The automotive world is no stranger to robots. Automotive manufacturers have pioneered and championed the use of robotics in welding, painting and more to help efficiently and accurately mass produce vehicles.

Now, as both robots and vehicle technology continue to evolve, the automotive manufacturing industry is adapting to include and embrace a new generation of robotic uses.

A Helping Hand, Back and Shoulders

Exoskeletons — essentially wearable robotics —shine a new light on the term power suit. The motorized limbs can help enhance workers’ abilities, particularly for those in the workforce who are older. Where assembly line work may require repetitive, continuous and time-sensitive work, exoskeletons are able to step in to provide a support system, reducing fatigue and keeping workers safe.

By reducing the chances of fatigue buildup, exoskeletons can help minimize workmanship errors, a vital need when creating vehicles that will soon hold passengers.

Right by Your Side

Safely operating right next to humans, collaborative robots, known as cobots, are joining workers in automotive assembly lines and on factory floors. Beyond doing the heavy lifting, cobots are improving flexibility and efficiency because they are programmed to navigate the differences between multiple car models with complete accuracy.

From testing sensors on self-driving vehicles to gluing protective pads onto headliners — which is difficult due to the high temperatures of the glue — cobots are helping with a multitude of daily vital tasks right alongside their human counterparts.

Preventing Mistakes

The use of robots in industries like car manufacturing also presents opportunities to anticipate and address potential issues in the manufacturing process before they happen.

By pulling performance reports from cobots and other industrial robots on the floor and in assembly lines, companies are able to identify potential problem areas in machines, equipment and workflows.
The more dynamic capabilities of robots enable them to shift and adjust to accommodate needs as they arise, instead of companies needing to purchase new machines.

As they continue to enable connected and efficient workplaces, robots and their applications are bound to maintain and even expand in vehicle technology. Side by side with humans, robots may soon be opening doors to new workplace processes.

Learn more about consumer sentiment for current and future use cases of robotics.