Cobots are engineered for seamless human-machine interaction, offering advanced motion control, real-time reprogramming, and dynamic task execution.
There’s been quite a bit of discussion about the increasing role of robots in workplaces, but what we’re more likely to see are “cobots,” or collaborative robots, that serve as assistants alongside human workers. And they are being viewed as lower-cost, easier-to-deploy alternatives to full-on robots.
Cobots “are revolutionizing flexible manufacturing,” states a report by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). “Cobots are evolving rapidly, integrating cutting-edge technologies that expand their capabilities and performance. These advancements are making them even more efficient, adaptive, and intelligent, further enhancing their role in flexible manufacturing.”
In the latest statistics available, Cobots accounted for 10.5% of the total 541,302 industrial robots installed in 2023, according to estimates from the International Federation of Robotics. “Collaborative robots will complement – not replace – investments in traditional industrial robots which operate at much faster speeds and will therefore remain important for improving productivity in response to tight product margins,” according to the IFR report.
See also: The Increasing Role of Cobots in Automotive Smart Manufacturing
Focus on Cobots
By their nature, cobots are “engineered for seamless human-machine interaction,” offering “advanced motion control, real-time reprogramming, and dynamic task execution — capabilities that traditional industrial robots, often restricted to fixed, caged environments, lack,” according to the A3 report. “Their ability to integrate with existing production lines, optimize high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, and rapidly adjust to shifting operational demands makes them a cornerstone of flexible manufacturing, driving efficiency and scalability in complex, fast-evolving industrial settings.”
Just as with conventional robots, “they tend to take the form of a multi-jointed arm that can rotate, swivel, bend and contort to approach a job from any angle,” writes Andreas Paleit in The Financial Times. “Interchangeable tools at the end of their arms allow cobots to perform countless tasks, from assembling electronics and packaging pharmaceuticals to gluing and even welding.”
The emerging class of cobots incorporate AI and machine learning, employing “self-learning algorithms to optimize movement, detect inefficiencies, and improve accuracy over time,” the A3 report added. Also key to cobot performance are computer vision and sensors, consisting of “high-resolution cameras, LIDAR, and infrared sensors enhance object recognition, motion tracking, and quality inspection.”
The A3 authors offer some considerations that need to be made To optimize a workplace or production floor for cobots:
Workforce upskilling: “Operators need training in robotic programming, AI automation, and system diagnostics to ensure proper use and maintenance.”
Process optimization: “Cobots must be strategically placed in workflows where they add value, avoiding inefficiencies caused by poor task alignment.”
Cost and scalability: “While cobots offer lower upfront costs, manufacturers must factor in TCO, maintenance, and software updates to ensure long-term ROI.”
Smart factory and IoT integration: “Seamless connectivity with IoT networks, MES, and ERP systems is crucial for real-time data insights and workflow automation.”
Unlike traditional robots “that require precise and repetitive workflows, cobots can adjust in real time to changing production demands,” the A3 authors stated. “With the ability to switch between tasks quickly, cobots support dynamic, on-demand production environments. Manufacturers can integrate cobots into smart factories, leveraging AI-driven process optimization and real-time data analytics to enhance efficiency.”
