In today's fast-paced environment, companies are constantly on the lookout for innovative solutions that drive productivity while also minimizing costs. In the world of welding, collaborative robots (cobots) have emerged as a promising solution, gaining widespread traction. Businesses around the globe are discovering that cobots offer a versatile and cost-effective way to boost efficiency. In today's blog, we're going over some of the ways that cobots can increase your ROI and maximize your savings.
When considering cobots, one of the primary concerns for businesses is the return on investment (ROI). Fortunately, cobots offer a very compelling ROI proposition. Unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are designed to work alongside humans, reducing the need for costly safety infrastructure and enabling a faster payback period.
So, what makes a cobot different than an industrial robot? Here are a few key factors:
Safety: Cobots require minimal safety measures, such as standard PPE and arc flash curtains, whereas traditional robots need full guarding with interlocks, area scanners, and or light curtains
Programming: With intuitive cobots like the iBOTone®, programming becomes remarkably simple, requiring only minimal training – just 30 minutes for standard welders to get started. This is a stark contrast to traditional robots that often demand specialized education.
Long-term Savings: By automating repetitive tasks, cobots free up human workers to focus on high-value activities, leading to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and morale.
The advantages of cobots don't stop at ROI. By automating hazardous or ergonomically challenging tasks, cobots contribute to a safer work environment, reducing workplace injuries and associated costs. Plus, their precision and consistency minimize errors and waste, translating to significant cost savings over time.
So, what makes cobots offer such a high and fast ROI? Here are a few key factors:
No Fatigue: Cobots don't get tired, ensuring consistent performance around the clock.
High Repeatability: Cobots improve the quality with their precise and repeatable movements. This also reduces the amount of rework needed significantly.
No Downtime: Cobots don't require vacations or breaks, ensuring maximum productivity.
Now that we've explored the advantages of cobots and their potential to drive business success, it's time to crunch numbers. Our welding cobot ROI calculator helps you make a data-driven decision about integrating cobots into your operations. You'll gain a clear picture of your return on investment and payback period by inputting your specific costs and savings.
| CATEGORY | EXAMPLE | CALCULATIONS |
| SHIFTS PER DAY (1-3) | 1 shift/day | (Shifts the cobot works in a day) |
| WELDERS HOURLY WAGE | $25/hour | (Welders Pay) |
| HOURS WORKED PER WEEK | 40 hours/week | (Welders hours per week) |
| HOURS WORKED PER YEAR | 2080 hours/year | 40 x 52 (weeks/year) |
| AVG. NUMBER OF WELDERS COBOT CAN MATCH | 3 | (How many welders does your cobot equal, iBOTone® equals 3 welders) |
| YEARLY SAVINGS | $156,000 /year | 3 x $25 x 2080 |
| EQUIPMENT INVESTED | $89,750 | (Cost of cobot) |
| ROI | 7 months | 89,750 / 156,000 x 12 (months per year) |
*These numbers are subject to change based on your business. The numbers provided are based on ABICOR BINZEL'S iBOTone® cobot welding system.
Companies worldwide are harnessing the power of cobots to transform their operations. Morbark, a leading manufacturer of high-performance equipment for the forestry and recycling industries, is a prime example.
Recently, our team at ABICOR BINZEL had the opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the iBOTone® cobot to Morbark. The key takeaways were:
Rapid Training: Reduced training and costs
Exceptional Weld Quality: Minimized rework and improved efficiency
Increased Productivity: Faster arc-on time for higher output and revenue
By integrating cobots like the iBOTone® into their workflow, Morbark discovered a faster path to increased ROI compared to traditional welding methods. This success story showcases the tangible benefits of embracing cobot technology.
Want to see the full interview with Morbark? Click the link below
The right time to invest is yesterday. With a significant gap in skilled labor, particularly in welding, companies are struggling to find help. Automating processes with cobots can help bridge this gap and optimize manufacturing workflows. Investing in a cobot is not about replacing job, but rather redeploying skilled labor to more complex tasks, freeing them from monotonous work. By integrating cobots in their production lines, companies can boost productivity, streamline operations, and stay competitive in their industry. Don't wait- the time to invest in cobot technology is now.
Overall, cobots offer a cost-effective solution that goes far beyond their initial price tag. By considering the ROI and long-term benefits, businesses can make informed decisions about adopting cobots. With the potential to save money, boost productivity, and create a safer work environment, cobots are a smart investment for businesses looking to stay ahead in today's competitive market. As technology advances, the possibilities for affordable automation will only continue to grow, helping businesses reach new heights of efficiency, profitability, and success.
Ready to revolutionize your welding? Learn more about iBOTone®. Contact an ABICOR BINZEL representative today!