Applications of collaborative robots in agile manufacturing: a review

Abstract

Collaborative robots are machines that work hand in hand with humans; or as the name suggests, collaborate with them in a specific workspace. These robots are not enclosed in confined safety zones like traditional robots, as they interact very closely with humans. Though this is the case, appropriate measures are captivated while designing these robots considering human safety. These robots are well-versed in adapting to changes and frequent upgrades. They are flexible enough to carry out complex tasks. Due to these abilities, they become a significant asset in the manufacturing field. It’s been many years now since cobots are introduced in the industry sector. So, this is the right time to review various applications of cobots in manufacturing. First, the paper starts with a brief introduction followed by an extensive literature review which was structured after reviewing 76 research papers and articles. It ends with some essential conclusions. This paper discusses the diverse applications of cobots used in the manufacturing sector and their advantages. Further, it highlights the future of cobots and how they will be a boon for a technology-driven world.