Title: Collaborative robots in small and medium-sized enterprises: a field-based feasibility model

Authors: Marcos Vido; Salvatore Digiesi; Francesco Facchini; Wagner Cezar Lucato

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brazil ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari, Italy ' Department of Production Engineering, Universidade Nove de Julho, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: The Industry 4.0 (I4.0) revolution has led to new concepts and transformations toward technological innovations. In the manufacturing sector, the use of collaborative robots (cobots) has significantly increased in the last few years, enabling them to work safely alongside humans in a shared workspace. Within this perspective, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been facing several challenges compared to large organisations regarding the adoption of cobots. Based on the literature, this paper aims to introduce a techno-economic feasibility model to evaluate the viability of using cobots in a shared workplace, with a focus on SMEs. Consistent with the papers aim, a conceptual model was developed, supported by experts opinions using the Delphi method. The results of this work incorporate contributions to both the academic and industrial communities.

Keywords: collaborative robot; SMEs; feasibility analysis; Industry 4.0; I4.0.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2024.138341

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2024 Vol.38 No.3, pp.265 - 282

Received: 13 Apr 2022
Received in revised form: 22 Feb 2023
Accepted: 03 Apr 2023
Published online: 01 May 2024 *

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