In the context of the application of modern technologies in industry, terms such as automation and robotization of production processes often appear. Sometimes they are used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing, although both are indeed associated with modifications to the solutions used in a company and increasing work efficiency. We explain the differences between them and the benefits of introducing them in your own company.
What are the differences between automation and robotization of production processes?
When talking about automation and robotization of production processes, it should be noted that the former is a broader concept than the latter. All robotization is automation in practice, but automation does not necessarily mean robotization. Automating production primarily involves the use of certain automatic or semi-automatic solutions that streamline processes. In practice, this involves, for example, sensors, controllers, or work monitoring systems. They do not necessarily replace humans, but work with them, facilitating and shortening individual tasks. The human factor can also be replaced in the simplest, repetitive tasks. Production robotization is referred to as more detailed and advanced automation. It involves the design of robots that are intended to actually replace humans, sometimes even imitating their movements. As a result, the production line consists of humans and machines working side by side. Thanks to its greater detail, robotization is also characterized by greater flexibility. Individual software can be adapted to developing technologies or changing market conditions, as well as current production needs.
What are the foundations of automation and robotization of production processes?
The basis for the automation and robotization of production processes is individually designed equipment and software. In the case of the former, these are primarily assembly lines, which speed up and coordinate work between individual stations. In addition, production monitoring in the form of sensors and recorders is commonly used. This is to eliminate potential errors regarding the materials used already at the production stage.
Robotics largely uses devices capable of working independently. They are more technologically advanced. For example, they can perform movements that enable them to manipulate objects in several axes. Individual machines are also capable of moving independently and communicating with their surroundings. This is possible thanks to sensors that allow them to receive stimuli from their environment. Standard industrial robots, which have been in use for many years, are used, as well as increasingly modern machines whose capabilities are growing with technological development. These include, for example, cobots that work with humans, and even autonomous robots, i.e., those that can perform their tasks without external infrastructure or connection to electricity. Most of these solutions are based on devices and programs that are not mass-produced, but made to order. Therefore, it is necessary to precisely define the needs of the company, conduct a testing phase, and integrate the machines with the technologies already in use in the workplace.
Automation and robotization of production – benefits of implementation
Although automation and robotization of production processes are two different processes, they are often implemented simultaneously, complementing each other. The specific goals of their implementation differ, but the more general ones, related to the long-term perspective, are convergent. Here are some of the most important benefits of production automation and robotization:
- Improved product quality – greater production repeatability is achieved, making it easier to maintain appropriate quality standards,
- Fewer defective products and complaints – thanks to the elimination of errors that are natural to the human factor,
- Shorter production time – some processes can be performed faster, which increases work efficiency,
- Cost reduction – individual tasks require less employee involvement, and machines can operate continuously; the cost of handling complaints and defective product batches is also reduced,
- Optimization of the entire production process – along with automation and robotization, the company is developing a system that enables better monitoring of work. The data obtained in this way allows for a more detailed analysis of the resources used and the introduction of further changes to optimize work and increase the efficiency of the entire company,
- Employee development – employees replaced by machines very often do not have to worry about finding a new job. Their knowledge and experience are used in the same company – they can be transferred to more ambitious, more creative work. Individual machines also require the creation of new positions, where the work involves monitoring and operating processes, which may also be better suited to people who are already familiar with the specifics of the work in a given place.