Robots are no strangers in the automobile industry. In fact, automobile manufacturing features one of the most automated supply chains across all industries. General Motors was responsible for pioneering the use of robotic systems in automobile manufacturing way back in 1961. The trend of deploying robots for this industry has expanded considerably over the decades. Moreover, the latest advancement made in robotics allows for seamless interaction between robots, AI, and humans, increasing the use and applications of such systems considerably. In the contemporary environment, the tasks of human workers are complemented by robots, enabling them to accomplish strenuous and labor-intensive activities with superior flexibility and precision.
Common Types of Robots Found in the Automobile Industry
► Collaborative robots: Also referred to as Cabots, these robots were developed to work collaboratively with workers on the factory floors. The core purpose of Cabots is to relieve the wonders of diverse mundane and strenuous tasks. These robots are comparatively smaller in size than the typical industrial robots and tend to not be confined behind security bars. Cabots are ideally fitted with sensors that have the capacity to detect objects in their way in a manner that they can take action and avoid collisions. Such robots can perfectly work alongside humans and are even programmed to reduce their strength, force, and speed in certain situations to avoid injury. The prime use of collaborative robots are:
• Creating a safer work environment by taking up tasks that may cause injuries to humans
• Make automobile production more efficient and versatile
• Enable workers to automate tedious tasks
• See to it that the production floor is dynamic, featuring machines and humans side by side
► Automated guided vehicles: Such robots are meant to carry and transport loads from one station to another on the factory floor. They tend to be controlled through a computer and are fitted with wheels to propel them across the floor. These automated guided vehicles are sensor-based, which allows them to move on a predictable path and avoid obstacles, making them ideal for delivering goods across the floor. Their deceleration and acceleration are also controlled in a precise manner. The prime advantages of automated guided vehicles include:
• Boost productivity at an automobile factory
• Enhancing safety on the work floor
• Improving safety on the work floor
► Painting robots: Taking up painting jobs, these robotic arms can produce a consistent coating on the end product. They are fitted with a host of sensors and activators and can work way faster than any human worker. The prime advantages of painting robots include:
• They can provide a perfect paint coating by spraying consistently
• Enable automobile companies to do away with human programming
• Enhance the chances of customization
► Robotic vision: Featuring a blend of camera capabilities and computer algorithms, these robots provide people with the ability to look into the product they are working on and ensure its quality. The prime advantages of robot vision include:
• Boosts productivity and ensures high quality without slowing down the process
• Increases safety on the product production floors
• Promotes quality products with thorough inspection and maintenance
► Welding robots: For several decades, these robots have been used in automobile manufacturing facilities. They ideally were used majorly for spot and arc welding; however, the modern variants of these robots can also carry out other welding processes with superior precision. The prime advantages of welding robots include:
• Promoting material efficiencies
• Increasing welding application quality
• Performing welding tasks much faster on
• Multi-material automobile production
• Increases safety on the production floor
• A look into the future: Intelligent automation
Final Word
In the coming years, automation powered by robotics and AI is expected to have even a larger role to play in the automotive ecosystem. To better understand this, let us imagine a potential scenario: A potential car buyer visits the website of the car manufacture and asks the online chatbot featured there about the details of any vehicle model they plan to purchase.e The bot may subsequently transfer this information and context to the car company that uses an automated marketing platform to send certain promotional offers and relevant content to the car buyer online, as well as arranges a test drive via virtual reality environment. Happy with their experience, the car buyer might place the order with the car dealer or company. This is where the manufacturing plant also gets into the action and puts the needed add-ons like paint and accessories to the vehicle through robot systems, and ships it to the dealer. The car buyer picks up the fully equipped and newly painted vehicle from the dealer, syncs it with their mobile phone, and goes home with brand new wheels.
The whole experience of car manufacturing to purchase is expected to considerably be impacted by robotics in the near future.
