Modern technology has made all of our lives easier on a daily basis, but it’s also having a significant impact on manufacturing processes in factories across the world. Technology can be used to streamline manufacturing, improve safety on the factory floor, and meet quickly changing market demands in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Let’s take a look at some of the most transformative technologies that are increasing efficiency in production lines around the globe in 2021.
A new generation of robots
Compared to the robots of a decade ago, today’s robots are capable of much more. Advanced robots have arms and hands, making them capable of completing more ‘human’ tasks in production, and many are capable of being reprogrammed. This means that a single robot can be programmed to carry out a variety of tasks on the factory floor, reducing costs and maximising utility.
Cobots are also set to change the way we live and work. Cobots, or collaborative robots, are agile, responsive robots that can work alongside humans safely. Cobots are equipped with sensors that trigger them to power down every time a human is nearby, which enables cobots to be utilised for the first time on busy factory floors. BMW is already employing cobots in their BMW Mini Plant in Oxford, and an estimate provided by Interact Analysis predicts that 20% of the total robot market will be cobots by 2027.
Personalised production en mass
Personalisation used to be a time-consuming and costly luxury, but today’s digital technologies mean that consumers can now order personalised products at a very low mark-up. Digital manufacturing means that consumers can order personalised products online and have them delivered to their homes within days. There is a growing demand for personalisation across the market; according to Deloitte, 36% of consumers expressed an interest in personalised products and services.
The ride of 3D printing
2.1 million 3D printers were shipped globally in 2020. 3D printing has the power to completely revolutionise mass production. 3D printers lower the barrier to entry, enabling anyone to produce unique, custom products at an affordable price. The introduction of 3D printing to the market is giving smaller manufacturers and companies the chance to produce their own products, which in turn is putting pressure on large-scale manufacturers to improve their range and stay competitive.
Big data
Big data, and the capabilities of AI and machine learning software to analyse big data for meaningful, actionable information, is also contributing to the changing landscape of mass production. For example, advanced computer analytics can be used to track and predict machine status, reducing downtime and allowing factory managers to schedule repairs and maintenance at optimal points in advance. Analytics can also be used to improve the quality and consistency of products and reduce the rate of human errors on the production line.
New technology also brings problems
There is little doubt that the technological advances mentioned above have helped assembly lines around the globe run that bit smoother, but each one adds another level of complexity, and their integration into any production line needs careful planning.
Sometimes the changes needed are not straightforward and require some ‘deep thinking’, others bring problems of their own.
Then again, the old systems and tools used every day, like toggle clamps and vibratory bowl feeders can cause issues, especially when things change and the production line requires alterations. This is where experts like Sandfield Engineering (see Sandfieldengineering.com), come in, as they have extensive experience in the whole area of Industrial Engineering.
Not only do they supply a range of assembly line equipment, like Robot Grippers, Linear Rails and Toogle Presses, but perhaps more importantly, they help businesses cope when they face a new and unique manufacturing process and simply don’t have the inhouse experience.
Turning to the experts when things are not going to plan is often the best idea and can, in the long run, save a lot of time and money.