As the name “cooperative robot” suggests, it is possible to work and help with humans.
Normal robots cannot work with humans, but the main reason is that many large, high-power robots cannot ensure safety in collaboration with humans.
Many “cooperative robots” are small and lightweight, and can be operated in a small space and are relatively easy to operate. The differences between each robot can be summarized as follows.
| Conventional robot | – – | Cooperative Robo |
|---|---|---|
| Simple repetitive work | Contents | Diverse work |
| Line work | place | Diverse places |
| Position only | control | Position + force |
Since it is assumed that a collaborative robot will grab an undecided object in various places, it is necessary to grasp the object with the necessary force optimized for each object, so not only the position but also the force control You will need it.
Development of collaborative robots
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has announced that the food manufacturing industry has a serious labor shortage compared to other industries, and the vacancy rate is more than double that of the manufacturing industry as a whole.
Conventional industrial robots have been developed mainly in the automobile industry and the electronic industry, but in recent years, the introduction of collaborative robots has begun to progress mainly in the food industry where robots are likely to be used.
Collaborative robots entering the market
Mazda Ace, a subsidiary of automobile manufacturer MAZDA, exhibited a collaborative robot at “FOOMA JAPAN”, one of the largest food technology trade fairs in Asia.
Mazda Ace has been exhibiting a sandwich and rice ball transfer system using collaborative robots at the exhibition since 2017.
In the world of industrial robots, FANUC, Yaskawa Electric, ABB, and KUKA are major manufacturers called BIG4, but each is developing collaborative robots.
Now that the needs for collaborative robots are rising, it may be near the day when the industry will be activated by entering a new robot industry like Mazda Ace.