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moldmakingtechnology.com 21 flexibility. If the cobot can be redeployed or moved to perform other tasks, then a company can save on acquiring a second or third unit. But, consider the time and effort required to rede- ploy the cobot to a different location for a different applica- tion. Redeploying the cobot may affect downtime enough that it warrants the purchase of an additional unit. Beneficial trade-offs. When implementing any type of new technology, there may be trade-offs that affect ROI either directly or indirectly. For example, safety features such as power and force- limiting sensors provide a safer envi- ronment by protecting workers in the event that they come into contact with the robot. That is why the collaboration feature exists, but it means that they operate more slowly than traditional robots. Slower cycle times may affect throughput or overall productivity. Less expensive equipment may also mean less robust equipment. Is the cobot built to last? You certainly do not want your ROI influenced by the need to replace the robot in three to five years. Your ROI may be affected if the unit is not designed with a platform to last or built to withstand the rigors of your specific environment. Units that are not designed with a lasting platform or that are not built to withstand the rigors of a specific environment may impact ROI. Many users claim that cobots are easy to use, and often they mean that cobots are easy to set up and to start using quickly. This may be true, but this ease of use usually means less functionality. For example, the user interface may be great for the novice. But, as the exper- CONTRIBUTOR Keith Vozel is a product manager for the Motoman Robotics Division of Yaskawa America. tise of a user grows, he or she will want greater capability for more complex needs. Therefore, it is important to acknowl- edge that expanding the use of a cobot may require hiring someone with more experience or even advanced technical programing skills. These benefits and costs of collaborative technology highlight all that is required to make sound investment decisions. Hopefully, this information can help you deter- FOR MORE INFORMATION Yaskawa America Motoman Robotics Division 937-847-3384 info@motoman.com motoman.com VIDEO: Cobot in Action short.moldmakingtechnology.com/robots To learn more, Call 888-738-5772 Or visit MCMachinery.com/Partnership Follow us on Twitter @mc_mits EDM | MILLING | TURNING | LASER | PRESS BRAKE | CONSUMABLES | AUTOMATION | ADDITIVE | FINANCING | SERVICE Your business calls for constant reinvention— staying on top of technology and seizing every opportunity. Fortunately, there's a sharp-minded consultant in your corner. With the widest product range and the cutting-edge application support to back it up, no one is better equipped than the experts at MC Machinery. Let us help you conquer your next challenge— no matter what the job requires. DO YOUR PART WE'LL HELP