ROBBIE THE COBOT HELPS DISABLED PEOPLE AND THOSE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY TACKLE FORD ASSEMBLY WORK
Production line employee Dietmar Brauner thought his 30-year career was over after recurring health issues led to reduced mobility in his shoulder and wrist. But now he is bringing all his experience to bear on a wider range of tasks thanks to a new colleague – a collaborative robot that he has nicknamed Robbie.
Robbie the Cobot is designed to work together with those with reduced mobility as well as disabled people by taking on tasks that such employees might otherwise find difficult or impossible. Following a successful 18-month trial, Ford is keeping Robbie on a permanent basis and it could lead to further cobots being installed in Ford production plants to broaden the working opportunities to a more diverse range of people.
“Over the years, it got harder and harder for me to do my job, Then, along comes this little robot and, for me, it’s like having an extra arm – a very strong extra arm,” said Dietmar. “It’s changed everything. I hope that it will open the door for others like me to get the chance to do, or keep doing, the jobs they love.”
Working together
Dietmar and Robbie work together on the Ford assembly line in Cologne, Germany, attaching circular covers to engines. Dietmar places two covers in the holders and prompts Robbie to pick each one up and press them firmly into place. This precision task requires lining up the holes perfectly so Dietmar can use an electric screwdriver to secure the covers and the engine moves along the line.
Ford’s research project was designed to show that disabled people and those with reduced mobility could take on jobs in manufacturing without the need for protective devices or safety barriers. Robbie moves only when activated by Dietmar and has sensors that detect when his hands or fingers might be in the way.
The award-winning research project was supported by RWTH Aachen University and the Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR), the largest service provider for disabled people in Germany, which provided €372,000 funding.
Previously, Ford introduced other cobots that have been programmed to assist production line workers with complex procedures, such as polishing vehicles, and also introduced a self-driving robot called “Survival”.
Further Quotes
“Robbie the Cobot has helped demonstrate the wide range of roles that disabled people and people with reduced mobility can fulfil if the care is taken to design a workplace that specifically fits the needs of the worker. Collaborative robots could help both create more jobs as well as extend the careers of our existing employees.”
Oliver Färber, plant manager, Cologne Powertrain Operations, Ford of Europe
“We have implemented a human-centred workplace unique to the industry. Following the success of this project, we are now implementing such workplaces in other projects specifically for disabled people. Suddenly, the possibilities seem endless for human-cobot collaborations.”
Mathias Hüsing, professor, RWTH Aachen University
News
-
FORD PRO BOOSTS SEGMENT-LEADING E-TRANSIT Ford Pro is introducing an extended…
-
FORD CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF ICONIC MUSTANG
WITH NEW MODEL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND ORDER BOOKS OPENING Ford marks 60 years of… -
TRACK-READY FOCUS ST EDITION IS THE MOST COMPLETE FORD HOT HATCH EVER
New Ford Focus ST Edition combines racecar-style adjustable suspension, Brembo… -
FORD AND ALLEGO PARTNER TO ELECTRIFY EUROPEAN DEALERSHIP NETWORK WITH ULTRA-FAST CHARGING
Hundreds of Ford dealerships across Europe to be equipped with Allego ultra-fast… -
NEW ALL-ELECTRIC FORD EXPLORER COMPLETES A RECORD-SETTING 30,000 KM DRIVE AROUND THE WORLD, GOES ON SALE
Lexie Alford and new all-electric Ford Explorer lead never-before-seen convoy… -
NEW PHEV POWERTRAIN BOOSTS FORD TOURNEO CONNECT FLEXIBILITY
DUNTON, UK, March 19, 2024 – Ford is strengthening the appeal of its popular… -
ARE YOU THE ‘ULTIMATE PRO’? FORD PRO LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO GO THE EXTRA MILE
Ford Pro is looking to shine a light on small business owners across Europe… -
FORD AND COLD CULTURE FUSE FASHION AND MOTORING
Ford will be the face of a new collection from Spanish clothing brand Cold Culture… -
ALL-NEW FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM MS-RT AND RANGER MS-RT DELIVER MOTORSPORT-INSPIRED PRODUCTIVITY TO EUROPE
Ford Pro reveals exclusive new series of range-topping commercial vehicles under… -
NEW FORD PUMA: COOL, CALM AND CONNECTED
Stylish new Puma makes city driving simple, fun and practical with a sports… -
NEW FORD MUSTANG: A US ICON REBORN FOR A CONNECTED WORLD
New Ford Mustang coupe and convertible are now available in Europe with a dynamic… -
FORD PRO REVEALS ALL-NEW TRANSIT CONNECT WITH PHEV POWER
Ford Pro completes the electrification of its high-productivity Transit family…