A manipulator is a robotics device that allows an operator to manipulate processes or materials with no direct physical contact with them. Typically, the device will have a robotic arm, which will allow for various different functions, such as picking and placing, feeding parts, packaging materials, cleaning, drilling, and many more. Originally, these devices were created to use in situations where it was too dangerous for a person to deal with the materials – such as in radioactive, biohazardous, high heat, etc., environments. Today, however, manipulators are used in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, in space, military operations, reconstruction sites, R&D, and so on.
The mobile manipulator systems are created to use the manipulator device together with a mobile platform in order to gain additional functionality and movement capabilities. This smart technology is made increasingly accessible in industrial settings by brands such as Robotnik. Robotnik is a manufacturer and developer of mobile manipulators and mobile platforms to be used in engineering or R&D projects, which the company can also help develop.
More and more industrial businesses are recognizing the many benefits of mobile manipulators. One of the biggest advantages of leveraging robot manipulator technology is cost-efficiency – in fact, mobile manipulators can help reduce logistics costs in businesses by up to 40%. Here are some of the key reasons for this.
Larger working area
As mobile manipulators work on a mobile platform, this means that the robot is able to access a much larger working area than the normal standing robots. This is a great benefit for businesses, as it means a single manipulator device can be used for a wider range of functionality, overall avoiding additional costs associated with process automation. Whether that is an autonomous manipulator that carries out the activities of a regular worker or one that must be controlled by an operator – the expanded working area of mobile manipulators results in fewer workers on-site and therefore reduced costs.
Harmonious working between robots and people
Having both robots and people working on-site at the same time can cause some headaches for businesses, as the health and safety of the workers must be ensured. There are times when working near robots may be dangerous for people, as they may be carrying heavy loads while constantly moving. Smart mobile manipulator solutions, however, allow for a safe and harmonious working environment between the robot manipulators and people, as they are designed to avoid moving obstacles.
In terms of cost-saving, this means that the business does not have to worry about separate working spaces for the working people and cobots. It can also reduce the costly health and safety measures that may need to be implemented on-site.
Reduced process time
Time is one of the most precious resources in business, and so every project manager understands that saving time will essentially save money too. Due to the increased working area and flexibility of the mobile manipulators, the robot arms are able to move in all directions as well as fit in between narrow aisles. This means that the time in which the manipulator is able to get a job done will be reduced since no obstacles will need to be moved, and the shortest route available can be taken.
Coordination between robots
Most large engineering or R&D projects will require not one or two but a fleet of robots in a single workspace. The ability to coordinate them to work together in a single space is incredibly useful for businesses and can result in many reductions in costs. Additionally, the robots are able to share resources too.
Not only is the work getting done much more efficiently and faster, but there may be possibilities for increased benefits and functionality that businesses can take advantage of when coordinating multiple robots to work and share resources all at once.
Advanced user interface
The technology for mobile manipulators is getting smarter by the day, so controlling the cobots in various ways is becoming easier for the operators and cheaper for the businesses. For example, Robotnik mobile robot manipulator offers an advanced user interface that allows the operators to generate new maps or redefine routes and waypoints for the robots from their control panel.
This can result in reducing costs, as there is no need for lengthy reprogramming or other interference of support, saving additional costs and time, as well as a single manipulator, which can be easily switched between different working environments, allowing for more versatility of this technology.
Final thoughts
All in all, a mobile manipulator is a considerable investment for any business that carries out a lot of logistics processes, whether that is packaging, material handling and distribution, transportation, and so on. However, in the long run, it is clear how a mobile manipulator can reduce logistics costs due to the added speed, functionality, and flexibility of this smart technology.
