In the manufacturing industry, the ability of robots to increase productivity is well known. However, robots do more than that. They also play an important role in creating a quality working environment, becoming the key for companies to retain and attract talent. In the current era of increasingly tight labor, a new generation of young people to join the manufacturing industry needs new impetus, robots become the key to shaping a superior workplace.

1756-2WS Volvo Cars, as a world-renowned Swedish car manufacturer, has long applied robotics to its production lines. In the beginning, they mainly used traditional large industrial robots, which were set up inside security fences and moved several tons of items. Now, Volvo is also introducing smaller, more flexible collaborative robots that work directly with workers.

There are three ways to automate robots

Help create a better work environment

Let both employers and employees achieve a win-win situation

Path one

Let employees do more meaningful work

The essence of automation is its ability to take on tasks that are monotonous, dirty and dangerous. Such technological advances allow workers to free themselves from these burdens and engage in more challenging and creative tasks, thereby facilitating personal career development and role transformation.

Dan LamkullDan, ergonomics technologist and research lead at Volvo, has observed significant positive changes in the work environment and responsibilities of colleagues since the introduction of collaborative robots.

Dan Lamkull

Ergonomics technologist and research leader at Volvo Cars

Dan said: “We are moving forward with a series of operations aimed at freeing employees from their day-to-day job responsibilities and steering them towards new functional areas such as robot maintenance and inspection. Cobots are capable of performing complex tasks that require high precision and high consistency, which they can repeat over and over again without complaint. Cobots have quickly gone from being adversaries to essential tools in our work. The robot is responsible for repeating the boring work, and the employee is only responsible for operating the robot. ”

Path two

Promote safety at work

Promote the diversification of enterprise seniority

Volvo V90 production process

The benefits of automation technology are not limited to reducing the burden of physical labor, but also contribute to a safer work environment, thereby maintaining the health of employees in the long term. In manual palletizing, for example, workers bend, lift and turn their bodies for long periods of time, which can lead to chronic musculoskeletal problems, such as injuries to the back, neck and upper limbs.

1756-2WS Volvo’s use of collaborative robots for in-plant logistics and pre-assembly stations is an important move to drive industrial automation. In this process, workers are responsible for placing the parts needed for the production line, such as brake discs and calipers, into boxes in an orderly manner and preparing them for delivery to the assembly line. These parts are often not light in weight, and long handling will undoubtedly put pressure on the workers’ bodies. Even if the parts themselves are not heavy, frequently repeated movements and unnatural body positions can cause musculoskeletal problems, causing physical discomfort and pain for workers.

Production of the Volvo C40

“Automation has paid off for us, and while we don’t have exact numbers, sick days have declined in our factories. “I believe that the more automation we have, the fewer musculoskeletal disorders we will see from repetitive strain injuries, and the fewer injuries we will see.” Dan emphasized, “Safety in the automotive industry is not just about drivers and passengers. Our company has always had this safety culture, and everything we do revolves around safety.”

By optimizing the work environment to suit the physical needs of employees of different ages, manufacturers can effectively create a supportive and caring workplace that stimulates the creativity of senior employees.

Path three

Enhance the attractiveness of employment in manufacturing

One of the major challenges facing global manufacturing is that it is increasingly difficult to attract labor – especially skilled labor. This is partly because of demographic changes, but also because the younger generation has a negative view of manufacturing. These biases are often based on false perceptions of low job security, lack of fulfillment, and insufficient opportunities for career growth and advancement in manufacturing.

To attract young talent, companies first need to recognize the differences in job expectations between generations. For young employees, they often consider the clarity of their career path when choosing a job. The automation technology of collaborative robots creates a dynamic working atmosphere for this group. In this environment, technology and automation make work more modern, dynamic, and challenging.

Collaborative automation technology is the driver of Volvo’s success and retention of top talent.