Introduction
In the race to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the environmental compatibility of industry has become a key criterion for the use of technological innovations. As the energy sector moves towards improved control systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable manufacturing processes, the emergence of autonomous, eco-friendly machines powered by renewable energy is proving transformative, especially as time is of the essence.
Equans, a leader in robotic integration and innovation, has long championed the implementation of industrial robotics in companies looking to make a rapid transition to sustainable operations, highlighting the importance of these technologies in increasing productivity while meeting global net-zero targets.
Understanding Industrial Robotics
The Robot Institute of America defines an industrial robot as a “programmable, multifunctional device designed for mechanical handling and performing tasks in various settings.” Industrial robots are versatile tools in manufacturing, capable of executing repetitive and intricate tasks with high precision, revolutionizing modern manufacturing processes by offering speed and efficiency unmatched by human labor.
Industrial Robotics: From Mechanical Robotics to Intelligent Automation
Since the 1960s, industrial robotics has come a long way, when the first robotic arms were introduced in the automotive industry. They were used for tasks like welding and painting. This era marked the beginning of automation in manufacturing. In the years that followed, significant advances in robotics were made. These advances included developments in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and mechanical engineering, for example. Then, the 21st century witnessed the surge of AI-controlled robots that were capable of complex operations and decision-making: this marked a shift from mere mechanical functions to intelligent automation.
The Importance of Robotic Integration
To stay competitive in an Industry 4.0 environment, integrating robots into industrial processes is crucial for companies. Rationalising processes, reducing human error, and increasing production speed, which result in higher quality products, robotics also allows companies to respond in a more flexible way to market demands and customer needs, optimising their operations for a more efficient and innovative production environment.
The Impact of Robotics on Efficient and Ethical Manufacturing
Equans’ vision of robotic integration involves designing systems where humans and robots work together symbiotically to meet production challenges and societal needs, thus ensuring maximum manufacturing efficiency and respecting work ethics standards. Equans' solutions, such as Robot Ease Custom Package, offer flexible and profitable robotic applications and optimise industrial activities. Our Robotics Lab promotes an ecosystem for industrial robotics and supports companies worldwide in their reindustrialisation strategies.
Efficiency and Productivity Improvements
Robotics significantly enhances manufacturing efficiency, as automated systems perform tasks faster and more accurately than human labour. Several of our solutions demonstrate the clear efficiency and productivity gains:
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Cobot'ease Storage System is an automated storage and order preparation solution that combines a stacker with a robot to improve production efficiency and space utilisation.
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Palet'ease solution is a sophisticated automated palletising process that reduces physical strain, takes over repetitive tasks, and modernises work tools.
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Mobil'ease solution is an adaptable system for automated goods transfer that optimises the movement of containers and pallets in different environments.
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Depack’Ease is the automatic packaging cutting solution. Fully robotised and adapted to all sectors, it combines safety and reliability, which in turn guarantees productivity.
Equans Case Study
The project of the Ministry of the Armed Forces required the modernisation of the processing lines to increase production capacity and improve the automated quality control systems and the working conditions of the operators. Equans’ INEO Centre's Robotics Lab and INEO Atlantique's Maine Anjou agency undertook the complete redesign and modernisation of the existing facilities and offered a range of services from electrical and mechanical design to automation, robot integration, and personnel training.
Robotics Role in Improving Quality Control
Robots bring a level of precision that is essential to quality control in manufacturing to ensure high standards of product output:
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High-Risk Operations: Robotics is employed in tasks that require high precision to avoid accidents, such as in the automotive industry where precision welding and complex assemblies are critical. The high level of accuracy provided by robots ensures quality but also substantially lowers the risk of accidents that might occur due to human error in such delicate operations.
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Monitoring and Maintenance: Robots equipped with sensors and AI capabilities are used for monitoring and predictive maintenance in large industrial setups. These robots can identify potential equipment failures or hazardous conditions before they lead to accidents, which allows for pre-emptive action to ensure safety.
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Remote Operation in Unsafe Conditions: Robots are being used more and more in scenarios deemed too risky for humans, such as in extreme temperatures, high radiation areas (like nuclear facilities), or in situations with a high risk of collapse or explosion. Drones and remotely operated robots can also perform inspections and operations in these environments. Doing so, they keep human workers out of harm’s way.
Adaptability and flexibility
The adaptability of robotic systems enables greater customisation of manufacturing processes. Robotics can be designed to fit into tight or ergonomically challenging spaces within industrial settings. Their use reduces the need for workers to enter such spaces, which traditionally have higher risks of accidents due to slips, trips, and falls.
In the energy and environmental sectors, robotics plays a critical role in enhancing efficiency and safety. Its range of applications keeps expanding from maintenance tasks in offshore wind farms to pollution monitoring, and the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, for example. These robotic systems have enabled less invasive exploration and extraction of energy resources, minimizing the need for human intervention, and reducing operational downtime. Moreover, automated systems can be precisely calibrated to use materials with minimal excess and reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with robotics is indeed a considerable development. Thus, AI-driven robots are expected to perform more complex tasks and make autonomous decisions. Doing so, they will increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes.
Reducing Risks for Workers
The ability of robots to withstand dangerous conditions has not only enhanced safety but also contributed to ethical and more efficient industrial practices.
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Automated Handling of Hazardous Materials: In industries where workers are required to handle hazardous materials or work in dangerous environments (e.g., chemical plants, metalworking, etc.), robotics plays a crucial role in mitigating risks. Thus, automated robotic arms can manipulate toxic, hot, or dangerous substances and minimize direct human exposure.
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Reduced Physical Strain: In manufacturing sectors, robots take over repetitive and physically demanding tasks, reducing the physical strain on workers. This shift has led to a decrease in workplace injuries related to overexertion, repetitive motion, and strain.
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Collaborative Robots (Cobots) and Safety Features: The advent of cobots, designed to work alongside humans, includes advanced safety features like collision detection and emergency stop capabilities. These features ensure that the robots can safely interact with human workers and reduce workplace accidents.
Robotics and Environmental Challenges
How Does Robotics Contribute to the Environmental Aspect of Reindustrialisation?
As industries strive for more sustainable practises, robots are becoming critical technologies driving this change. They increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. They play a key role in the development and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructures, contributing to the environmental side of reindustrialisation.
The Role of Robotics in Sustainable Manufacturing Practice
Robotics contributes to energy efficiency by optimising production lines and reducing the need for energy-intensive manual tasks. This precision and efficiency are crucial in industries where resource conservation and sustainability are becoming prioritized. They also play an important role in managing hazardous environments, protecting human lives and averting environmental disasters. Robots can be deployed in difficult or hazardous environments, provide efficient and safe maintenance, and enable smart resource management through services such as deep-sea maintenance and solar panel maintenance - all critical to the long-term viability and effectiveness of green energy infrastructure.
Main Trends and Future Development in Industrial Robotics
At Equans, we see several major trends that will determine the future of industrial robotics:
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The development of standards for interoperability will ensure that different robotic systems can communicate with each other and work together seamlessly.
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The expansion to small and medium-sized enterprises and the diversification of applications in different industries, including healthcare, logistics and agriculture, will make industrial robotics more accessible and democratise automation technologies.
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From 4.0 to 5.0: Industry 5.0 will incorporate cyber-physical systems that require more interaction and collaboration between humans and machines.
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The emergence of sophisticated, sustainable production processes will intensify specialist workforce development. The speed at which robot technology is evolving to achieve these sustainable goals will require a rapidly upskilling workforce. It will have to be capable of programming and operating these increasingly complex systems.
In this shifting industrial context, as an integrator, Equans plays an important role in creating 5.0 Industry environments in which robots and humans work together harmoniously, focusing on human-centred factories. Our aim is to design and customise environments, robots, and equipment to work effectively in companies and enhance worker comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Challenges and Opportunities in Robotics Adoption
Robotics adoption certainly comes with a series of challenges. These challenges include high initial investments, the need for qualified personnel and the integration of these systems into existing processes.
· The use of robots has doubled in the last six years and is expected to accelerate further. Thus, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) estimates that the programming and integration of robots account for 50 to 70% of the costs of robot applications. AI has the potential to reduce these costs by up to 50%.
· To close the skills gap and ensure efficient use of robotic technologies, robot-related upskilling and retraining initiatives are essential on a large scale.
· Original equipment manufacturers and end users play a crucial role in shaping the future of industrial robotics. They expect continuous innovation, easy integration, and customisation from robotics solutions. Understanding their needs and challenges is key to furthering growth in this sector.
Equans' Expertise in Robotics Integration
As an experienced specialist in the field of robotics innovation and integration, Equans offers solid end to end support in the field of industrial robotics. We provide comprehensive assistance to companies in integrating these technologies and overcoming the challenges associated with staff training, integration into existing ecosystems and the implementation of cutting-edge AI-driven automated robotics.
At Equans, our expertise covers the entire process, from initial consultation to maintenance and upgrades, to ensure a seamless transition to automated systems. Our services are tailored to the individual needs and goals of each organisation: they enable the effective use of robotics to increase operational efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Staying Competitive with Robotics
Across all sectors, industries are under extreme pressure to accelerate their transition to energy-efficient and sustainable operations while remaining competitive in their respective markets. The integration of robotics not only boosts productivity at the required speed and scale, but also plays an important role in the environmental aspect of reindustrialisation. Integrating robotics into your operations is not only a smart step forward to improve operational performance, but also a necessary leap towards a more efficient, safer, and more sustainable industrial future.