Collaborative Robots – Cobots. What can they do for SME’s?

Collaborative robots: A business opportunity

Robots are right here, right now and offer businesses the chance to transform the way they operate and compete more effectively on the world stage. Robots have been around in the heavy industry for years, assembling cars and lorries, and now they are beginning to break out into the wider world, too.

Milton Keynes is at the forefront of this next industrial and social revolution. A robotic office manager called Betty is monitoring environmental conditions at the offices of the city’s Transport Systems Catapult.

Programmed with the latest artificial intelligence software, Betty is an example of a collaborative robot or cobot.

Two Biztech events in Milton Keynes on Thursday, October 6 (breakfast) and Thursday, October 20 (early evening showcase) will put the spotlight on these co–bots and how it is possible to collaborate with them, how they can be used by SMEs and what the future holds for businesses and consumers.

The presentations will look at human factors, such as the psychological effects of working with robots, and how the size and costs of robots are now much more affordable.

It is possible that teams made of humans and robots collaborating efficiently can be more productive than teams made of either humans or robots alone.

Confirmed speakers

• Mike Wilson of ABB Robotics who is a well-known figure in the automation world with 30+ years of experience encompassing robots and other automated machinery both as a user and supplier. He is widely recognised as one of the leading authorities on the application of industrial robot systems in the UK. Mike is also President of the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) and a Board Member of the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA).
• Cranfield University Senior Research Fellow Dr Sarah Fletcher.  Her background is in psychology/human factors in relation to collaborative robots, understanding how to design and implement collaborative systems to optimise the operator’s trust and acceptance. In 2012, Sarah developed the Industrial Psychology and Human Factors group to focus on research and development for the integration of humans and intelligent automation in manufacturing.
• Peter Williamson MD of RARUK Automation Ltd will be bringing a table-top demonstration UR3 Robot. RARUK Automation Ltd is the sole UK Preferred Partner for Universal Robot’s range of low cost, easy to use, six-axis collaborative robots, with the fastest payback in the industry

This is a must-attend event for business leaders with an eye on the future. These are most likely to be leaders and future leaders of companies looking at ways to create more productive working environments. Similarly, those working in human resources who would like to build an in-depth appreciation of the potential effects on human beings of using robots in collaborative scenarios.

This event would also be of interest to:

• Students of robotics, technological innovation and management.
• Businesses looking for information on how to make their offering more productive and for competitive advantage.
• Those interested in robotics as well as the human and social impacts of technology.