A robotic palletizer utilizing the D:PLOY platform is an instance of an off-the-shelf system that’s pre-configured and out there now. | Supply: OnRobot
In right this moment’s fast-paced manufacturing panorama, automation is now not a luxurious however a necessity. Nonetheless, with numerous approaches out there, selecting the best one will be daunting. The Robotic Report spoke with James Taylor, chief business officer at finish effector supplier OnRobot, to debate the advantages of “off-the-shelf automation.”
How off-the-shelf automation is totally different
What precisely is off-the-shelf automation, and the way does it differ from turnkey methods?
Taylor: Off-the-shelf automation refers to finish, pre-built, and pre-configured robotic methods designed for particular functions. These methods provide same-day set up and clear pricing, are able to deploy with minimal setup, and, most significantly, they permit producers to re-deploy or changeover their manufacturing piece shortly with out knowledgeable help.
Turnkey methods, then again, are sometimes partially pre-engineered however nonetheless require customization, programming, and on-site integration. If you should make any adjustments, they require experience and engineering expertise.
So, whereas turnkey options sound handy, they nonetheless contain a level of complexity?
Taylor: Precisely. Turnkey methods usually require integrators to customise and program the appliance, growing prices and lead time, in addition to resulting in potential downtime for any adjustments that should be made after preliminary setup.
This implies turnkey could be a superb alternative for conventional automation with very particular necessities and excessive manufacturing quantity, however turnkey isn’t an efficient answer to handle the bigger want of functions with excessive combine manufacturing.
What are the first benefits of off-the-shelf automation for producers?
Taylor: The advantages are quite a few. By leveraging economies of scale, off-the-shelf methods have decrease upfront prices and clear pricing. These methods are pre-built and require minimal on-site modifications, guaranteeing same-day set up and minimal downtime.
Moreover, off-the-shelf options are designed for quick and straightforward in-house workpiece changeovers, eliminating the necessity for specialised programming expertise or exterior integrators. Moreover, commonplace robotic-system merchandise for particular functions are based mostly on a confirmed automation software program engine to cut back dangers of customized methods.
Are you able to present a real-world instance of an organization benefiting from off-the-shelf automation?
Taylor: Actually. WEMAS Absperrtechnik GmbH, a German supplier of highway security merchandise, carried out an off-the-shelf robotic palletizing answer powered by OnRobot’s D:PLOY platform.
It changed a guide job and achieved same-day set up, leading to $31,000 in annual value financial savings.
D:LOY a platform for creating standardized methods
Off-the-shelf automation provides an alternative choice to ‘turnkey’ methods that also have to be personalized, programmed, built-in, and deployed onsite. | Supply: OnRobot
How does D:PLOY match into the off-the-shelf automation panorama?
Taylor: D:PLOY is a no-programming, computerized software program growth platform that allows the creation of full, off-the-shelf robotic methods. It empowers OEMs and integrators to develop standardized robotic methods for particular functions like palletizing, CNC machine tending, and packaging.
As a result of there isn’t a programming concerned, D:PLOY permits end-users to simply deploy and redeploy methods for brand new workpieces in minutes, with out requiring programming experience.
So D:PLOY is not only a product; it’s additionally a platform for creating off-the-shelf methods?
Taylor: Appropriate. It’s a growth platform that permits integrators and machine builders to shortly create full, off-the-shelf robotic methods. This permits them to develop aggressive choices for a section of shoppers who should not served right this moment with conventional automation know-how or turnkey functions.
By standardizing the providing, they will leverage economies of scale to decrease prices, cut back lead instances, and decrease the challenge threat that may include personalized methods.
Are there different examples of firms utilizing D:PLOY to create off-the-shelf automation?
Taylor: Sure, Simply Automate, a Dutch integrator, makes use of D:PLOY to create its off-the-shelf robotic palletizer, MoveComponents.
Schrobbelèr B.V., a beverage producer, additionally benefited from MoveComponents for palletizing heavy bottles. The corporate skilled a transparent, simple course of with detailed technical specs and a easy, no-surprises worth. The system was up and operating in someday, and product changeovers are simply managed in-house with out technical experience.
Seeking to the way forward for off-the-shelf automation
What does the long run maintain for off-the-shelf automation?
Taylor: We’re on the cusp of a brand new technology of off-the-shelf robotics, and the economies of scale of this transformation will make these merchandise extra reasonably priced and accessible.
As well as, by eradicating programming utterly and drastically lowering the complexity of putting in and re-deploying robots, it’s solely logical to imagine that the adoption of robotics in automation will improve dramatically. That is precisely what occurred with the adoption of private computing, which was additionally as soon as an software just for the skilled skilled.
Any ultimate ideas for producers contemplating automation?
Taylor: Don’t accept only a robotic arm and ask your self in case you are in search of turnkey or off-the-shelf, particularly in case you want an answer that gives transparency, ease of use, and the flexibleness to adapt to altering manufacturing wants. Off-the-shelf automation is not only a pattern; it’s the way forward for manufacturing.
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