In the fast-evolving landscape of manufacturing, the integration of collaborative robots (cobots) is not about replacing people, it’s about enabling them to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.
At MADE Competence Center in Milan, one of the pilot sites in the SkillAIbility project, researchers and engineers are testing how collaborative assembly powered by AI and robotics can create inclusive workspaces, especially for older workers, people with physical limitations, or those undergoing reskilling.
Collaborative robotics in action
The MADE pilot simulates a motorbike fork assembly line that uses:
- Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV): Moves heavy components to the workstation autonomously.
- Large collaborative robot: Assists with lifting and holding the motorbike fork during assembly, removing physical burden and reducing injury risk.
- Two smaller cobots: Perform delicate, repetitive actions to assist human operators with sequence management and part positioning.
Unlike traditional industrial robots that operate behind cages, all of these cobots function safely in open environments, thanks to intelligent sensors and human-aware motion control. This not only ensures operator safety, but allows workers to physically guide and program robots without code—making the interface more accessible and user-friendly.
Human-centric benefits
According to Matteo Barbarossa, who led the demonstration at MADE, “Collaborative robots help maintain correct postural positions, eliminate dangerous tasks, and allow the operator to stay fully engaged in decision-making“. The cobots are integrated where human presence adds value, and removed from tasks that are hazardous or monotonous.
Context and outlook
The global market for collaborative robots is forecast to grow at 32% CAGR, reaching over €12 billion by 2030 (source: MarketsandMarkets). With their ability to safely share workspaces and adapt to human workflows, cobots are poised to become a central technology in the AI-enhanced factories of the future.
The SkillAIbility project aims to build robust, inclusive frameworks for the responsible adoption of AI and robotics in manufacturing, especially in contexts like Learning Factories, where simulation, training, and upskilling can take place in low-risk, real-world settings.
By combining technical performance with social impact, SkillAIbility is redefining what it means to work with machines, not against them.
