More than 100 years after the first cars rolled-off Henry Ford’s assembly line, the company is breaking new ground in the way workers and robots are collaborating to manufacture vehicles.
New collaborative robots, also known as co-bots, are being used to help workers fit shock absorbers to Fiesta cars, where it requires pinpoint accuracy, strength, and a high level of dexterity. Employees work hand-in-hand with the robots to ensure a perfect fit every time.
“Working overhead with heavy air-powered tools is a tough job that requires strength, stamina, and accuracy. The robot is a real help,” said Ngali Bongongo, a production worker at Ford’s Cologne plant.
These 3 feet tall robots are equipped with high-tech sensors, and it will stop immediately if they detect an arm or even a finger in their path, ensuring worker safety. Similar technology also is used in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Developed over two years, the robot program was carried out in close partnership with German robot manufacturer, KUKA Roboter GmbH.
Ford is putting these robots on a trial at the company’s assembly plant in Cologne, Germany. They sought feedback from more than 1,000 production line workers to identify tasks for which the new robots would best be suited. They are also reviewing further use of these collaborative robots that can be programmed to perform tasks ranging from shaking “hands” to making a coffee.
