As the rise for additive manufacturing technologies continues to rise, and the government pumps money into more advanced manufacturing processes, companies are turning to robotics.
Adelaide steel fabricator Rowlands Metalworks has become the second company to purchase an AMLD3D Arcemy Robotic Welding cell following a grant from the Centre of Defence Industry Capability (CDIC).
Integrating robotic systems into manufacturing processes has become the norm. Industry 4.0 is the name coined for an emerging automated industry. The Fourth Industrial Revolution where modern technology is transforming the manufacturing industry.
AMLD3D said in a statement about the device, “the arcemy module has the potential to transform their operations, positioning them at the forefront of industry 4.0 innovation.”
“Following the Great Depression, metal fabricators invested in new fabricating technology and automation at a rapid pace. The latter gave manufacturers and fabrication shops the ability to boost productivity without adding too much overhead, making them more competitive and strengthening their ability to grow the business.”
Robotic welding has several advantages;
- Increased productivity – complete complicated welds simultaneously and speed up production
- Consistent, high quality welds
- Safety – without the correct use of PPE, humans are potentially exposed to hazardous environments while welding
However, humans are still more adaptive than robots. So while robots prominence may reduce the number of human workers, it won’t completely eliminate them. Humans are needed to program the robots to understand their task. In more specialised services, humans will continue to have essential roles to play.
“Technological innovations allow businesses to make better use of human effort, with machines taking over mundane tasks so that employees can focus on skills unique to humans such as critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence. This opens up new opportunities for businesses to improve and optimise their operations.”
