With the world becoming more interconnected, consumers are gaining access to an endless array of options. This includes the products that they rely on in their day to day use. As a result, manufacturers have to compete, not only against their local competitors, but all the companies that are in their field. And as consumers are becoming more demanding of customized solutions, it is becoming harder for small businesses in the manufacturing industry to thrive in their respective niches.
The challenges that small businesses face are usually complicated by the ups and downs of the labor market. And the fact that traditional robotic systems are expensive has made it less of an attractive option especially when one considers the fact that they aren’t as easy to redeploy.
Collaborative robots are a godsend for companies in the manufacturing sector. They have made it easier for modern companies to effectively meet the ever-changing demands of the modern consumer. Here are the different ways in which these robots help.
Improved pivoting capacity
New technologies and processes are constantly getting incorporated into the manufacturing process. As a result, businesses that are involved in the manufacturing sector have to continually adjust their manufacturing methods. They also have to retrain their employees in order to make them competent enough to function at the desired level.
All this is quite expensive. This is so especially when you consider that most small businesses run on a limited budget. Furthermore, even for those that rely on traditional automation methods, changing processes and technologies is something that is a headache. It is expensive and downright time-consuming.
Collaborative robots make it easier for small businesses to adapt because reprogramming them is incredibly easy. They are also easy to install, and since they can handle complex tasks with ease while working alongside human workers, they can shoulder most of the burden during the transition periods.
The versatility of collaborative robots has made it easier for companies involved in the manufacturing sector, like car manufacturing, to pivot to new manufacturing methods or incorporate new technologies. The fact that they have improved this capacity, without requiring significant capital outlays makes them perfect for small businesses that are trying to meet the changing needs of the modern consumer.
Cushion against labor shortages
With the existence of social media and other digital marketing avenues, a small business is never sure when their products can experience a sudden spike in demand. Trends, out-of-the-blue endorsements and sometimes even luck, can suddenly propel a business to new heights in terms of demand.
While this is great, a lot of small businesses are usually caught flat-footed in such circumstances. The sudden popularity that comes from going viral or getting more-than-anticipated attention can sometimes lead to high levels of demand that the business isn’t yet prepared to handle.
In these scenarios, a lot of businesses either scramble to rush the products through and end up delivering poor quality products. They sometimes just take too long to meet the demand to a point where they end up with backed up orders and frustrated customers. And the main thing that limits their ability to deliver is usually labor.
Having collaborative robots usually solves issues of production, especially when it comes to labor shortages. Collaborative robots can work faster than human beings. They can work nonstop without taking any breaks. And when doing so, they can still be precise and accurate. Furthermore, shifting them from one project, or task, to the next is easy and does not call for the tens or hundreds of hours that training and orientating human workers usually takes.
As a result, with a collaborative robot, it is possible to get the almost-instant increase in production that the modern environment demands. And what is even better is the fact that you can do so without having to worry about spending a lot of money since most collaborative robots are affordable.
