Workplace Optimization Using a Collaborative Robot

The study describes increasing the productivity of the production process using robotization. The application of robots in the manufacturing process and logistics requires a very thorough analysis and knowledge of manufacturing processes. The theoretical part describes the knowledge gained from the scientific literature concerning the robotization and technical standards of the Czech Republic. In the practical part there is an analysis of the current situation – i.e. defining a selected production line and selected workplaces on these lines, especially in terms of activities. The activities performed at these sites and their duration are crucial for determining the suitability of the site for implementing the robot. In the next chapter, the workplaces are evaluated in terms of activities that can be transferred from the operator to the robot to determine which percentage replacement of the operator is feasible. Thus, the selection of suitable activities (processes) for automation will be made at the workplace. The technical solution of the implementation is also proposed for the selected workplace. To achieve a successful application of the collaborative robot into the production process, it was necessary to change the location of the workplace, including electrical and air distribution, investment in a new conveyor and laser gauges. The new layout was based on saving space and saving human influence in the production process. The whole study shows a systematic approach to the introduction of the above-described issue. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020