Key Advantages of Cobots in Australian Manufacturing

With advanced sensors and 3D vision systems, robots are increasingly capable of performing complex tasks that demand high precision.

Key advantages that robots continue to offer within the Australian manufacturing landscape include:

• Enhanced Precision: Robots improve accuracy in tasks critical to sectors like automotive and aerospace manufacturing, where Australia's automotive industry contributed approximately AUD 4 billion to GDP in 2020.
• Increased Safety: Automation significantly reduces workplace hazards, which is vital as the manufacturing sector recorded 14,585 serious workplace injuries in Australia in 2021, underscoring the need for safer operations.
• Higher Efficiency: Robots are set to boost efficiency across various tasks such as welding, manufacturing, assembly, and quality control. The Australian manufacturing sector aims for a target of 30% productivity growth by 2031, and robotics play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
• Advanced Sensor Technology: State-of-the-art sensors enhance human-robot interactions, promoting collaboration on the factory floor and increasing overall output quality.
• Edge Computing: Utilizing edge computing to analyse real-time data allows manufacturers to make quicker decisions, enhancing processes and productivity by up to 25%, according to recent studies.
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): The deployment of AMRs for material handling is anticipated to rise, especially as the Australian logistics industry is projected to grow from AUD 80 billion in 2021 to AUD 95 billion by 2025.
• Wireless Private 5G: The rapid rollout of 5G technology enables fast and reliable data transmission from robot sensors, facilitating real-time data analysis vital for lean manufacturing processes. By 2025, nearly 2 million devices are expected to utilize 5G in Australia, benefiting manufacturing operations.
• Virtual Simulation: Through virtual simulation, robotics programmers and control engineers can validate robot behaviors and the interoperability of products, tools, robots, and humans in a virtual setting. This aids in reducing downtime by approximately 20%, significantly enhancing productivity.
• Higher Profitability: Fit for purpose robotic solutions can have a payback in 12 - 18 months. The use of Elite Oceania's automation solutions, in partnership with excellent integrators across Australia, and local service and spare parts availability will keep you producing optimally.

Two specific areas with significant potential for expanding robotics applications in Australian manufacturing are product assembly and mass customisation, especially relevant given that the demand for personalised consumer goods is anticipated to increase, with 60% of manufacturers reporting a shift towards customised production strategies.