AT THE FRONTIER O F COBOTICS
Aycliffe firm is primed for the explosion in demand for collaborative robots
“
Cobots are technological marvels ”, says Tony Thompson , managing director of ALM Engineering Solutions . “ They ’ re revolutionising the manufacturing process .”
Collaborative robots – or ‘ cobots ’ – are , indeed , having a huge impact on the manufacturing sector and are increasingly working peacefully side-by-side with their human colleagues .
And given that cobots tend to cost less than traditional robots , many more companies are able to afford them , specifically for slower and smaller production runs .
With robotics and machinery accounting for over 50 per cent of Industry 4.0 M & A transactions globally , it ’ s now clear that this technology is shaping up to be the next frontier in manufacturing .
Located in Heighington Lane Business Park , Newton Aycliffe , Cobots Online is an extension of the ALM Engineering Solutions business , offering an extensive range of collaborative robots , associated end of arm tooling ( EOAT ), maintenance and after sales services .
Founded in 1994 , ALM Engineering is essentially a family-owned business , with first class precision engineering services as its main focus of operation .
However , with the rise of the cobots , Tony believes the future of manufacturing and other prominent sectors like packaging , food processing , warehousing , pharmaceuticals , oil and gas and marine et al – is all about automation .
“ Whether you ’ re a manufacturer or a service provider , automation is the key to future success ,” says Tony .
“ If you haven ’ t considered automation as part of your long-term growth plans , then
your competitors will have . The benefits of automation , particularly with the use of cobots , are so compelling that implementing automation should be at the forefront of every manufacturer ’ s thinking .”
Tony has a valid point . Cobots are a breed apart from the industrial robots of years past . They are exceptionally easy to set up , often programmed through a tablet or even by simply adjusting an arm , and they can be installed in a matter of hours .
They are flexible and mobile , don ’ t need much space and can be redeployed to support new and multiple applications with consummate ease .
Furthermore , they are very safe and are designed to stop or adjust their speed if workplace safety is compromised .
The potential of this technology to reduce costs in manufacturing is obvious and verifiable . Companies such as Ford and Amazon have shown the way , and advances in technology are now allowing smaller businesses to follow in their footsteps .
To take advantage of the expected dynamic growth in cobot sales , Cobots Online are aiming to position themselves as the premier Cobot integrator in the North of England .
The company has already secured partnerships with some of the world ’ s most innovative cobot manufacturers – like Universal Robots , Doosan and OnRobot – and are poised to take advantage of market growth .
But Tony is adamant that it ’ s not only the technology that will drive market growth , but also how cobot integrators will adapt to fast
Find out more at cobotsonline . co . uk .
moving technological changes and the levels of service that will accompany each cobot sale .
“ We ’ re a family-owned and run business which makes us take our promises seriously ,” he says .
“ Our business depends on highly satisfied customers and we ’ re very aware of this . We ’ re also a manufacturing business ourselves and we understand our clients ’ challenges because we face the same ones .”
Tony is also acutely aware that cobot engineers speak the same language as their clients .
He adds : “ We ’ re not robotic about robotics – we talk about loading and unloading machines , screw driving , welding , loading pallets , remotely operating inspection tasks such as loading / unloading CMM ’ s , picking and placing parts on an assembly line .
“ We talk about your process in a language you understand and we help you to identify and explore the best way to get the results which make a positive difference to your business .”
Currently , there is a breadth of possibilities for cobots in manufacturing . The exciting thing is that as the enabling technologies develop further , cobots will become ever more useful and pervasive in industry .
The future is most certainly robotic , but as to whether we are to expect a cobot takeover , the industry has been quick to put any anxious minds at rest .
For the time being , at least , robots are sticking to the three Ds – the dirty , the dull and the dangerous .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 15