Robotics and automation are no longer concepts of the future. Today, they are part of the present in many factories, although not all of them are at the same level of technological maturity. Some plants are highly automated, while others are just taking their first steps.
But what is industrial robotics really, and what types of solutions are available on the market today?
In this new episode of the B2B Sales Podcast, Borja Rubio talks with Roberto Carrera, a professional with extensive experience in the robotics sector, to bring these concepts down to earth and clearly explain how robotics is transforming industrial processes.
The origin of industrial robotics
Robotics emerged as a response to a very specific need: automation in the automotive industry. It was there that the first industrial robots began to be installed to take on heavy, repetitive, and dangerous tasks. Over time, this technology evolved and adapted to virtually any industrial working environment.
Today, robotics is here to stay and can be applied across multiple sectors and processes, improving efficiency, quality, and safety on the shop floor.
The three main types of industrial robotics
During the episode, the three major pillars on which modern robotics is based are explained:
1. Articulated robots
These are the classic six-axis industrial robots, usually installed in enclosed cells. They stand out for their speed, precision, and payload capacity, and can handle anything from very small parts to heavy loads. They are used in tasks such as:
- Part handling in machine tools
- Industrial painting
- Adhesive application
- Robotic welding
Their main advantage is process repeatability and consistent quality.
2. Collaborative robotics (cobots)
Collaborative robots are designed to work close to people. They are smaller, safer, and more flexible, and in many cases allow safety fences to be removed. They are used for:
- Repetitive tasks
- Handling light parts
- Direct support for operators
Although there is still some cultural resistance to their adoption, more and more companies are recognizing the value they bring in terms of productivity and ergonomics.
3. AGVs and AMRs (autonomous vehicles)
Autonomous transport systems make it possible to move materials, boxes, or pallets around the factory without human intervention. They use autonomous navigation and represent an evolution compared to traditional forklifts or guided conveyor lines.
These vehicles are revolutionizing internal logistics and warehouse management.
Full process automation
One of the key points of the episode is how these three technologies can work together. A clear example is the end-of-line process:
- An articulated robot palletizes products
- A cobot automatically labels them
- An AGV transports the pallet to the warehouse
In this way, a process that is still performed manually in many factories today can be automated, increasing throughput and reducing errors.
More value for people
Robotics is not here to replace people, but to free them from tasks that add no value: repetitive work, physical strain, unnecessary movements, or processes the customer is not willing to pay for.
By automating, companies ensure:
- Consistent quality
- Plant safety
- Stable and repeatable processes
In addition, thanks to advances in software, it is no longer necessary to have extensive programming knowledge to implement robotic solutions. Interfaces are more intuitive and accessible than ever.
Accessible robotics for companies
Another important aspect is cost. Automated cells no longer require the level of investment they did 20 years ago. Today, robotics is an affordable option for many industrial SMEs, opening the door to much wider automation.
Listen to the full episode
If you want to explore how robotics can be applied to your industry, learn about real use cases, and understand why automation is key to competitiveness, we invite you to listen to this episode of the B2B Sales Podcast.
