It is almost impossible to imagine automobile manufacturing without robots. In today’s business setup, car manufacturing and robotics are synonymous. Robots in motor vehicle production give manufacturers a competitive edge.
Apart from taking over the most difficult tasks, car manufacturing robots also serve the following purposes:
- They help to cut down warranty costs
- They boost product volume
- They protect your employees from dirty and hazardous tasks
Assembly robots are used in applications such as spot welding and painting. However, there are lots more uses for the robot in car manufacturing.
Why are robots crucial in automotive manufacturing? Three major reasons come to mind:
- To produce top-quality products
- To increase product volume
- To enhance safety for workers on the manufacturing floor
Top-Quality Production
Robots have a few advantages over human workers such as the following:
- They are highly repeatable. Workers generally find repetitive tasks monotonous.
- Unlike their human contemporaries, robots will not experience fatigue or get distracted.
- They are not prone to accidents or the physical trauma they may cause.
- They are programmed to handle individual parts delicately. They are unlikely to drop and damage parts.
Therefore, robots reduce wastage and save manufacturers a lot of money that would be spent on product recalls. Also, car manufacturing robots enhance uniformity since every process is performed the same way.
They are also fitted with sensors that can detect variations in parts. Once variations are detected, robots adjust their systems to accommodate the changes. This results in an end product that satisfies the consumer’s needs and reduced warranty costs.
Enhancing Production Capacity
With competition in the automobile industry at an all-time high, the last thing manufacturers need is production delays. Automobile manufacturing robots offer excellent solutions as they are consistent and work around the clock.
Robots will not ask for time off or experience exhaustion at the end of the day. While the human workforce calls it a day and leaves, the robot workforce continues working. They work at the same pace for hours on end. Consequently, production, as well as quality, is consistent.
Enhancing Worker Safety
Motor vehicle production involves a lot of heavy lifting and other dangerous tasks. A worker handling molten metal, for instance, can seriously hurt themselves should they accidentally spill some on themselves.
Workers can also suffer from musculoskeletal complications from lifting heavy parts repeatedly. Robots can take over these tasks and save the human workforce from the risk of injury.
They can also work in environments that are not fit for humans. These include environments with extreme temperatures or noxious fumes. Motor vehicle manufacturing plants automate processes such as painting and welding to protect their human workforce from hazards.
Applications for Automotive Manufacturing Robots
Cars, buses, trucks and other automobiles have myriads of parts. Some of these parts are minuscule and require precision in the manufacturing process. It takes multiple manufacturing processes to produce and fix these many parts.
Robots are fitted with force and vision sensors making them appropriate for these applications. Some of the applications for automotive robots include the following.
1. Machine Tending
This includes:
- Loading and unloading parts onto machining centres
- Unloading hot mouldings from a die casting machine
2. Assembly
Tasks such as windshield installation, wheel mounting and screw driving are part assembly applications. In automobile manufacturing plants, most assembly applications are done by robotic arms.
3. Material Removal
This may involve cutting and trimming tasks. The robots designed for these tasks are fitted with force-sensing technology for consistency.
4. Welding
Large robots with adequate reach to access weld car body panels are needed for welding applications. You also need smaller robots to weld parts such as mounts and brackets.
5. Part Transfer
Some transfer tasks such as pouring molten metal from a press can be dangerous for humans. Robots are built for such applications as they cannot be hurt or injured.
Conclusion
To conclude, robotic technology has a positive impact on car manufacturing. It helps to boosts quality, reduces workplace injuries and reduces costs.