Collaborative robots are finally finding their place in the electronics manufacturing industry. In the past, the delicate nature of electronics manufacturing made it hard to automate the processes using robots. However, recent developments in robotics have made it possible for the technology to be used to manufacture electronics and electronics components.

The electronics industry is highly competitive, and using electronic robotics can help a company gain a competitive edge against its competition. This is why the electronics industry is fast adopting the use of robotics.  

Growth of robotics in electronics manufacturing

The electronics industry had grown to become one of the largest adopters of robotics technology globally. According to statistics, the number of robots ordered in the electronics industry has grown by at least 25%. This makes the total market share held by the electronics industry the same as that held by the automotive industry.

For many years, the automotive industry was the primary consumer of robotics technology worldwide. There is a sudden growth in the use of robotics in the electronics industry mainly due to the availability of collaborative robots that are precision and accuracy oriented.

The role of collaborative robotics in electronics manufacturing

Collaborative robots are created with advanced features that enable them to handle delicate, small parts with precision. This is why they are the best automation solution for any electronics manufacturer looking to increase throughout and maintain a low unit cost.

Collaborative robots move fast and have high uptime levels while minimizing waste. This means that they have the potential to produce more products in a shorter period while minimizing defects and boosting ROI.

Applications for collaborative robots in the electronics industry include:

  • Inspection and testing
  • Material handling
  • Assembly
  • Packing
  • Stamping
  • Dispensing
  • Etching
  • Pressing

While there are many other unique ways to deploy collaborative robots in the electronics manufacturing industry, the above processes are the most commonly automated with robots.

Cobots are ideal for agile manufacture and assembly of electronics.

From the designing, manufacturing, application, maintenance and operation, collaborative robots offer the flexibility to automate almost any process in an electronic manufacturing company. Automation of manual tasks adds value to the businesses by freeing human workers to perform tasks that are more meaningful.

With collaborative robots, it is possible to automate new production lines using lightweight, space saving and easy to program robotics technology without changing your existing manufacturing layout.

Cobots allow for precise and accurate assembly of electronics parts.

Collaborative robotics arms are easy to integrate into a wide array of electronic manufacturing, including mobile phones, lighting, input devices, and computers, among many other products. The collaborative robot performs repetitive tasks accurately and continuously modulates, mounts and fastens printed circuit board elements with a 0.004 in. precision.

Deploying collaborative robots for complex tasks that require working close to machinery reduces the employee injury risks by up to 90% while boosting accuracy, quality of the product and productivity.

Cobots increase competitiveness of small manufacturers

Collaborative robotic arms are an economical deployment for small-scale manufacturers. With one collaborative robot, a small manufacturer stands to compete for market share with leading manufacturers. This is because collaborative robots give you a competitive advantage by improving productions numbers and enhancing the product’s quality.  

Advantages of cobots in electronics assembly

  • Repeatability of +/- 0.1 mm (.004 in)
  • Reusable programs for recurrent tasks
  • Space-saving, lightweight design offers manufacturing flexibility
  • Easy programming and short set-up time support for small-scale production
  • Fast and easy programming to new processes for agility in manufacturing
  • Increased production speed quality, and consistency
  • Ability to adapt assembly output to meet peak seasons and changing consumer demands
  • Fast payback minus the traditional robotic cost for programming, and set-up.
  • No need for dedicated work cells

Collaborative robots are more advanced compared to industrial robots. They have proven to have great ROI and improve the productivity potential of the electronics industry. The rapid adoption of the technology has made the electronics market more productive, making it easier to undercut the competition. Electronic robotics technology will continue to grow in the future, which will skyrocket the demand for cobots in this industry.

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