The cobots are collaborative robots, new generation industrial robots designed to work together with the man, elbowed and secured, without barriers or protective cages to divide them. Collaborative robots are specialized in carrying out specific tasks that "learn" directly in the field. They can be more or less autonomous and are revolutionizing the logistics and factory automation sectors. So let's talk about robotics at the service of industry in this case.

 

Cobots are mostly anthropomorphic collaborative robots, but not in the sense that you probably imagine. When we talk about anthropomorphic robots we are not talking about humanoid robots, not necessarily, they are often industrial automobiles equipped with cameras and flexible arms capable of performing simultaneously two different tasks.

 

Unlike traditional industrial robots, which need to be programmed to work, the cobot generally learns work in progress, while working, in the field, memorizing and replicating the maneuvers that were shown to him a few minutes earlier by the "colleague" in flesh and bones. Almost always they are repetitive and weary jobs that are entrusted to a robot to increase the efficiency of the production chain.

 

The cobot - as mentioned - supports the worker, interacts with him in the same environment. Between the two there is no physical separation: they can work a few meters away from each other. This cohabitation is made possible by the fact that collaborative robots are equipped with sophisticated security mechanisms, based on force control and constant monitoring of what is happening around them. Through cameras and special anti-collision systems, in fact, they coordinate their movements with those of human workers avoiding the possibility of accidents.

 

Cobots are industrial robots with a relatively low price. Some models can be purchased for less than 25 thousand euros, as a mid-range car. Also for this reason, in Italy, several small and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-food and electronics sectors decided to equip them to increase productivity and better organize their warehouses, from handling to packaging of goods.

 

How far will the presence of robots in the workplace be pushed over the next few years? How long will peaceful collaboration between men and intelligent machines last? These are questions that we have been hearing for years now. The question is always the same: Will robots steal our jobs or release new energy to be used in unexplored sectors? We do not have certainties. The future together with robots, collaborative or not, is still a hypothesis to be tried. We know with certainty what is happening in many industrial and non-industrial realities, where automata are taking on an increasing role. This is the case, for example, of a giant like Amazon, which in many of its locations around the world is increasing the number of robots used.