No doubt, industrial robots are non-stop workers, unattended, and every single day they increase your productivity, leading to a dramatic increase in the total output of a factory. Industrial robots provide better product quality with a more precise and reliable process, leading to better product quality and consistency.
In robotics, investments had a greater positive impact on the economy than information technology, construction, or real estate, with more new growth opportunities. Even though industrial robots have huge advantages in manufacturing, they are not without their drawbacks.
Some of the drawback examples identified in industrial robots are:
- High initial investment: The purchasing cost and installation of industrial robots are high, with limited feasibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited budgets.
- Specific tasks are performed by industrial robots, such as adapting to changes in production requirements or handling tasks that require human dexterity or decision-making skills.
- Lack of human touch by industrial robots and their inability to handle delicate or fragile materials without causing damage
- Industrial robots are complex programming machines with time-consuming processes. Special skills and knowledge are required by Robot programmers to operate complex robotic projects. The non-experts face huge difficulties with the complexities of operating and programming the robots, restricting their accessibility to a limited pool of skilled personnel.
- Modifying and reprogramming robots is also a challenging and resource-intensive process.
- Safety features and precautions are designed by an industrial robot, but the risk to human operators and co-workers cannot be neglected. Cobots that work alongside humans need to follow stringent safety protocols to prevent such accidents. Unpredictable robot movements and inadequate safety systems are some issues that have the potential for mechanical failures.
- Regular maintenance and repair costs for industrial robots are costly and time-consuming.
- The rise of robots is expected to displace jobs, mainly in the manufacturing industry.
The major problem identified with industrial robots is the threat to jobs or the eradication of human labour for monotonous or long-hour jobs. The uncertainty lurking behind the shadows The high initial investment, limited flexibility, lack of human touch, and maintenance and repair costs are also some of the major drawbacks of Industrial robots.
Source: wevolver, robotsdoneright, automation, wipfli