Gluing with cobots

07. June 2023 7 min.

René Gnos, Industry Manager Automotive

In the past, a hand applicator was needed to apply adhesive to bulky, curved or geometrically demanding parts. Cobots can now do this job. In this blog post, I will show you how this works in practice and why using this technology in adhesive application is worthwhile.

The Primo dosing head from Robatech in combination with a cobot from Universal Robots The Primo dosing head for 360° gluing with cobots

Cobots are used for partial automation in many manufacturing areas. Unlike industrial robots, cobots do not require safety fences as they immediately stop moving when touched. This makes cobots particularly attractive for small and medium-sized enterprises.

How does the collaboration between cobots and humans work in the gluing process?

Cobots and people move in a common workflow. The cobot applies adhesive to a part in a programmed movement pattern. The staff perform manual tasks such as placing and pressing parts on bonded surfaces or placing new parts in position for the cobot.

In some companies, cobots are separated from staff by security fences despite the occupational safety they offer. In the video, you can see an example of how a cobot applies adhesive to several differently shaped parts in one operation. The staff use the time to place new parts in position on the next plate.

What is different when applying adhesive with cobots?

Compared to a hand applicator, cobots apply the adhesive faster and more accurately. Always in the exact quantity and at the exact position. For applying adhesive to non-regular components, collaborating robots can be equipped with a dosing head, such as the Primo. This way dead spots – spots without adhesive application – are avoided and the application of too much adhesive to a component is prevented. This is important for the reliable adhesion of the parts after completion or assembly. Compared to industrial robots, cobot programming is relatively simple, making it easier for companies to opt for partial or full automation.

The SX Diamond application head from Robatech connected to a cobot from Fanuc Easy to program: adhesive application with cobots

Why collaborating robots are worthwhile

It’s a fact: automation in Asia is increasing at an incredible rate. It is also undisputed that small and medium-sized enterprises in the Western Hemisphere need to reduce their operating costs and increase their unit quantities in order to remain competitive in the market. Cobots make it easy to implement partial automation. A robot reduces downtime, enables continuous operation and closes production and personnel gaps caused by the ongoing shortage of skilled workers.

The question whether switching to cobots is worthwhile for you as a user or machine builder, will be answered by the cobot manufacturer. But you can rely on the fact that our adhesive application systems can be combined with different cobot systems. We have been working with manufacturers for several years and offer corresponding integration kits (UR+, Fanuc CRX, KUKA iisy)

Kuka cobot combined with an adhesive application system from Robatech Increased competitiveness thanks to adhesive application with cobots

Adhesive application with cobots has a future

In view of the increasing competitive pressure, I am convinced that partial or full adhesive application automation with cobots will gain in importance.

Cobots increase productivity,
Ensure capacity utilization in times of shortage of skilled workers,
Provide security and relief for staff, and
Improve the quality of the adhesive application.

If you are considering the idea of automating adhesive application via cobots, we would be happy to advise which adhesive application system suits your application and how our systems can be connected to a cobot. Or you may already be applying adhesive with cobots. Then we would love to hear from you. Let us know what benefits this solution has brought you.

René Gnos, Industry Manager Automotive

René Gnos is Industry Manager Automotive at Robatech’s headquarters in Switzerland. He has been working to integrate adhesive application systems in cobots and industrial robots since 2019. Due to his close cooperation with robot manufacturers from all over the world, Robatech now offers integration kits for different cobot systems.