Collaborative Robots: Enhancing Productivity by Increasing Industrial Automation

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Smart Factories and the "connected workforce" (humans and robots working together) are revolutionizing**production processes around the world. Collaborative robots (cobots) are integral to this transformation**because they can work side-by-side with humans without bulky, expensive safety cages. Affordable, adaptable**and easier to use than traditional robots, cobots are making automation accessible for small and medium-sized**companies (SMEs). Yet Canadian manufacturers are lagging behind international competitors in adopting**advanced robotics. Obstacles to adoption include uncertainty about the uses and benefits of cobots and a lack of**skilled workers to manage them. Humber is a global leader in mechatronics and robotics, with the**programming strength, faculty expertise and innovation capacity (bronze medal in 2017 Mechatronic**Olympics, 20 gold skill awards) to train the talent and provide the guidance companies need to modernize**production with cobots. We are proposing to purchase 3 cobot models, each with different functions and**capabilities, to 1) address current skills gaps by raising awareness and providing training in the diversity of**cobot models and applications available 2) expand our applied research capacity 3) help companies innovate**single and multi-cobot applications that will reduce costs, increase productivity, improve safety, generate new**revenue and deliver competitive advantage. The cobots will be integrated into Humber's world-class Centre for**Technology Innovation (CTI), focused exclusively on experiential learning, applied research and innovation.**They will also be incorporated into at least 6 programs to ensure student learning remains relevant. Our cobot**training programs will benefit nearly 1,000 students, faculty and businesses initially, with expanded training**available when the CTI building opens in 2018. We are already using cobots to create automated solutions for**companies such as Magna, Higgins and 416 Automation, with several new projects in development, and will**establish more partnerships in new industry sectors as we acquire more cobots and refine our expertise.