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The combination of robotics and machine learning (ML) is set to revolutionize the manufacturing sector in South Africa. If local businesses embrace the technology, they can significantly boost output, efficiency, and competitiveness.
According to Andrew Crackett, managing director at Yaskawa South Africa, incorporating ML in automation and robotics greatly enhances productivity within manufacturing processes, optimizing most operations and leading to greater competitiveness.
By enhancing current automation capabilities, ML enables traditional robotic systems to analyze large amounts of data, learn from past assignments, and make intelligent decisions autonomously. This improvement results in increased adaptability, better defect detection, and optimal performance without continuous human intervention.
The integration of ML also promotes a safer and more collaborative manufacturing environment. Collaborative robots, known as cobots, such as the MOTOMAN HC Series robots, improve productivity while fostering safer, more interactive human-robot communication.
ML drives manufacturing operations toward continuous improvement. Through a network of sensors and data sources, ML algorithms can recognize patterns, anticipate system failures, and optimize maintenance schedules, which reduces downtime and costs while extending machinery lifespan.
Additionally, ML enables adaptive manufacturing, allowing immediate adjustments in response to changing consumer demands. This agility strengthens a company’s position in the fast-paced global market.
However, the full potential of this transformative technology can only be realized by addressing data quality, security, and ethical concerns for the responsible use of ML-optimized robotic systems.