Transforming Robots into Cobots: A Sustainable Approach to Industrial Automation

Abstract

The growing need for sustainable and flexible automation solutions has led to the exploration of transforming traditional industrial robots into collaborative robots (cobots). This paper presents a framework for the conversion of conventional industrial robots into safe, intelligent, and sustainable cobots, leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence and computer vision and the principles of the circular economy. The proposed modular framework contains key components such as visual perception, cognitive adaptability, safe human–robot interactions, and reinforcement learning-based decision-making. Our methodology includes a comprehensive analysis of safety standards (e.g., ISO/TS 15066), robot typologies suitable for retrofitting, and sustainability strategies, including remanufacturing and lifecycle extension. A multi-phase implementation approach is laid out for a theoretical design to contribute to the development of cost-effective and environmentally responsible robotic systems, offering a scalable solution for extending the usability and social acceptance of legacy robotic platforms in collaborative settings.