The rapidly growing popularity of industrial automation in different sectors is expected to continue in the next decades, as managers and investors realize the associated benefits. Although some are still cautious about the application of robotic automation in their plants, the truth is that when done correctly, the success will be immense. To help you make the decision on whether to implement robotics in your plant, check the following benefits and disadvantages. 

Pros of Using Robotics in Industries

Robotics has changed manufacturing in a number of ways, such as freeing human resources so that they can concentrate on other areas. This might be all that you need to optimize production. Here are the main advantages to anticipate from adopting robotics in industrial operations. 

Robotics are Cost-Effective 

When working with staff in industrial facilities, there are so many things that come into play. For example, a person can get sick, and you are forced to give some time off, resulting in low productivity. However, robots do not require sick leave, lunch breaks, holidays or shifts to operate. With automation, your plant can operate during the day, at night, and on public holidays to optimize production with minimal staff. Robots will also reduce material wastage.

The elevated production at lower costs is very beneficial because it means higher profitability. Therefore, you will be able to break-even faster and expand the enterprise with ease. The only costs that will be incurred include logistics, maintenance, and marketing. 

Greater Quality Assurance 

One fact about employees is that some of them rarely like doing repetitive tasks, especially over a long period. Indeed, they tend to lose concentration after working continuously, resulting in major errors and risk of injuries. You do not want to imagine your staff making errors when working on the motors, forklifts, or conveyors belts because they can be serious health hazards. Well, you can address this problem through automation and robotics. 

With robotics, all repetitive tasks are done by machines. Therefore, robots will not fail you, unlike employees who can compromise quality when tired, angry or in bad moods. Coupled with the right programmable logic controllers, robots will ensure the products are maintained at the right temperature, pressure, or weight. 

Robots can Work Even in Hazardous Environments 

In addition to the risk of injuries, your plant risks being slapped with heavy penalties if it is categorized as dangerous. This could mean exposure to harmful fumes, radiation, or flammable materials. If the workplace is not properly aerated, it will also be on the list of dangerous places. Well, your robots will not have an issue with any of these conditions. As far as they are set properly, the motors, pumps, conveyors and boilers, among other pieces of equipment, are working well; your facility will be okay. Make sure to check the allowed standards for various hazards, taking care to avoid damage to the finished product. 

What are the Disadvantages of Robotics? 

When you decide to adopt robotics, it comes with two major cons: the high investment cost and the requirement to hire skilled staff. It is true that most machines for automation are expensive, but this fact is changing with time. However, you should not look at the cost from the perspective of expenses because they are machines that will help you in the long term. Indeed, their cost will be very low when compared to the returns they will have generated over the years. 

When it comes to staff, it is only those with the right skills to use the automated robots that can work in your facility. Again, working with highly skilled staff, although they will require high salaries, is a good thing for your brand and product quality. With the right staff, robotics, and low cost of production, you can easily optimize productivity and grow the brand internationally. 

As you can see, the benefits associated with adopting robotics in industrial operations are more compared to the disadvantages. Therefore, you should not hesitate to adopt robotics automation as a method of leveraging organizational growth. Remember that in addition to the robots, all the equipment, from programmable logic controllers to material handling devices, should be maintained in top condition all the time.