems that allow humans to work alongside other humans in any environment. As advanced as these industrial robots may be, each still closely resembles the basic collaborative robot (cobot) model – in terms of functionality and size.
As per report available at Coherent Market Insights, Europe collaborative robot (cobot) market expected to surpass the Asia Pacific collaborative robot market dominance during the forecast period. The growing automotive sector in different countries in Asia Pacific is expected to drive growth of the Asia Pacific collaborative robot (cobot) market.
The first thing that might distinguish a typical collaborative robot (cobot) system from a simple collaborative robot is the presence of several small (and larger) cameras mounted on individual bendable frames. This ability to react rapidly to changes in the working environment and to alter course mid-task is what has made collaborative robot (cobot) so successful in the area of manufacturing automation. And as new industrial robots and their variants continue to evolve and become more widely available, it’s likely that the scope of industrial automation research and development will only continue to broaden, allowing collaborative robot (cobot) technologies to permeate every field of manufacturing.
