The impact of the collaborative robot on competitive priorities: case study of an automotive supplier

Abstract

The literature on operations strategies has extensively addressed the notion that competitive priorities and structural decisions should be aligned to create, develop, and maintain competitive advantages. However, the speed and scale of new manufacturing technologies are modifying an organization’s strategies and manufacturing capabilities to address new market requirements, competition, and new entrants. Advances in robotics are poised to change the global business landscape and to support organizations in improving upon their operations strategies. Industrial robots usually help improve product quality and provide better work conditions to limit the use of resources, resulting in cost savings. One of the main trends in robotics is that of human-robot collaboration (HRC), which influences operations strategies and which can have a disruptive effect on business models and market structures. The aim of this paper is to explore and understand the relationship between the competitive priorities (quality, cost, flexibility, and delivery) of classical operations and the competitive advantage of adopting HRC for a Brazilian automotive parts supplier. The results indicate that the hybrid cell (U-shaped manufacturing cell) fully adheres to cost and dependability priorities and partially adheres to quality and flexibility priorities.

Cost Calculation and Deployment Strategies for Collaborative Robots in Production Lines: An Innovative and Sustainable Perspective in Knowledge-Based Organizations

“…Throughout the last decades, research in the field of collaborative robots has experienced exponential growth. From the initial practical implementations to the development of advanced technological solutions, the literature reflects remarkable progress and the diversity of applications for these robots in industries such as automotive, electronics, and assembly [26][27][28].…”

Analiza povezanosti robotizacije i tržišta rada Europske unije

“…Razvoj kolaborativnih industrijskih robota jedan je od prioriteta robotske industrije najviše iz razloga jer je prepoznata mogućnost integracije takvih vrsta robota s promjenama koje donosi industrija 4.0. Kolaborativni industrijski robot treba surađivati s ljudima u istom proizvodnom okruženju te je nužno spojiti njegove proizvodne funkcije sa zahtjevima sigurnosti na radu (Vido et al, 2020). Očekuje se da će kolaborativni industrijski roboti biti glavni pokretači tržišta robotike u budućnosti te da će omogućiti pristupačna i fleksibilna rješenja za integraciju robotskih sustava u provedbi tradicionalnih manualnih poslova.…”

Occupational Safety and Health 5.0—A Model for Multilevel Strategic Deployment Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030

“…Work requires attention to the public with tasks whose work rhythm is determined by the client's part or by an algorithm; privacy and monitoring of work execution through technology; isolation or invisibility of the employee, loss of social contact. Incorporation of cobots [69].…”