Industrial robots play a prominent role in the manufacturing sector. They are used for welding, testing, product inspection, palletising, packaging and labeling, assembly, painting, and so on.

An industrial robot can perform all these functions with high endurance, precision, and speed. They also help to provide interfaces, and in handling materials.

A robot system used in manufacturing can generally be termed as an industrial robot. They are automated. They can be programmed. They are also capable of movement on two or more axes.

An industrial robot is often used to do tasks that are too dangerous or not suitable for human workers. For most of the applications in the manufacturing industry, an industrial robot is a good fit. Industrial robots are grouped according to the axis number, speed, payload capability, size of work envelope, and structure type.

Industrial robots help to increase productivity and profits

An industrial robot is capable of functioning 24/7, so dramatically increasing productivity. The basis of higher profits is higher rates of throughput. By lessening part cycle times, industrial robots can effectively manufacture products faster than traditional manufacturing methods. The end result of implementing industrial robots in your manufacturing plant essentially means a leaner and more efficient manufacturing cycle.

Industrial robots help to reduce costs

With industrial robots, there is no concept such as hourly wages. An industrial robot is a one-time investment, after that, it is just the maintenance costs. It is true that to a small or medium manufacturing company, the cost of an industrial robot may seem daunting, however, the ROI can be realised quickly after implementation.

Role in lean manufacturing

The implementation of industrial robots into lean manufacturing processes can help to reduce wastage and costs that are unnecessary. In lean manufacturing terms, wastage happens when tasks that cannot be included in 'value-added tasks' takes place. For example, a worker going to get a required tool from the toolbox cannot be considered as a value-added task. As far as an industrial robot is concerned, it is already equipped with the right tools to perform a task optimally, hence, no wastage.

The latest industrial robots can work hand-in-hand with human workers without endangering them. They can help with all kinds of assemblies, from a small and delicate device such as a smartphone to an aircraft engine. This, in effect, helps to output an increased number of products in a very less time. Basically, this means an upheaval in the competition between nations, and companies. Industrial robots help the small manufacturers to compete with giants. Reduced labour costs also mean less outsourcing.

Robots in the manufacturing sector do not always result in a net loss of labour. The notion of robots replacing workers is true to some extent, however, the jobs that most of the industrial robots are tasked with today are dangerous, monotonous, tedious. A worker engaged in heavy lifting jobs for 8 hours a day can result in health problems or injuries. Instead, that worker can be trained to work the industrial robot.

Industrial robots have already reshaped the manufacturing industry and they are here to stay.