What are cobots? Using cobots at the production facility of HELUKABEL

1.1 What are cobots?

A cobot (collaborative robot), often referred to as a "collaborative robot," is a form of robotic automation designed to work safely alongside humans in a shared workspace. In most applications, cobots are responsible for performing repetitive and simple tasks, while human workers focus on more complex jobs that require critical thinking. The precision, continuous operation, and repeatability of cobots are designed to complement human intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

1.2 What differs cobots from traditional robots?

The design of cobots differs significantly from traditional industrial robots. With rounded edges, force limitations, and lightweight construction, cobots are primarily designed with safety. Most cobots are equipped with a range of sensors to avoid collisions with humans, along with safety protocols that automatically stop operation in the event of any unintended contact. Their ability to work collaboratively with humans greatly expands the potential applications of robotic automation. An increasing number of industries are recognizing the benefits this technology brings.

The HELUKABEL production facility in the Franconian city of Windsbach was already one of the most modern of its kind. Now, the location is investing further in the automation of their manufacturing processes. As of recent, a cobot (a collaborative robot) has been supporting employees in mounting parts onto the specialized, automated machines.

2.1 Cobots replace manual works

The screening material, that many cables and wires produced by HELUKABEL are braided with, is delivered on large drums. To further process the material, it must then be rewound onto smaller spools, which are mounted onto the automated braiding machines. The empty spools must be placed into the winding machine and then removed once fully wound. It's monotonous work, which until now has been done by hand. Much to the pleasure of the employees, the robot is now performing these tasks fully automatically. They are now able to focus on more important tasks.

3.1 Operating environment of cobots and robots

Cobots and robots are an essential part of highly dynamic manufacturing industries around the world, and it is difficult to imagine these industries without them. Robots and cobots can be found operating and interacting in close proximity with humans on production lines, but they also perform tasks independently. Modern industrial robots move in three-dimensional space and are able to carry out a great variety of tasks. In doing so, the robot, or rather the robot arm, repeats a sequence of movements millions of times. It nevertheless completes repetitive work processes with continuous precision while maintaining consistent quality – without daily variations or signs of fatigue.

3.2 Requirements for cables used in cobot and robot applications

In order to be able to do this, the cables in the cobots and robots must meet the highest standards:

• Rapid acceleration and deceleration, tensile loads as well as combined bending and torsional movements are just a few of the operating conditions taken into account during cable design.
• At the same time – and depending on the application – space-saving solutions are needed to feed the cables into or along the robot arm whilst maintaining the greatest possible freedom of movement.
• Mechanical stress as well as chemical and thermal factors often play a role here too.