How to Make the Case for Robotic Vision System Integration at Your Automotive Plant
Photo courtesy of Noah Negishi via Unsplash
While the initial investment and training for a vision guided robotics system can seem daunting, the return on investment in the long run yields substantial savings for manufacturers.
Plus, as the adoption of vision guided robotics systems within automotive plants grows tremendously, it’s imperative to consider how such a system can improve efficiency, safety, production and more.
But how do you convince an automotive manufacturer to invest in one? Here are several ways you can justify the capital improvement to your facility.
Competitive Advantage
First, it’s critical to stay ahead of the competition. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly using vision guided robotics systems to work more efficiently, without interruption and more safely.
In fact, according to market research and consulting company Grand View Research, the automotive end-use industry held the largest global machine vision market share in 2020 and is expected to witness considerable growth from 2021 to 2028.
Because of their versatility, robotic vision systems are being installed in multi-billion-dollar automotive manufacturing plants to serve a variety of applications, including picking a component to feed the assembly line, aligning parts precisely to perform welding, glue dispensing, roof insertion, glass decking, rack loading, precision mating of parts, and piston stuffing. As customers strive to own the latest and greatest vehicles, it’s important to consider how integrating cutting-edge technology can both modernize your plant and help produce more advanced, appealing products.
Productivity & Efficiency
Next, these systems increase productivity and boost efficiency by eliminating the risk of human error.
Unlike humans, these systems don’t need breaks or supervision, which allows them to work longer hours and thus advance production across any given automotive application, from assembly to inspection to painting.
Additionally, these systems reduce the likelihood of human error caused by fatigue in performing repetitive tasks.
One of the biggest challenges faced by automotive manufacturers is finding a system that’s efficient to install, cost effective and requires little downtime. While many systems require weeks or months to install, some—such as Recognition Robotics’ Robeye and CortexRecognition can be quickly installed by plant employees, rather than costly integrators. These factors allow the plant to see a more immediate improvement in productivity and efficiency, as well as a quicker return on investment.
Safety & Retention
Finally, vision guided robotics systems improve employee safety and bolster employee retention.
Robots can perform tasks in hard-to-reach, dangerous areas, which saves humans from having to perform those tasks themselves. Some industrial robots are also equipped with sensors that shut off large machinery if humans come too close.
In addition, robotic vision systems can perform repetitive, mundane tasks, which allows humans who previously worked on those tasks to perform more high-level tasks. These strategic tasks can have a more significant, positive impact on the plant by offering employees a greater sense of purpose.
Ultimately, the systems improve retention by removing humans from dangerous working conditions and allowing them to perform more fulfilling tasks. In a market where turnover is common, this benefit is invaluable.
Taking the First Steps Toward Integration
As a whole, vision guided robotics systems have the ability to improve an automotive manufacturer’s bottom line. To find out how you’ll benefit from integrating one into your plant, you’ll need to assess your main goals, where the system will be used within your plant and how the system will help achieve those goals.
We understand how intimidating it can be to install new technology into your automotive plant, which is why we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re interested in learning about how our Robeye and CortexRecognition visual guidance package can benefit your plant, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
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