Robots: Fake News

Debunking Robotic Myths

Robotic automation solutions come with many benefits, but many manufacturers are reluctant to invest in one. To dispel the misconceptions surrounding robots and help manufacturers of all sizes invest in the tools that will help them grow, we're here to help.

MYTH 1:

Robots Are Expensive

Robots are produced in large quantities at low prices in state-of-the-art factories. There are fewer risks associated with robotic automation than with dedicated equipment. With changing demand or As new products are introduced, robots can be quickly redeployed to accommodate them. Robotic automation is one of the most affordable options available to manufacturers, even those with limited budgets.

MYTH 2:

Robots Are Only For High-Volume Operations

Modern robots can be effectively used in manufacturing with low- to medium volumes. Their programming and switching is quick, resulting in high-speed and economical operation. Robots can be programmed to perform tasks that need to be repeated or to move around as operational needs change.

MYTH 3:

Robots Are Hard To Program

In order to program a robot, a teach pendant or an offline PC program is required. In offline programming, a user models the whole cell and develops the sequence of moves that the robot will use without stopping production. Programmers will only run the motion at 100 percent when they are satisfied with it, thereby saving them time and headaches.

MYTH 4:

Robots Systems Are Complicated And Difficult To Support

There is no doubt that robots are very reliable machines. There are vendors who quote mean time between failure (MTBF) numbers as high as 62,000 hours (roughly seven years). Most robot cells have numerous sensors, some of which may be less reliable than a dedicated automated system, but in general, a robot cell is less complex than a dedicated automated system.

The Biggest Myth of All?

There is a Belief That Robots Eliminate Jobs.

Jobs are shifting due to robots. Human operators do not want to do menial, dirty, repetitive, undesirable work that is carried out by robots. By increasing productivity through automation, manufacturers are able to produce shorter lead times, lower part costs, less scrap, and more consistent parts, which ultimately leads to more business and more jobs.

How Robots Create Jobs

Any job requiring repetitive motion, consistency, speed, and precision can be done by robots better than by people. A robot is the only device capable of assembling some miniaturized products. A higher level of quality and productivity reduces costs, which stimulates demand, benefitting everyone.

In robots and associated industries, specifically programming, engineering, manufacturing, and integration, jobs are created directly. Manufacturing businesses grow, and more jobs are created through onshoring as lower costs enable manufacturers to bring work back to the United States.