Today, robotics is synonymous with manufacturing. As technology has progressed, automation and assembly have become inseparable. However, the large, bulky machines of times past no longer suffice. As technological advancement edges forward, older machines’ inadequacies become glaringly apparent.

Industry 4.0 introduced advanced, data-driven technologies into digital manufacturing, promising greater agility without jeopardizing quality or throughput. Digital manufacturing must follow through with that promise. Modern selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA) robot flexibility is central to that commitment.

Why Do Digital Manufacturers Need Flexibility?

Time waits for no one. Even as supply chains expanded exponentially, industry professionals maintained their speed and reliability. These improvements are due in large part to robotics advancements. Innovative solutions like mobile and collaborative robots have enabled them to develop creative workarounds to emerging bottlenecks.

This improvement is a double-edged sword. Customers have grown accustomed to consistent operational efficiency increases. They are delay-sensitive, even when faced with supply chain issues and skilled labor shortages. They expect accuracy, speed and efficiency developments to match technological development’s pace. It’s like the manufacturer’s version of Moore’s Law.

According to the Deloitte Research Center for Energy & Industrials, the net need for new manufacturing workers could reach 3.8 million between 2024 and 2033. It estimates that around 50% of these jobs will remain unfilled if manufacturers do not address skill and applicant gaps.

The manufacturing industry’s labor shortage has cost it an estimated $1 trillion in revenue, impacting facilities’ ability to invest in cutting-edge technologies. Simultaneously, labor costs rise due to wage inflation and regulatory changes like tariffs, complicating hiring. Smaller, less-resourced manufacturers are particularly affected.

As customer expectations evolve, skilled labor shortages worsen and operational costs rise, the need for flexibility becomes undeniable. Plateauing is not an option. SCARA robot flexibility is now fundamental to modern digital manufacturing.

Why SCARA Robots Are Perfect for the Role

Modern SCARA robots provide manufacturers with much-needed flexibility. They incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data analytics to achieve superior operational efficiency.

They outperform cobots and mobile robots in these respects because they are purpose-built for high-speed, repetitive applications. Cutting-edge sensors and algorithms further enhance their speed and precision by compensating for robotics’ natural limitations. For example, a vision system enables them to “see” their surroundings, improving safety and accuracy.

Facilities need SCARA robots to adapt quickly to changing market demands and workforce dynamics. They can mitigate labor strain and human error, improving uptime, throughput and output quality.

How Their Flexibility Enhances Production

Cutting-edge solutions are still in the early implementation stages, so their benefits and total cost of ownership are unclear. Since SCARA robots have existed for much longer, engineers have had plenty of time to iron out the wrinkles. Decades of continuous refinement have resulted in exceptionally durable, capable machines.

A well-suited model can increase production line efficiency by 40% or more. The latest versions have cycle times as low as 0.3 seconds for simple pick-and-place operations. Their accuracy is typically two to three times their repeatability value. The return on investment is impressive. Implementation decreases labor costs by up to $80,000 per operator per year.

Improving labor productivity is a core facet of automation because it alleviates the pressure skills shortages place on digital manufacturers. Modern machines go beyond it. Engineers aim to maximize optimization while shrinking form factors and incorporating value-added features.

The latest products offer considerable efficiency and performance benefits. For instance, despite being 40% smaller than other models of its class on the market, Schneider Electric’s new ultra-compact Lexium SCARA robot has a 40% longer z-arm stroke. It has one of the smallest footprints and largest work areas available, so it minimizes mounting space and saves valuable floor space without sacrificing speed or accuracy.

Key Operation and Maintenance Considerations

All modern SCARA robots are designed for high-speed, repetitive applications. However, decision-makers must still consider handling, cycle time, quality control and support requirements during model selection. Doing so will help them calculate the total cost of ownership, guiding their investment decisions.

Careful selection is essential. They must consider factors like repeatability, payload capacity, throughput and form factor to find a facility-specific solution. Evaluating individual components may be time-consuming, but it ensures the model will meet its performance requirements.

Almost all the world’s top SCARA robot producers use Harmonic Drive® strain wave gears in their designs to ensure excellent repeatability for accuracy-sensitive assembly tasks. Their moment of inertia is up to 40% lower than that of the standard design, improving dynamic performance considerably. Selecting models with these parts sets facilities up for success.

Decision-makers should also assess the availability of training, technical support and spare parts inventories. Whether a model offers a no-code setup or requires extensive programming knowledge can impact maintenance and uptime. Vendors with robust post-sales support services are ideal for less-resourced facilities.

Looking Toward a SCARA-Centric Future

More and more digital manufacturers are investing in this technology. Its global market will reach an estimated $15.6 billion by 2032, up from $4.7 billion in 2023, attaining a 14.29% compound annual growth rate. The rising demand for faster turnaround times and better quality control fuels its growth.

The race toward market dominance is competitive, and early adopters have an advantage. Cutting-edge robotics is quickly becoming a prerequisite for being able to compete. However, investing in technological modernization is not solely about cornering the market. Customer expectations and production lines are evolving.

Given the pace of technological advancement, investing in the latest solutions is tricky. Decision-makers could wait a few years for proof-of-concept designs to prove themselves and prices to become more reasonable. However, they may lose ground to early adopters. Alternatively, a newer, better version of the product they’re waiting for may hit the market.

Perpetually putting off upgrading could adversely affect the company’s productivity and competitiveness. A cost-benefit analysis is essential for deciding whether an upgrade is in their best interest.

Digital Manufacturers Need Modern Robotics

Robotics’ definition and design are much different now than a few decades ago. Digitalization has changed how facilities approach operation and maintenance. They must consider today’s investments in terms of tomorrow’s technology stack. Compatibility, interoperability and usability are key. SCARA robot flexibility is vital for future-proofing digital manufacturing.