Multipurpose Cobots with advanced “brains”

Ever since I got into woodworking in 2016, I realized that flexible, multi-purpose cobots (collaborative robots) are the future of woodworking. The reason for this is very simple. In most woodworking/cabinetmaking/millwork companies in the West, labour is a huge part of the overall cost to manufacture. If that labour could be automated or supported with cobots, it would increase productivity and drive down cost exponentially. The key was programming, and specifically, algorithms. As an engineer, I wrote algorithms for myself and new hires to follow to ensure our processes and quality standards were met. If you could write an algorithm for it, you could automate it.

At the time, the hardware and software for cobots was too limited. But it was clear that it was a matter of time before it caught up. Now, the hardware is catching up rapidly in capabilities, and the problem is increasingly becoming one of software. Specifically: programming and training. In time, this barrier too will fall. Which is why we’ve been working on algorithms to train cobots to perform basic tasks in a manufacturing facility, and have been exploring partnerships with cobot manufacturers. We’re building out algorithms and training data to easily train the “brains” of cobots to perform more advanced tasks and functions.

A key point to note is the differences in roles between cobots and CNCs. CNCs provide advanced milling and cutting capabilities, but still require a human to program them, input material, remove milled product, check for errors, and perform other tasks. A CNC is thus a more advanced form of many of the traditional manufacturing tools, but far from replacing humans. This is where cobots come in. Here, both cobots and modular robots will present the best opportunities. Where a CNC requires a large financial investment in tools and equipment and training, a cobot or modular robot can work with existing tools in the existing space with minimal reconfiguration. This offers shops far more options, and makes them far more valuable.