
Like any other automation solution, collaborative robots improve productivity. These robots can work faster than human beings, they do not need to rest, and they never make mistakes. They can also handle completely unrelated tasks by simply changing their programming. As a result, they are way better than human workers since human beings need extensive training in order to handle completely different tasks than the ones that they are specialized in.
While a lot has been talked about when it comes to the productivity advantages that come with deploying collaborative robots, there is an advantage that is not highlighted as much as it should: safety.
A collaborative robot makes the workplace safer. It reduces the incidences of worker injury and also cut on losses that occur due to accidental damage.
If you are planning on buying a collaborative robot, the following are some of the reasons your employee will enjoy a safer work environment as a result of your investment.
Managing Worker Fatigue

There are periods during a company’s existence when the pressure to deliver increased. It may be due to a sudden increase in demand during the holidays. It can also be as a result of landing a huge contract that has to be fulfilled within a short period. These periods are usually very stressful, and as studies show, and also tend to be accompanied by an increase in incidences of workplace injuries.
Having a collaborative robot will reduce worker fatigue during these periods. This is because these robots can work faster. They can also work day and night to ensure that they meet the necessary output demands. As a result, they can allow your employees the opportunity to focus on other parts of the business. Taking a break after a hard day’s work will also not be catastrophic as the robots will be working.
Rested employees tend to make fewer mistakes. The reduced pressure, in addition to the rest that they can afford to take, ensures that they make less accident-causing errors. This improves workplace safety.
Reduced Cases of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Incidences of musculoskeletal disorders have always been high in sectors where employees do a lot of repetitive tasks. As a result, cases of tendonitis, ligament sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome are to blame for cases of chronic pain that most employees report. This makes work in these sectors inherently unsafe.
Collaborative robots can reduce the risk of these injuries. These robots can be programmed to handle repetitive tasks that are known to cause this condition. Employees can then focus on doing things that are less repetitive. Furthermore, since collaborative robots can easily be programmed to do almost any task, they can allow employees to switch between tasks without having a negative impact on productivity.
Handling Inherently Risky Jobs

Some jobs are inherently risky. Even in cases where all the safety precautions are taken, it is usually a matter of time before a worker gets injured. A good example is jobs that involve feeding materials to machinery or ones that involve working at extremely high heights.
To avoid the catastrophic effects of accidents that happen in case of an accident, you can program your robots to handle these tasks. Human employees will be kept out of harm’s way, making your facility safer.
Reduced Incidences of Human-Related Mistakes
Unlike robots, human beings become tired. They lose concentration and are also bound to make mistakes. These mistakes can be catastrophic. They can put other employees, and sometimes even the entire facility, under risk.
On the other hand, robots do not make mistakes. They are consistent in terms of executing tasks that they are supposed to. In fact, some even have advanced features that enable them to adjust their speed and force of operation when a human being is in their vicinity.
Since robots do not make mistakes, they are safer to work with. Therefore, investing in collaborative robots is an easy way to improve your company’s productivity and safety.