From Industrial Robots to Collaborative Robots: Exploring the Transformation in the Collaborative Work Environment

Collaborative robots play a crucial role in reshaping the automotive industry, significantly contributing to optimizing process efficiency and effectiveness. With the implementation of the new ISO 10218 standard in 2024, speculations arise about a significant shift in conceptualizing the term “collaborative robot.“ This theoretical change may emphasize the idea that, in reality, there are no collaborative robots but rather collaborative applications. This scientific work conducts a detailed investigation of these hypotheses, aiming to identify potential transformations that can morph industrial robots into collaborative entities. The authors strive to pinpoint ways in which a production flow, whether involving collaborative or industrial robot technology, can evolve into a truly collaborative working environment, making substantial contributions to progress and innovation in the automotive industry.