Assembly tasks require sensitivity and skill: delicate small parts often have to be positioned with millimeter precision and the force required to do so must be precisely measured. For a long time, precision and fine assembly tasks were therefore considered difficult to automate. Collaborating robots are changing that. There are several reasons why they are particularly suitable for use in assembly.

Thanks to integrated force-torque sensors, cobots have the necessary dexterity to precisely tighten screws or insert pin connections, for example. They work with extreme precision and repeat accuracy - in the case of the UR3e model from Universal Robots with up to plus/minus 0.03 millimetres. This enables them to perform a movement in exactly the same way for hours. This would hardly be possible for a human being. Cobots can also work around the clock if required, allowing companies to make optimum use of their machine capacities.

More flexible and less complicated than classic industrial robots
Admittedly, classic industrial robots can also carry out movements precisely and with a high degree of consistency. But unlike these, cobots are also highly flexible. With the appropriate peripheral devices, they can easily assemble different materials such as plastic, wood or metal. Their end effectors can be exchanged quickly so that one and the same cobot can perform different tasks.

Thanks to their lightweight design, users can also use cobots in production exactly where they are needed. The robots also save space: even the UR16e, which is already considered one of the largest lightweight robots with a payload of 16 kilograms, has an average footprint of just 190 millimeters. Small desktop robots such as the UR3e only need 128 millimeters. In addition, cobots can work directly next to humans after a successful risk assessment.

Cobots are also intuitive to operate. By simply moving the robot arm into position, users can set waypoints and train it for new tasks. This reduces changeover times and eliminates the need for time-consuming and costly training.

By completing assembly tasks quickly and reliably, cobots increase process efficiency, reduce waste and make optimum use of machine capacities. In combination with the short integration time, their purchase pays for itself in just six to nine months. This also makes the investment affordable for small and medium-sized companies.

Cobots also relieve employees by taking over monotonous tasks. At the same time, they minimize the risk of injury and free up capacity that employees can use for more demanding tasks.

Albrecht Jung: Medium-sized company increases throughput with cobots
Albrecht Jung also wanted to relieve its employees of the burden of working with intricate small parts. The medium-sized company from the Sauerland region specializes in electrical installation technology. At its plant in Lünen, the company is now partially automating its production with eight collaborative robots from Universal Robots.