improving workforce competitiveness.
Unlike traditional industrial robots,
with complex programming and a long set-
up process, user-friendly cobots feature an
intuitive, 3D visualisation technology for quick
and easy set-up and deployment. The entire
process, from unpacking, to mounting the
cobot and programming its first task, typically
takes under an hour. Even for SMEs that lack
in-house expertise for complex programming
processes, automation is possible.
Lightweight and compact, cobots can
be easily integrated into production without
costly infrastructure overhauls to reconfigure
production space. SMEs can automate
small-batch production runs and mixed
product assembly, increasing productivity and
product quality, without substantial cost and
manpower requirements.AUTOMATION MADE ACCESSIBLE The total
cost of ownership (TCO) of cobots is lower
relative to traditional industrial robots. TCO
comprises direct and indirect costs, including
maintenance, factory floor layout changes,
safety barrier implementation (typically
needed for traditional industrial robots) and
employee-training costs.
Recognising the numerous advantages
of cobots, manufacturers worldwide are
deploying them to help solve labour shortages,
increase productivity and improve product
quality. For example, PT JVC Electronics
Indonesia (JEIN) deployed seven UR3 cobots
into the production line without changing the
existing factory floor layout. More importantly,
the company managed to reduce yearly costsT
he manufacturing sector is
a key driver of Malaysia’s
economic growth,
accounting for RM325
billion, or 22.4 percent, of
gross domestic product
(GDP) in 2018. Yet in
today’s Industry 4.0 world, Malaysia Prime
Minister Dr Mahathir noted that manufactur-
ing firms can no longer achieve similar GDP
growth rates if they continue to rely on capital
and labour as productivity levers.
The launch of the Industry4WRD na-
tional policy is the right step forward to drive
digital transformation of the manufacturing
sector. However, SMEs have been slow to
adopt these new technologies. In 2017, Malay-
sia deployed just 45 units of industrial robots
per 10,000 employees, half the global average
of 85 units. According to a Federation of Ma-
laysian Manufacturers-Malaysian Institute of
Economic Research (FMM-MIER) survey, only
7.4 percent of respondents used autonomous
robots, of which only 23.3 percent were SMEs.
Small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs), comprising 98.5 percent of businesses
in Malaysia, are the backbone of the manufac-
turing sector, contributing 37 percent of GDP.
Preparing them for Industry 4.0 is crucial,
especially if they are to achieve the targeted 41
percent GDP contribution by 2020.
As a manufacturing-based and export-driv-
en economy, Malaysia cannot afford to be left
behind in leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies.WHY COBOTS? Automation and robotics are
at the forefront of Industry 4.0 technologies.
SMEs have been resistant to adopt them as
they are thought to be expensive and difficult
to implement. This is not the case.
Cobots, short for collaborative robots,
are robots designed to work safely alongside
people. Cost-effective, safe and flexible to
deploy, cobots offer manufacturers of all sizes
vast benefits, without the extensive workspace
layout changes and additional maintenance
costs typically associated with traditional
industrial robots.
Featuring an in-built safety mechanism,
cobots can function in close proximity to
people without safety barriers (after risk as-
sessment). By taking over repetitive and strenu-
ous tasks, cobots reduce repetitive strains and
accidental injuries among employees, creating
a safer and more efficient work environment.
Freed from menial labour, employees can
take on higher-skilled and higher-valued roles,by more than USD 80,000, while improving its
production processes and workers’ safety.
Replicating JEIN’s success in Malaysia is
possible, given the strong support for automa-
tion-adoption across public and private sectors.
In Budget 2019, the government set aside
over RM5 billion to help businesses embrace
smart technology, including automation and
robotics. Other measures include an “Industry-
4WRD Readiness Assessment” programme to
assist SMEs in assessing their capabilities and
preparedness, serving as a guide to their adop-
tion of Industry 4.0 technologies.
The private sector has also come onboard
to promote greater adoption. UR launched the
UR Academy to provide free online modules
covering a comprehensive range of cobot
programming skills, which is suitable for users
of all backgrounds. For those seeking to self-
deploy robotics solutions, the UR Collabora-
tive Robotics Course in Singapore equips
participants with the necessary know-how
under the guidance of a certified instructor.EMPOWERING SMEs According to Finance
Minister Lim Guan Eng, in order for Malaysia
to move forward, it is imperative that SMEs
are equipped with the technologies to be
competitive not just at home but regionally and
globally. With cobots helping SMEs embrace
automation, coupled with the multi-pronged
public and private sector initiatives driving
technological change, Malaysia is poised to
reap the benefits that Industry 4.0 brings.(^48) TECHNOLOGY
SAKARI KUIKKA IS GENERAL MANAGER,
UNIVERSAL ROBOTS, SEA & OCEANIA
BY
SAKARI
KUIKKA