Applications of Cobots in manufacturing: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

In recent years, Collaborative Robots (Cobots) have gained traction. It is categorized as a special type of robot that is capable of working safely alongside humans. Cobots are used in a variety of industrial applications, including assembling, manufacturing, quality inspection, and packaging products. Cobots use smart technologies to work alongside humans, making work easier and more efficient. The presented research deeply explores the emerging field of human-robot collaboration, particularly focusing on Cobots and their integration into manufacturing, production planning, and control. It discusses the prevailing perceptions of Cobots while highlighting their potential benefits in enhancing workplace efficiency and safety. We explored the Scopus database in the initial phase and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to obtain the relevant research articles. Next, a bibliometric analysis was performed via VosViewer and the R Package-Biblioshiny to investigate trends, patterns, and key research focus areas. This study reveals a growing interest in Cobots, emphasizing their applications in various industrial settings. Notable findings include distinctions between traditional robots and Cobots, the evolution of Cobots technology, and prevalent research themes such as production control, planning, human-robot collaboration, and Industry 5.0. To conclude, the presented study discusses theoretical, practical implications, and future scope of research.