Collaborative robots to be trialled at BAE Systems' site in Warton

Cobots '“ or collaborative robots  '“ are set to appear in the workplace in Lancashire by the end of the year.
A digital image of how the cobot would work with a  human engineer. Inset, the Typhoon production lineA digital image of how the cobot would work with a  human engineer. Inset, the Typhoon production line
A digital image of how the cobot would work with a human engineer. Inset, the Typhoon production line

The machines – designed to support people with complex manufacturing of combat aircraft – will be trialled at BAE System’s Warton site.

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The new technology will be helping to make systems for cutting-edge combat aircraft and will have sensors to recognise engineers and automatically load optimised individual profiles to work alongside them.

A digital image of how the cobot would work with a  human engineer. Inset, the Typhoon production lineA digital image of how the cobot would work with a  human engineer. Inset, the Typhoon production line
A digital image of how the cobot would work with a human engineer. Inset, the Typhoon production line

Dave Holmes, manufacturing director at BAE Systems’ Air business, said: “We’ve only really started to scratch the surface of what automation can do in industry and some really exciting possibilities are emerging as we enter the fourth industrial revolution.

“Cobotics is the next, natural step in developing manufacturing technology that will allow for a blending of skilled roles.

“We envisage that people will make larger, more strategic decisions while delegating the repetitive and intricate aspects of production to a robot.”

He said it would empower employees to work safely at greater speed and accuracy while also taking away some of the more menial tasks.