Currently, one of the biggest challenges for any manufacturer is finding and keeping employees. It’s no secret the manufacturing industry was hit hard by the labor shortage. According to a report from Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, the COVID-19 Pandemic resulted in the loss of over 820,000 manufacturing jobs. Nearly 500,000 jobs remain unfilled today. Unfortunately, the labor shortage isn’t expected to end anytime soon. The same joint report predicts that by 2030, the labor shortage will have cost the U.S. economy as much as $1 trillion.
Expensive machines are sitting idle and U.S. manufacturers are beginning to look for alternatives. Already popular with European manufacturers, cobots offer a cost-efficient solution to avoiding machine downtime. Cobots are ideal for working safely among humans and relieving employees from repetitive and monotonous tasks.
Traditional Robots vs. Cobots
Traditional robots often require longer install time and advanced programming. But, cobots offer user-friendly software and install times are generally much quicker. And, while traditional robots can often be hazardous for employees working alongside of them, cobots are specifically designed with human safety in mind. For example, the Sure Controls M.A.C. (Mobile Autonomous Cobot) is so safe no fencing, hard guarding or lasers are needed. Check out the below video to see the M.A.C. in action.
Improving Employee Satisfaction
The labor shortage hasn’t only been hard on employers. It has also had a negative impact on the employees who feel overwhelmed because of regularly understaffed shifts. Cobots can help employees feel supported. They’re ideal for completing repetitive, monotonous tasks that humans find unsatisfying. With cobots taking over the mindless work, employees are free to take on varying tasks that might require creativity or problem-solving. Relieving employees from the boring work often results in higher employee job satisfaction and can ultimately boost productivity as well as employee retention.
Possible Applications
The Sure Controls M.A.C. is easy to use and versatile. Below are just a few possible applications.
- Pick samples and deliver to test lab
- Load and unload parts
- Re-load feeders
- Carry product to next processing step
- Automate quality inspection
- Empty rejects and take to parts disposal
- Monitor and take measurements
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about cobots, give us a call at 800-844-8405. Or, you can contact us here. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.
