Recognising the potential of cobots first-hand
A family run business, Cobots Online began life in 1994, manufacturing architectural hardware, such as door handles, locks and hooks. After transitioning to precision engineering work, following the 2008 recession, the company acquired its first cobot in 2018.
After experiencing first-hand the productivity gains and ROI that a well-integrated cobot can unleash on a business, Cobots Online decided to start helping others integrate cobots into their operations.
Alongside running their original business, Cobots Online began working with SMEs across the UK, helping them to equip cobots for a range of functions, including machine tending, welding and sanding.
Now, in their own factory, the team are able to demonstrate real-life applications of cobots and bring to life a whole range of benefits. This enables the team to showcase the operational flexibility and scalability of cobots.
Why you can’t afford not to automate
The cohesive team at Cobots Online, compromising of the father, two sons, mother and an additional 29 members are fully aware of the challenges and opportunities facing organisations. Challenges they’ve faced themselves from their own experience as a family-owned manufacturing company. As a result, they are committed to providing personalised support, guiding each company they work with along their own automation journeys.
As part of the conversations that Cobots Online has with existing and potential customers, the team often hear concerns that cobots are ‘an expensive investment’. In response, Matthew Thompson, Commercial Director, has this to say:
“We understand that some companies – especially SMEs – are concerned that they cannot afford to automate, however, we’d argue it’s the opposite. Companies cannot afford not to automate. With increasing skills shortages and competition from overseas manufacturers, automation is a valuable investment.
“As an SME ourselves, we’ve seen first-hand how cobots can help to drive both productivity and profitability. For example, cobots don’t get tired, they can work consistently, accurately and safely. Getting the job done, while humans can focus on higher value tasks that we’re better suited for. We have one machine ourselves that has been working 24/7 for the past 294 days. This allows us to focus on actually running the business and interacting with customers. With that kind of output a cobot can pay for itself within around 12 months.”
