Small steps, big impact: Automation with cobots

Why are cobots a hot topic?

The hygiene industry is changing. Companies want and design processes more efficiently with the aim of avoiding downtimes. It is not the size of a machine or the complexity of a process that determines how efficiently a production runs. Rather, it is small, recurring work steps that can keep the process stable – or bring it to a standstill. This is where cobots come in.

Collaborative robots, so-called Cobots, work together with humans and, unlike classic industrial robots, do not require protective cages or elaborate safety barriers. Thanks to modern sensor technology, they stop immediately at every touch, ensuring employee safety.

Small steps become constant challenge

What seem like insignificant production steps at first glance can have major impacts on the production process. This usually includes recurring activities completed regularly to keep the production flow stable. Such tasks occur in many areas – be it the replenishment of materials, the testing of components or the readjustment of small machine parts.

In the hygiene industry, bag refilling is a typical example. Stacks of bags are provided at regular intervals, which are later fed into the packaging system. If this step does not occur accurately, the entire packaging line can come to a standstill, resulting in lost production, scrap, and additional costs.

Since the intervals between these work steps are often very short, there are interruptions in operator workflow. They must switch between different tasks frequently, reducing efficiency and making operations less predictable. Such repetitive, time-critical activities show the potential for automation solutions such as cobots.

How cobots make workflows more efficient

Cobots perform specific tasks that occur regularly but require little decision-making effort. This relieves employees of their time and allows them to concentrate on activities that require more expertise or attention. Collaborative robots can be integrated directly into existing production environments. This opens the possibility of using cobots for additional activities or in other areas of production.

Optima relies on a cobot for the automated replenishment of bags. Instead of adding only a few stacks after a few minutes, an operator can now prepare a buffer rack. The cobot places the stacks of bags on the feeder of the packaging line. This creates a significantly higher time buffer for operators to perform other tasks. While employees are relieved, automation ensures a stable flow of production processes without stops.