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For years, robots were seen as the enemy of assembly line workers. They are often seen as substitutes for real people doing work because they never complain, don’t tire, and have no emotions to deal with.
But Ford doesn’t believe that robots can completely replace humans in car production. Companies believe they can help them – for example, Robbie, collaborative robots or cobotdesigned to assist assembly workers with disabilities and mobility limitations.
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Robbie’s is an award-winning research project, designed to show that people with disabilities and those with limited mobility can take up jobs in manufacturing without the need for protective devices or safety barriers.
The project is supported by RWTH Aachen University and Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR), Germany’s largest provider of services for people with disabilities. LVR provides €372,000 (approximately $399,000).
Dietmar Brauner fears his 30-year career with Ford will end due to recurring health problems, resulting in reduced mobility in his shoulders and wrists. Now, he finds new friends with Robbie, with the cobots helping him with various tasks.
Robbie and Brauner worked together to attach a circular cover to the engine. The latter places the two covers on the stand and asks the cobot to pick up each and press them firmly into place. For the record, Robbie only moves when activated by Brauner and has sensors that detect when his hand or finger gets in the way.
Robbie the cobot underwent 18 months of trial before becoming a permanent part of the team. It was created to collaborate with people with limited mobility and people with disabilities by taking on tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for them. Now that Robbie is permanent, Ford can install more cobots in its production plants to expand job opportunities for more people.
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