Cobots are the future of manufacturing

Collaborative robots manufacturer Universal Robots has announced it will showcase collaborative man and machine workforce solutions at National Manufacturing Week 2019.

The company said the future of manufacturing will be led by collaborative technologies, with robots leading the charge. However, the Australian manufacturing sector has been slow to expand on traditional robotic automation and move towards ‘Industry 5.0’, which will see people and technology coming together more closely than ever before.

At the event, Universal Robots will showcase its e-Series products, including a new application for modern manufacturing businesses with a small-scale palletising display. The company will also demonstrate collaborative pick-and-place processes, one of the top three applications for cobots in Australia. These demos will show off advancements in conveyor tracking, vision robot guidance and mobile automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for easy manufacturing solutions.

Universal Robots APAC Regional Sales Director James McKew said, “The work that Universal Robots is doing continues to empower the manufacturers into the future as we continue to define what great collaborative automation looks like.

“UR’s collaborative robots are thriving across Australia and New Zealand, and more businesses than ever are realising their potential. It’s an exciting time to be working in the sector, and we can already see real change starting to happen. With such a growing, competitive landscape, businesses need to step up to the next level, and we are showing off what that looks like.”

ANZ Country Manager Peter Hern said the event will allow people to see the collaborative robots in action and show their potential applications in modern manufacturing businesses.

According to Universal Robots, the showcase highlights its global commitment to creating a more accessible robotics industry. It also follows the establishment of new authorised training centres designed to teach hands-on skills for real-life cobot applications, which will address the current skills gap and drive interest in automation.

The National Manufacturing Week exhibition will be held from 14–17 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Sergey