Published on: February 18, 2025 / update from: February 18, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Future -proof by robotics: - Myths exposed: This is how robotics also change the world of work in small companies - Image: Xpert.digital
Robotics myths exposed: How SMEs become future-proof by automation
Why robotics is the key to digitization - the opportunities of robotics for medium -sized companies
Automation through robotics is no longer a future scenario, but already an integral part of modern production processes - even in small and medium -sized companies (SMEs). Despite the clear efficiency advantages and the increased innovation potential, stubborn myths still hold many companies from taking the step towards automation. These prejudices range from the fear of massive job losses to the assumption that financial hurdles and complex technical changes make it almost impossible to get started.
In reality, however, it shows that modern robotic solutions have been developed for SMEs: flexible, scalable and cost -effective systems free the employees of monotonous routine tasks and enable them to concentrate on creative and strategically important activities. Companies that invest in digital change not only benefit from higher production quality and speed, but also strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly globalized market.
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This article illuminates the central myths, which are considered obstacles to the introduction of robotics in SMEs, and shows how current case studies and technological innovations refute these prejudices. From the transformation of work profiles to flexible financing models to intelligent human-machine collaboration-robotics offers a variety of opportunities to actively help shape the future of medium-sized companies. For decision -makers and interested parties it becomes clear that the digital transformation is not a radical upheaval, but an evolutionary process, leads the step by step to a sustainably optimized and innovative production landscape.
In the following you will find a detailed answer to possible questions, which deals with the common myths that hinder the introduction of robotics in small and medium -sized companies (SMEs). The articl illuminates the advantages and disadvantages, shows practical case studies and exposes myths that often appear in the medium-sized discussions in the discussions about automation. Questions about loss of jobs, financial hurdles, technological requirements and obstacles to innovation are answered.
What are the common myths regarding the introduction of robotics in SMEs?
Numerous prejudices and misunderstandings that prevent SMEs from investing in modern robotic solutions are circulating. The most frequently mentioned myths include:
1. Robotics inevitably lead to loss of jobs
The idea that the use of robots only leads to the reduction of human work is widespread. It is often overlooked that robots can take over repetitive and dangerous tasks and thus relieve the employees.
2. Robotics is financially unaffordable
The assumption is that automation solutions require extremely high investment costs and can only afford large companies. However, modern financing models and technological progress also make affordable solutions possible for SMEs.
3. Only large companies have automatable processes
Many think that automation requires complex, large -scale industrial production processes. It is ignored that modular and scalable robotic solutions have been developed especially for flexible applications in small companies.
4. Robotics requires radicals and disturbing process changes
Another misconception is that the implementation of robots requires a complete conversion of existing production lines, which would lead to considerable operating interruptions.
5. Automation suffocates innovation
It is feared that creative processes and individual innovative strength will be lost due to the use of robots, since machines take on specified tasks.
These myths often prevent companies from using the full potential of modern robotics technologies and thereby giving opportunities for increasing efficiency and competitiveness.
Does the use of robotics in small companies actually lead to a loss of jobs?
The myth that robotics inevitably lead to loss of jobs is widespread and often stirs out of fear of the unknown. However, in numerous practical examples and studies there is a differentiated picture:
Transformation of work profiles
Instead of destroying jobs, the introduction of robotics transforms the employees' activity profiles. For example, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions not only secured existing jobs with the use of 42 collaborative robots (cobots), but also created additional positions. The cobots take on monotonous, repetitive tasks - for example when polishing or in quality control - while the employees can concentrate on more complex activities such as process optimization and strategic planning.
Demographic challenges and shortage of skilled workers
In view of the ongoing shortage of skilled workers in many industries (in Europe, for example, 75% of companies have difficulty finding qualified personnel), robots act as a valuable addition. Cobots can help fill vacant positions and reduce the work pressure to the existing employees. The company Stela Laxhuber was not only able to eliminate monotonous tasks through the use of welding robots, but also create more attractive positions in system control and optimization.
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New skills and qualification requirements
The introduction of robotics requires new qualifications and retraining measures, but leads to a qualification of the workforce in the long term. Employees learn to deal with modern technology what makes them future -proof for the labor market.
Experience shows that automation is more likely to restructure the world of work than to reduce workplace. Rather, repetitive and dangerous activities are taken over by robots, while humans can bring their strengths into creative and strategic tasks.
Is robotics financially unaffordable for SMEs, or can small companies also benefit from automation?
The widespread myth that automation solutions are financially unaffordable is often based on the high investments of previous robot generations. However, modern developments have largely invalidated this idea:
Life cycle costs versus return on investment (roi)
In the past, companies had to plan investments of several hundred thousand euros in industrial robots. Nowadays there are systems such as the Horst robots from Fruitcore Robotics, which enable amortization within 12 to 24 months. With an overall life cycle cost of around 80,000 euros over a period of ten years, SMEs achieve ROI quotas, which are comparable to which large industrial companies are comparable.
Financing models and Robotics-as-a-Service (RAAS)
A crucial factor for SMEs is the availability of flexible financing models. Models such as Raas convert high preliminary investments into monthly operating costs. This significantly lowers the entry hurdle and also enables smaller companies to benefit from automation.
Hidden Costs Manual Manual
Traditional manufacturing processes can be associated with considerable error costs. Analyzes show that automation can result in savings of up to 90% for post -work costs. At Stela Laxhuber, for example, the processing time for fan components was drastically reduced from eight hours to 50 minutes, which corresponds to a capacity increase of 210%.
It is therefore evident that modern robotic solutions are also financially attractive for small and medium -sized companies - especially if you take long -term savings and efficiency gains into account.
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Can only large companies benefit from automatable processes, or are there also suitable solutions for SMEs?
Another common myth is that automation is only suitable for large companies, since they have the necessary resources and complex production streets. However, this assumption is clearly refuted by today's technology:
Modularity and scalability
Modern cobots, which often manage loads of up to 10 kg, are designed in such a way that they can be integrated seamlessly into every workshop - regardless of the size of the company. The Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik impressively demonstrates this with its HS-4-1000 handle cell, which can be adapted to individual production needs and has an amortization period of less than twelve months with lot sizes of 1.
Fast conversion times
Flexibility is one of the greatest advantages of modern robotics. For example, the KUKA LBR-IISY robot needs less than an hour to convert between different processing tasks. This makes it ideal for environments in which production orders vary and high adaptability is required.
Cross -sector fields of application
Cobots are not only used in the classic manufacturing industry, but also in industries that are traditionally dominated by SMEs. Robots are used in food packaging, medical technology or even in woodworking to take on tasks such as precise grinding, painting or even the inspection of microscopic errors in products.
These developments show that not only large companies benefit from automatable processes. Rather, flexible and scalable robotic solutions also offer SMEs the opportunity to optimize their processes and thus increase their competitiveness.
Does the implementation of robotics require radical process changes that interfere with ongoing operation?
A frequently expressed reservation is that the introduction of robotics requires radical changes in the production processes and can therefore lead to significant interruptions in the operating process. However, the reality looks different:
Plug-and-play integration
Modern robots, such as the UR3E of Universal Robots, are specially designed for simple integration into existing production environments. Thanks to advanced software solutions such as KUKA.SIM, a digital twin can be created on the production line. As a result, necessary adjustments can be tested virtually before physical changes are made. An example from practice is the smooth transition at Stela Laxhuber, where a welding robot could be implemented without interrupting the ongoing operation.
AI-based adaptation ability
The latest generation of robots is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which enables production processes to be analyzed and adapted in real time. Systems such as Horst use algorithms that automatically optimize parameters, which minimizes the programming effort. In this way, employees can also control complex processes via intuitive graphic user interfaces without deep robotic knowledge-such as those used in the Siemens NX control.
This advances show that the integration of robotics into existing production processes no longer has to be associated with radical changes or operating disorders. Rather, modern solutions enable a gradual, low -risk transition to automated production.
Can automation restrict innovative strength to small companies?
Another widespread myth states that automation and use of robotics restrict creativity and innovative strength. Critics fear that strict process optimization reduces space for creative ideas. However, reality shows a different picture:
Release of creative potential
By taking over robots and monotonous activities and monotonous activities, employees gain valuable time for research and development activities. A study by Fraunhofer IPA proves that automated companies register 23% more patents than their non-automated competitors. This shows that automation cannot act as an obstacle to innovation, but as a catalyst for creative processes.
Synergies between man and machine
Modern concepts of human-robot collaboration (MRK) enable close cooperation between the technical systems and the employees. In a furniture manufacturer, for example, designers work on the individual design of products, while Cobots take on precise production. This synergy leads to higher product quality and at the same time strengthens the company's innovative strength.
Support from AI tools
In addition to mechanical support, AI-based tools offer valuable insights into market trends, material innovations and production data. These analysis instruments support SMEs in identifying new business areas and developing innovative products.
The relief of repetitive tasks not only increases productivity, but also the creative scope of the employees is expanded. Automation and innovation are therefore in no way mutually exclusive, but reinforce themselves in many areas.
How can SMEs gradually and risk -minimized the transition to automation?
The successful implementation of robotics in small companies requires a well -planned, gradual approach. Some proven strategies include:
Step-by-step implementation
Instead of a unique, radical upheaval, many successful SMEs rely on a gradual introduction of automation solutions. This can mean automation individual, clearly defined process steps before a comprehensive digital transformation is carried out. In this way, companies can test the efficiency gains and at the same time minimize possible risks.
Use of pilot projects
Pilot projects offer an excellent way to evaluate the effects of automation on a small scale. With the help of prototypes and test runs, weaknesses can be identified and cooperation between humans and machines can be optimized. Successes in pilot projects also create the necessary acceptance and motivation within the company.
Use of funding programs
Political initiatives and funding programs, such as the German funding program "Digital now", offer financial support and advisory services that are specially tailored to SMEs. With grants of up to 50% and the expertise of neutral consulting platforms such as Go4robotics, companies can make it easier to get started with automation.
Further training and qualification
One of the most important measures in the transition to automation is the targeted further training of employees. By training and retraining, the workforce can acquire the necessary skills to effectively work with modern robotic solutions. This not only contributes to the smooth integration of the technology, but also strengthens the trust of employees in the transformation process.
Due to a strategically well -planned and gradual transition, SMEs can not only increase the efficiency of their processes, but also minimize the risk and implement sustainable digital transformation.
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What role do political and state initiatives play in promoting robotics in SMEs?
State initiatives and funding programs are a crucial success factor in the introduction of robotics in small and medium -sized companies. These measures aim to reduce the financial burden and to promote knowledge transfer:
Financial support
Programs such as “Digital now” in Germany provide SUMMEN and low -interest loans that make it easier to transition to automation. Such funding helps to reduce initial investment costs and make the economy of robotics projects more transparent.
Consulting offers and networks
In addition to financial resources, state initiatives often also offer professional advice. Platforms such as Go4robotics act as neutral consultants who support companies in choosing and implementing the right technologies. These networks promote the exchange between companies, research institutions and technology providers.
Creation of framework conditions
Legal regulations and strategic programs create an innovation -friendly environment in which SMEs are promoted in the areas of research, development and digitization. In the long term, this helps to secure and expand the competitiveness of medium -sized companies.
The support from political initiatives shows that the digital transformation and implementation of modern robotics is not only an entrepreneurial but also a socio -political goal.
What practical examples show that robotics can be successfully implemented in SMEs?
There are numerous case studies and practical examples that impressively prove that robotics can also be successfully implemented in small and medium -sized companies:
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
By using 42 collaborative robots (Cobots), this company managed to automate repetitive and dangerous tasks. Not only existing jobs were preserved, but new fields of activity for employees were also created, for example in process optimization and quality control.
Stela Laxhuber
By using welding robots, this company not only reduced the processing time from eight hours to 50 minutes, but also increased the production capacity by 210%. At the same time, monotonous tasks were eliminated and new, attractive qualified positions could be created.
Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik
With its HS-4-1000 handling cell, this company demonstrates how modular robotic solutions can also be used for small lot sizes (lot size 1). The flexible application and quick conversion of the technology enabled amortization in less than twelve months.
Use in niche markets
In industries such as medical technology, food packaging or woodworking, cobots are used to take on high -precision tasks. For example, vision -controlled systems can recognize microscopic errors with an accuracy of 99.98% and thus optimize quality assurance.
These examples show that modern robotic solutions are specially tailored to the needs of SMEs and can be flexibly adapted to different production processes.
What future developments can be expected in the area of robotics for SMEs?
The robotics are in a steady development process, and future trends will further advance integration into SMEs:
Further developed AI algorithms
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence will further improve the ability of the robots to analyze production data in real time and to make adjustments autonomously. This leads to even more efficient and more flexible production processes in which the human intervention is minimized.
Improved human-robot collaboration
With progressive technology, MRK concepts are further optimized. In the future, the cooperation between man and machine will be even more seamless, so that robots not only take on tasks, but also integrate in the joint decision -making.
Extended modularity and adaptability
Future robotics systems will be even more modular and easier to integrate. Plug-and-play solutions will further reduce the conversion effort and maximize the flexibility of the production environment.
New financing and service models
Models such as Robotics-as-A-Service are further developed, so that smaller companies can also benefit from modern technologies without major preliminary investments. This lowers the entry hurdle and enables even broader use of robotics in the middle class.
Stronger networking and industry 4.0
The advancing digitization leads to stronger networking of machines and systems. As a result, production processes can be monitored and optimized even better, which leads to increased transparency and efficiency.
The continuous technological development will enable SME to remain competitive in a dynamically changing market environment and to benefit from the advantages of automation.
What strategic advantages does the use of robotics offer for small and medium -sized companies?
The targeted use of robotics brings numerous strategic advantages for SMEs:
Competitiveness and market dynamics
By automating repetitative and dangerous tasks, companies can make their production processes more efficient. This leads to a better competitive position, since products can be manufactured faster and in higher quality.
Flexibility and adaptability
Modern robotic solutions are designed in such a way that they can be adapted to different production processes and volumes. This flexibility enables SMEs to react quickly to changing market conditions and individual customer requests.
Optimization of resource utilization
By using robots, production errors and post -work costs can be significantly reduced. This leads to better use of resources and reduces the operating costs in the long term.
Increasing employee satisfaction
By taking on dangerous, monotonous or stressful tasks from robots, employees can concentrate on more demanding activities. This increases motivation and enables the workforce to continue qualification.
Innovative strength and research
The relief of routine tasks creates more space for creative and innovative projects. Employees can deal more intensively with research and development, which leads to new products and improved processes.
The strategic advantages of well-thought-out automation can thus go far beyond pure cost savings and in the long term ensure the innovation and competitiveness of a company.
What challenges do SMEs have to overcome when introducing robotics?
Despite the numerous advantages, small and medium -sized companies also face some challenges when introducing robotics:
Prejudices and cultural obstacles
The widespread myths - such as the fear that robots destroy jobs or radically disrupt production - must be invalidated by education and practical examples. An open corporate culture that welcomes technological innovations is of crucial importance.
Investment and conversion costs
Even if modern financing models reduce the entry hurdles, SMEs still have to invest in the necessary infrastructure and training. Careful planning and gradual implementation helps to minimize financial risks.
Technological complexity
The integration of robotic solutions into existing processes requires certain technical know-how. Here, external consultants and partnerships can support with technology providers to reduce complexity.
Data security and IT infrastructure
With the increasing networking of robotics systems, the need for safe IT infrastructure and protection against cyber attacks also increases. Companies must invest in modern security solutions and implement corresponding processes.
Employee acceptance
The fear of job losses and changes can lead to opposition within the workforce. To meet this, comprehensive training programs and transparent communication about the advantages of automation are essential.
Through an early identification of these challenges and targeted measures to overcome them, SMEs can successfully master the way to a digitized and automated future.
How does the cooperation between humans and machines contribute to increasing the company's benefit?
The cooperation between man and machine, often referred to as collaborative robotics (cobots), offers numerous advantages that have a direct impact on corporate performance:
Ergonomics and occupational safety
Cobots take on physically stressful and dangerous tasks, which reduces the risk of injury for employees. This leads to fewer disease failures and an overall higher satisfaction in the workplace.
Optimization of work processes
While robots run repetitive and standardized tasks, employees can contribute their skills in areas such as process optimization, quality management and strategic planning. The combination of technical precision and human creativity leads to more efficient work processes.
Flexibility in production
Cobots are often modular and can be converted quickly to react to different production requirements. This flexibility enables companies to remain flexible even with fluctuating demand or varying lot sizes.
Increase quality
By using robots that are able to carry out processes constant and error -free, the product quality increases significantly. This leads to a reduction in committee and post -work costs as well as higher customer satisfaction.
The synergy between human expertise and machine precision creates real added value and enables small and medium -sized companies to assert themselves in a competitive market environment.
What can be derived from the deconstruction of the myths mentioned for the future of robotics in SMEs?
The comprehensive analysis of the frequently expressed myths shows that the advantages of robotics in small and medium -sized companies go far beyond the initial investment costs or concerns regarding job losses. Modern robot and automation technologies are specially tailored to the needs of SMEs and offer the following central findings:
- Transformation instead of displacement: The use of cobots leads to a restructuring of work processes and opens up new professional perspectives instead of only destroying jobs.
- Financial attractiveness: With innovative financing models and shorter amortization times, robotics have long been economically attractive for small companies.
- Flexibility and modularity: Modern systems are designed in such a way that they can be easily integrated into existing production environments - without radical changes or long downtimes.
- Promotion of innovation: The relief of repetitive activities creates space for creative and strategic tasks, which leads to more innovation and patent applications in the long term.
- State support: Funding programs and advisory networks make it easier to start digital transformation and at the same time reduce the economic risk.
In the end, it shows that the real challenge is not in the technology itself, but in the willingness of companies to question traditional thinking patterns and to bravely venture into an automated future. SMEs that actively shape this change can benefit from increased efficiency, higher innovative strength and a better competitive position.
The introduction of robotics in small and medium -sized companies is more than just a technical progress - it represents an evolutionary change in the way work is organized and valued. The numerous case studies and scientific studies show that robots do not act as the competitors of humans, but as an enabler of a new era of medium -sized innovative strength. The combination of technical precision, flexible adaptability and the promotion of creative potential creates real added value for companies and employees alike.
The fear of job losses, high investment costs or radical process changes is often based on outdated ideas. Rather, modern robotic solutions are geared towards relieving people and at the same time increasing the economy and quality of products. These myths can be sustainably invalidated by targeted information campaigns, practical demonstrations and government subsidies.
Companies that take the step into automation should see this change as an opportunity to optimize their processes, increase their innovative strength and to prepare themselves for future challenges in global competition. The cooperation between man and machine is not a zero -sum game, but an integrative approach that optimally uses the strengths of both sides.
Why robotics SME makes SME future -proof: exposing myths, using potential
The myths, which are often mentioned as obstacles to the introduction of robotics in SMEs, are usually based on outdated assumptions and fears. However, reality shows that modern robotic solutions are flexible, cost -effective and, above all, beneficial for the further development of the world of work. Companies that actively shape this change and include their employees in the transformation process lay the foundation for a sustainable and successful future in an increasingly digitized and automated economy.
Through the continuous further development of the technologies, support from state support programs and the open exchange between industry, research and practice, robotics in the middle class become a central element that not only optimizes production processes, but also opens up new potential for innovation and growth.
This comprehensive analysis and the numerous practical examples should help to overcome the existing prejudices and to pave the way for a successful integration of robotics in small and medium -sized companies. The future belongs to those who have the courage to question traditional ways of thinking and to fully exploit the opportunities of digitization and automation.
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