Robotics: Tomorrow’s Technology, Today’s Solution?

Robotics may be an exciting topic of conversation for those of us on the outside, but ultimately, the priority for manufacturing operators is whether – and to what extent – it can help to improve their key business drivers, whether that is productivity, sustainability or cost control. 

And while some of the benefits are clear, there is still widespread wariness throughout the industry, as shown by the fact that, among manufacturing decision-makers:

• 75% are reluctant to invest in new technologies while current equipment is operational¹
• 65% think the costs associated with Industry 4.0 investment outweigh the benefits²
• 56% feel there is a lack of trusted third-party experts to provide support³

These are all undoubtedly valid concerns given the relatively early stages that some of these technologies are currently at, robotics included. It is therefore the responsibility of companies like Shell to push the field forward through increased awareness, development and accessibility.

Achieving sustainable production

Because sustainability is now top of mind for almost every manufacturer, one particular area of focus for Shell when it comes to industrial robots, is advancing their growing sustainability credentials. After all, many subsectors of general manufacturing are perceived as some of the most carbon-intensive and energy-consuming industries across society.

But how can robotics help to reduce your business’ environmental impact? Apart from the obvious efficiency gains, it is what’s inside your industrial robots that can really help to make a meaningful difference on energy consumption and emissions output.

After all, lubricants play a vital role in keeping the world moving and machinery operating efficiently. And as industrial production increases, there is a growing need to balance this with the environmental impact of the lubricants in service.

• Avoiding emissions – By optimising the efficiency of our production process and product design, and by aiming to embed circular economy thinking at the heart of our lubricants business
• Reducing emissions – By improving the energy efficiency of our facilities and increasing the use of renewable energy to help reduce the CO₂e emissions of our supply chain
• Offsetting emissions – Until avoid and reduce measures can be deployed at scale, offsetting remaining emissions of our premium products through Shell’s nature-based solutions

For robotics specifically, Shell products offer extended oil life and additional protection to equipment. In doing so, they help manufacturers reduce the frequency of oil or component exchange, therefore reducing CO₂ emissions throughout the lifecycle of equipment.

When it comes to sustainability, the practice of collaboration spans across the entire manufacturing ecosystem. Shell’s industry expertise and experience of working with manufacturers globally means we can provide support and solutions that address business’ top environmental challenges, from supplying carbon neutral products and renewable energy to improving equipment performance and energy efficiency.