The use of robots in industry - an overview of benefits and key trends

Estimated reading time: approx. 8 minutes

TL;DR

• Robotisation is a way to speed up production and reduce operating costs.
• A key success factor is integration robots with automation and IT systems.
• Investment in works increases safety and ergonomics.
• The role of integrators and distributors is important in the professional implementation of new technologies.
• Companies such as Michale Automation offer comprehensive support and advice at every stage of implementation.

Table of contents

• Introduction
• Robotisation - what is it and why is it important?
• Which industries are most likely to use industrial robots?
• Integration of robots into automation systems and production efficiency
• The benefits of robotisation - a look at the facts and figures
• The role of integrators and distributors in the robot deployment process
• Examples of applications and specialised robotisation solutions
• The SIASUN SR25A-12-2-01 robot - an example of a versatile industrial robot
• How do you calculate the return on investment in robotisation?
• Innovation implementation and future prospects
• What do Polish companies need to strengthen robotisation?
• Practical conclusions and recommendations
• Summary
• FAQ

Introduction

The use of robots in industry has become one of the key factors in the development of modern companies worldwide, including Poland. Companies are increasingly turning to automation and robotisation to meet the challenges of a competitive market and growing customer expectations. In recent years, our domestic companies have significantly accelerated in the area of implementing industrial robots and automation systems. In 2021, it is estimated that between 3,300 and even 3,500 different robots were installed in factories and production facilities in Poland. Although this is a big leap, the scale of robotisation is still significantly lower compared to the most developed economies.

In this article, we take a closer look at the area of robotisation in Polish industry, taking into account integration with existing automation, IT systems (ERP, MES) and the benefits associated with investing in robots. We will explain what trends are shaping the robot market today, why it is worth betting on modern solutions and how companies such as Michale Automatyka can support companies on the road to automation and increased efficiency.

Robotisation - what is it and why is it important?

Industrial robotisation involves replacing or supporting selected production processes with robots that are capable of performing repetitive, precise or hazardous tasks with a high degree of accuracy. It is primarily about achieving consistent quality of manufactured products, reducing costs associated with human labour and sometimes improving safety in the workplace.

Many Polish companies, regardless of industry, are planning to increase the level of automation to meet both their own productivity requirements and the pressure of international competition. Companies that use robots in production are scaling their capacities faster, while also reducing unit costs. These are key factors for market leaders who want to achieve more stable financial results and secure a competitive advantage.

Which industries are most likely to use industrial robots?

Despite appearances, robotisation is not just the domain of the automotive or electronics industries. Robots are now being successfully applied in sectors:

• Metallurgical and engineering industry - robots support welding, grinding or material handling processes.
• Food industry - robots are ideal for packaging, portioning, sorting and palletising foodstuffs.
• Chemical industry - Robotic workstations can handle substance dosing, container filling and quality control.
• Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry - robots carry out repetitive tasks such as measuring and packaging products.
• Wood and furniture industry - Automation helps in the processes of cutting, painting or assembling components.

There is also an increase in solutions dedicated to small and medium-sized companies, which allow the relatively quick deployment of robots with smaller dimensions and often a more affordable price.

Integration of robots into automation systems and production efficiency

One of the key challenges is not only the purchase of the robot itself, but its integration with already existing automation solutions, machines and IT systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or MES (Manufacturing Execution System). Consistent operation of robots with other areas of the company translates directly into increased efficiency.

Why is integration so important?

• Complete data flow - robots can generate and transmit relevant information about the production flow to master systems (ERP, MES), allowing ongoing optimisation and performance monitoring.
• Elimination of bottlenecks - A properly integrated robotic station works in perfect synchronisation with other machines, minimising downtime and reducing the number of damaged products.
• Greater flexibility - The integration of robots and control systems makes it possible to quickly adapt the process to changing market needs, for example by modifying recipes or production settings in ERP systems.

Step by step - how to integrate a robot into a production line?

1. Needs and cost-effectiveness analysis - assessing whether the robot actually solves a specific problem, such as excessive labour costs or poor welding quality.
2. Choice of supplier and robot model - The market offers many brands and types of robots; it is worth betting on the solution that provides the optimum price/ROI ratio.
3. Design and testing - In this phase, an integration concept is developed, taking into account both the available space and the security requirements as well as the planned efficiency gains.
4. Implementation and commissioning - the support of an experienced integrator to carry out on-site installation and training is crucial.
5. Real-time monitoring of performance - Ideally, the system should be linked to an MES or other tool so that data can be collected and process parameters can be adjusted in real time.

The Michale Automation team specialises in just such complex implementations and integrations of robotic workstations - from design and implementation to training and maintenance.

The benefits of robotisation - a look at the facts and figures

The decision to invest in robots translates into multifaceted benefits that every company will notice sooner or later. The most frequently mentioned are:

Increased productivity and quality of production

Automating manufacturing processes significantly speeds up the pace of production to meet tight deadlines and increases the ability to fulfil larger orders. At the same time, robots ensure consistent, repeatable quality, eliminating human error and thus reducing the cost of complaints or possible rework.

Ergonomics and occupational safety

Robots relieve people of the heaviest and often dangerous tasks, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to workers. In sectors where there is contact with high temperatures or chemicals, robots directly protect the health of those working there.

Saving in the long term

Although the initial investment in robots can be relatively high, the return on investment (ROI) can be impressively fast - especially at high production volumes. As technology develops and robots become increasingly available (including second-hand or leased robots), the barrier to entry into robotisation is clearly lowering.

Better use of human resources

With simple and repetitive tasks being handled by robots, staff can focus on activities that require creativity, coordination, planning or innovation. As a result, employees are given the chance to develop and increase their competences.

Market credibility

Companies using modern automation and robotics solutions build an image as innovative, stable and reliable business partners. This also helps in attracting foreign contractors and participating in supply chains for global players.

The role of integrators and distributors in the robot deployment process

The aforementioned company Michale Automatika supports its customers in the wide range of machine and production line construction, industrial automation and the provision of robotic workstations. Choosing a trusted partner for the robotisation process allows the ordering company to relieve itself of the need to build up competence in the area of integration and selection of appropriate technology.

What's more, Michale Automatyka is an official distributor of SIASUN robots, which provides an additional guarantee of the reliability and good quality of the equipment. SIASUN is one of the brands recognised in the field of industrial robotics, providing a wide range of robots for different types of applications and industries.

Examples of applications and specialised robotisation solutions

Robotic welding

One of the most common applications of robotisation in the metal and engineering industry is welding. A robotised welding cell guarantees repeatable and fast welds, while minimising waste and errors. For example, the range of welding robots on offer can be checked at Robotisation of welding.

Packaging and palletising

In the food industry or logistics, robots improve product packaging, palletisation, sorting or labelling. Thanks to vision sensors, they can recognise objects and manipulate them with high precision, thus avoiding product damage. More information on such solutions can be found here robotisation of packaging.

Solutions for tasks requiring precision and safety

Today's vision systems and artificial intelligence support robots in tasks where high precision and speed are crucial. Processes such as grinding, painting or placing parts on a belt can be fully robotised and safe for humans.

Other areas of robotic workstations

• Painting - improved coating quality and precise paint metering.
• Assembly of electronic components - robots capable of manipulating small parts as efficiently as humans.
• Quality control - Robotised workstations can, for example, scan a product or take automatic pictures using high-resolution cameras.

The SIASUN SR25A-12-2-01 robot - an example of a versatile industrial robot

The range of advanced SIASUN industrial robots includes, among others, the model SIASUN Robot SR25A-12-2-01which is characterised by stable operation, a high payload and high repeatability of movement. It is a solution dedicated to companies looking for a versatile robot to handle processes ranging from welding to palletising. See the product page for technical details.

Robots of this type also perform well when integrated with vision systems, enabling automatic recognition of workpiece positions, vision-based quality control and continuous collection of data needed for real-time analysis.

How do you calculate the return on investment in robotisation?

Entrepreneurs considering the purchase and implementation of a robot rightly want to know when the investment will pay off. It is worth analysing both the direct investment costs (purchase of equipment, integrator service, costs of fittings and possible line rework) and the estimated financial benefits:

• Reduction in labour costs - The robot can replace several operators working in multiple shifts.
• Reducing production losses - errors due to human inaccuracy are eliminated, thus reducing waste.
• Improving performance - the ability to work 24/7, which contributes to increased capacity.

Some companies opt for an ROI calculator that makes it easy to estimate after how many months or years the investment will have paid off. It is worth visiting ROI calculator welding robotisation, which, although mainly concerned with welding, provides an overview of the key parameters affecting the profitability of robotisation in almost every industry.

Innovation implementation and future prospects

Companies are gradually enriching production lines not only with robots, but also with advanced sensors, AI systems or Big Data analytics, allowing for even deeper automation. The concepts of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 are also developing:

• Industry 4.0 is betting on machine connectivity within the Internet of Things (IoT) and real-time data fusion.
• Industry 5.0 adds the aspect of human-machine and robot collaboration in a more empathetic, human-centred view.

Companies such as Michale Automatyka are already proposing complex implementations that take into account not only robots, but entire ecosystems of solutions that integrate software and hardware into one coherent whole.

What do Polish companies need to strengthen robotisation?

In order for Poland to retain and strengthen its position as a growing industrial market, there is a need:

• Informed corporate investment strategies - a long-term approach to robotisation is crucial, taking into account the necessary training and infrastructure development.
• Support of state institutions and professional organisations - These include, for example, subsidy programmes and tax breaks to encourage investment in innovation.
• Staff development - growing demand for robotics engineers, integrators, PLC programmers and vision system specialists.
• Increased dissemination of knowledge - conferences, trade fairs, seminars and other events that promote best robotisation practices among entrepreneurs.

An increase in the number of installed robots in Poland from a level of around 3-3.5 thousand per year to much higher figures is realistic, but requires concerted action by the industry, the education sector and state institutions.

Practical conclusions and recommendations

1. Start with a needs analysis: Consider which processes in your company consume the most time or generate the greatest error costs.
2. Invest in good guidance and integration: Choosing a reliable partner such as Michale Automation will avoid costly mistakes and implementation delays.
3. Remember to train your staff: Automation means new competences, including the need to operate robots and IT systems.
4. Monitor effects and adjust strategy: Robotisation is an ongoing process. Data collected by robots, their software and systems can identify additional areas for optimisation.
5. Focus on development: Follow the principle of 'small steps', but also don't be afraid to introduce more innovative solutions, especially if the market demands rapid change.

Summary

The use of robots in industry is proving to be not only a response to market challenges, but also a reliable way to improve competitiveness. By reducing operating costs and increasing productivity, companies gain stability and the opportunity to grow. In an era of rising labour costs and increasing customer expectations of product quality, robotisation is becoming an almost 'must have' investment for any company seeking growth.

If you are curious about the benefits and prospects offered by the implementation of robots, visit Robotisation, where you will find information about the specialised solutions available from Michal Automatics. Whether you are interested in robotisation of welding, robotisation of packaging or other industrial automation technologies, the key to success lies in a skilful needs analysis, a well thought-out concept and professional integration.

We also encourage you to get in touch to get a quote and find out how quickly you can achieve a return on your investment. Use our profitability estimation tools, tap into our expert knowledge and bring your business into the modern automation era. This will make your business more flexible, efficient and future-ready.

FAQ

How long does it take to implement automation in a company?
The implementation time depends on the complexity of the processes and available resources. It can range from a few weeks for simple solutions to several months for extensive projects and large integrations.

Does automation mean redundancies?
Usually no. Automation allows employees to focus on more creative and strategic tasks, while freeing them from monotonous tasks. Many companies use this to retrain and develop their team professionally.

Does robotisation only pay off for large companies?
Today, advances in technology are leading more and more small and medium-sized companies to turn to robotisation. Costs are coming down and flexible solutions can deliver a favourable return on investment even for smaller operations.