How bearings can improve safety and efficiency in cobots
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE COLLABORATIVE PRECISION
SMB BEARINGS
How bearings can improve safety and efficiency in cobots
The vision of robots and humans working side by side is now a reality driven by the rise of collaborative robots — or cobots . Flippy , the world ’ s first autonomous robotic kitchen assistant , is one example . Debuting in 2017 , Flippy flips burgers , fries sides , and works tirelessly in fast-food kitchens . Over the past decade , many cobots have emerged , but Flippy remains unique because of its pioneering role and continued advancements in kitchen automation . But what makes these cobots so effective ? One crucial factor is industrial bearings . Here , Chris Johnson , managing director at bearing specialist SMB Bearings , explores how precision bearings are enhancing the performance and reliability of cobots .
Cobots , unlike traditional industrial robots , are designed to work in close proximity to humans . Achieving this necessitates levels of precision , safety and reliability in cobots that are far higher than their industrial counterparts . Flippy , for instance , operates safely alongside human workers , showcasing the high standards required for such collaboration .
Bearings play a pivotal role in achieving these standards . Precision bearings , in particular , are essential for the smooth and accurate movement of cobots , allowing them to perform delicate tasks with the precision of a human hand .
The economic impact of cobots extends beyond individual businesses to the broader economy . By enabling companies to automate more processes and increase productivity , cobots can contribute to economic growth and competitiveness . For example , a report by McKinsey & Company estimates that automation technologies could help raise global productivity growth by 0.8 to 1.4 per cent annually .
The prospects for cobots According to Fortune Business
Insights , the market for cobots is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate ( CAGR ) of 42.7 per cent from 2020 to 2028 . This growth is driven by several factors : the increasing need for automation and the push for improved workplace safety . Cobots are not replacing human labour but are instead enhancing it by performing repetitive and dangerous tasks , while allowing humans to focus on more specialised tasks .
Manufacturers are particularly drawn to cobots for their flexibility and ease of integration . Unlike traditional robots , which often require extensive reprogramming and retooling , cobots can be quickly adapted to new tasks and environments . This makes them ideal for small and mediumsized enterprises ( SMEs ) that need to remain agile and responsive to market changes .
But why are industrial bearings so critical to the functionality of these machines ? Bearings ensure these robots can move fluidly , reducing wear and tear and extending the life of the machinery .
In terms of efficiency , bearings reduce the friction between moving parts , which decreases energy consumption and increases the operational speed of cobots . This is particularly important in industries like electronics manufacturing , where speed and precision are essential . The ability to maintain high speeds without compromising on accuracy allows cobots to significantly boost manufacturers ’ productivity .
Consider the automotive industry , where cobots are increasingly used for tasks like assembly , painting and welding . These applications demand high degrees of precision and reliability , as even minor errors can lead to significant defects .
Safety first Safety is a primary concern when integrating cobots into a human workspace . The bearings used in cobots are designed to provide accuracy and repeatability , ensuring that the robot ’ s movements remain
12 PECM Issue 71