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10ways that robots can make you more competitive
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Robots have been proven to deliver a host of benefits in a wide variety of applications
End users introducing robots to their production processes have typically seen a significant
transformation in their productivity and efficiency, with higher levels of output, product quality
and flexibility amongst the many improvements reported.
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1
Reduce operating costs
Using robots enables you to reduce both your direct and overhead costs, making a dramatic difference
to your competitiveness. Take energy, for example. With no requirement for minimum lighting or heating
levels, robots offer a great opportunity to cut your energy bills. Current estimates point to a potential
saving of 8% for every 1°C reduction in heating levels, while savings of up to 20% can be achieved by
turning off unnecessary lighting
Robots can also eliminate the costs associated with manual workers, not only in terms of wages, but also
additional costs associated with training, health and safety and employee administration.
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2
Improve product quality and consistency
With robots you can produce a consistently high quality finishing of materials, as the machine will not
suffer from tiredness, distraction or the effects of repetitive and tedious tasks. Their inherent accuracy
and repeatability also means that you can count on a high quality finish for every product produced
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3
Improve quality of work for employees
With robots you can improve working conditions for your staff. They’ll no longer have to work in dusty,
hot or hazardous environments. In addition, by teaching them how to use robots they can learn valuable
programming skills and do work that is more stimulating
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4
Increase production output rates
Robots can be left running overnight and during weekends with little supervision, so you can increase
your output levels and meet your client’s order deadlines. A robotic solution will not need time away
from production for breaks, sickness, distractions or lapses of concentration. Robots now also be
programmed to handle new products off-line, ensuring new products are introduced for faster production
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5
Increase product manufacturing flexibility
Robots can provide flexibility to your production line. Once the processes you require are
programmed into the robot controller, you can easily switch from one to another and maximise
your spend investment by using robotics equipment for a variety of products
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6
Reduce material waste and increase yield
By using robots, you can vastly increase the quality of your production. You will have more products
finished first time to the standard required by your customers, and reduce the amount of breakages
and waste produced as a result of poor-quality or inconsistent finishing. With products being produced
to such a high level each time, you will gain greater yields
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7
Comply with safety rules and improve workplace health & safety
Robots can readily take over unpleasant, arduous or health-threatening tasks that may be currently
undertaken by manual workers. By using robots, you can decrease the likelihood of accidents caused
by contact with machine tools or other potentially hazardous production machinery or processes. They
can also help to eliminate ailments associated with repetitive or intensive processes, such as repetitive
stain injuries (RSI) and vibration white finger.
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8
Reduce lab our turnover and difficulty of recruiting workers
The high precision demanded by today’s industrial processes requires the highest levels of skill and
training. With highly skilled manual workers becoming harder and more expensive to employ, robots can
provide an ideal alternative. Once programmed for your process, they are ready to begin work with
none of the costs associated with recruitment or ongoing training of people. Robots can also offer
greater flexibility, both in terms of work patterns and the ability to handle different production tasks.
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9
Reduce capital costs (inventory, work in progress
With robots you can reduce the cost of consumables used and reduce wastage. By moving products
faster in production, businesses can better predict the production rate and ensure a fast and efficient
service is delivered
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10
Save space in high value manufacturing areas
Robots can be placed on shelf systems, on walls or even on ceilings. They can also be programmed to
work in confined spaces so you don’t lose valuable floor space
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Application by industry
We have a range of robots available for automating your plant process - whether it’s for packing
food or welding sheet metal we can provide a robot to suit your application
Automotive
ABB provides a comprehensive range of robotic products, solutions and services for car manufacturers and Tier One companies
Packaging and Palletising
ABB offers a broad range of robots and systems for handling of food and beverages, medical products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products and electronic products
Metal Fabrication
We have extensive experience in the supply of robots and robotic systems for a range of metal fabrication applications
Foundry and Forging
ABB offers a choice of smart and cost efficient automation solutions for most manufacturing processes in the foundry & forging industry
Plastics
ABB’s broad range of 6-axis robots cater for every conceivable need and can perform a variety of tasks during the plastics production cycle

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