Investing in bending and automation robots has become a popular choice for many companies looking to improve production quality, improve working conditions and resolve labor shortages.
Many people believe that buying robots is mainly about replacing human workers. However, this is rarely the case in practice.
The media often perpetuates the notion that the main purpose of robots is to replace human workers, but in reality, most companies use them to facilitate the move from the first line to the second line of work, where workers supervise tasks. robot operations and troubleshoot problems when necessary. .
Below are the top 8 reasons why companies buy bending robots to automate their bending machines.
Let's take a closer look!
1. Improve productivity
After implementing bending robots, companies can typically increase production at the same cost as before. However, this does not make human workers redundant. Robots are generally assigned to perform the most repetitive tasks, freeing up employees' time to focus on tasks that add more value to the product.
2. Improve the production rate
Several companies are investing in robots to improve task execution and reduce production time, especially as customers anticipate a shorter time between order and delivery.
Robots have the advantage of working uninterruptedly and, in some cases, even faster than employees, especially when the task is simple, such as folding metal plates or packaging and palletizing final products.
When the speed of a specific process increases, the rest of the production line must keep pace to maintain overall efficiency.
Total production time can only be reduced when the automation process eliminates bottlenecks or increases the speed of all processes before and after the robot.
Unfortunately, many companies ignore this crucial aspect when investing in robotics and automation solutions.
If a completed unit has to wait several minutes before being received by the next process, there is no point in saving a few seconds by automating the previous step.
3. Improve bending quality
In many cases, robots are able to produce consistently high-quality results compared to different employee shifts.
Robots are programmed to repeat actions accurately, making them a popular choice for companies looking to improve product quality.
However, this does not mean that robots are comparable to artisans or skilled artisans.
Typically, robots face complex tasks that require exceptional dexterity.
But for tasks that involve repeating a simple action multiple times, industrial robots can offer more uniform and reliable results.
4. Improve working conditions
Assembly line production is undoubtedly a remarkable invention that has made the mode of production more efficient than ever before. However, it comes with a warning: workers often face monotonous and exhausting tasks.
To solve this problem, some companies require employees to switch between different tasks at certain intervals so that they don't have to perform the same repetitive actions over and over again.
For many, the next logical step is to use robotics and automation as a solution to reduce the burden on employees and improve working conditions. In dangerous environments, for example, robots are a wise choice.
However, generally speaking, automation is primarily intended to take over tedious, monotonous work, allowing people to focus on more meaningful tasks.
5. Gain Robot Experience
Trying something new is always exciting, especially when it leads to an early success story. The same can be said about purchasing robotic bending automation.
More and more companies are choosing to start with low-risk projects when purchasing their first robot. In this scenario, the bending robot may not immediately improve production efficiency. The main objective is to become familiar with the technology and develop people's skills in using this equipment.
Once a company has invested a significant amount of money in industrial robots, this experience will be valuable. If senior managers have a strategic goal to automate and update their processes, starting from a low starting point and building from there is a wise decision.
6. Attack first to gain the initiative
In fact, most companies purchase robots to improve production efficiency. However, in some cases, companies use robots strategically to gain a first-mover advantage. These companies choose to invest in high-risk development projects with the hope of becoming the first company on the market to benefit from cutting-edge automation solutions. However, being a pioneer brings risks and few companies can afford it. Only companies that can tolerate project failure and higher-than-expected costs can afford to take on such a risk.
On the other hand, in some sectors, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, it is necessary to be a pioneer. If the industry is strictly regulated, approval of a new solution could take several years. If companies limit themselves to ready-made technologies, they could lose their competitive advantage as soon as they receive approval. A development project is more likely to remain current after approval.
Finally, advanced industrial robotic solutions also have decorative purposes that cannot be ignored. A production site filled with industrial robots has a stronger visual impact and is more likely to earn customer trust. These robots serve as a symbol of effective operation and production for companies.
7. Compensate for labor shortages
Not all companies are able to keep up with demand due to a shortage of workers, which can be a significant obstacle to their development. That's why many companies are looking to industrial robots and automation upgrade solutions to solve this problem.
In particular, when it comes to specific working conditions such as welding, palletizing, bending, advanced assembly or quality control, it can be extremely challenging to find people with the necessary skills and experience.
A welding robot carefully debugged by qualified welders can significantly increase production capacity. The robot can execute instructions accurately, allowing the welder to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
By leveraging the expertise of its internal workforce, a company can improve its production capacity through the use of robotic technology.
8. Reject outsourcing
If you're struggling to balance your budget, outsourcing your production lines to low-income countries can often seem like a viable option. However, there is an alternative approach. By updating and optimizing your production processes and investing in robotic automation equipment, you can delay or even avoid outsourcing to other countries.
Automating your production process can make it more efficient and responsive to unexpected events. Additionally, it can help reduce pressures associated with outsourcing, such as shipping costs, travel expenses, and delivery delays.
By avoiding outsourcing, your company can also avoid the risks associated with salary increases, labor shortages, and other unforeseen factors that may arise in outsourcing destinations.
