A robotic palletizer utilizing the D:PLOY platform is an instance of an off-the-shelf system that’s pre-configured and accessible now. | Supply: OnRobot
In as we speak’s fast-paced manufacturing panorama, automation is not a luxurious however a necessity. Nonetheless, with numerous approaches accessible, choosing the proper one might be daunting. The Robotic Report spoke with James Taylor, chief industrial 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 purposes. These methods supply 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 professional help.
Turnkey methods, however, are sometimes partially pre-engineered however nonetheless require customization, programming, and on-site integration. If you have to 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 typically require integrators to customise and program the appliance, rising prices and lead time, in addition to resulting in potential downtime for any adjustments that should be made after preliminary setup.
This implies turnkey generally is a excellent selection for conventional automation with very particular necessities and excessive manufacturing quantity, however turnkey shouldn’t be an efficient answer to deal with the bigger want of purposes 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 purposes are primarily based 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: Definitely. WEMAS Absperrtechnik GmbH, a German supplier of highway security merchandise, applied an off-the-shelf robotic palletizing answer powered by OnRobot’s D:PLOY platform.
It changed a handbook activity and achieved same-day set up, leading to $31,000 in annual price financial savings.
D:LOY a platform for creating standardized methods
Off-the-shelf automation affords a substitute for ‘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, automated software program growth platform that permits the creation of full, off-the-shelf robotic methods. It empowers OEMs and integrators to develop standardized robotic methods for particular purposes like palletizing, CNC machine tending, and packaging.
As a result of there is no such thing as 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 isn’t just 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 enables them to develop aggressive choices for a section of consumers who usually are not served as we speak with conventional automation expertise or turnkey purposes.
By standardizing the providing, they will leverage economies of scale to decrease prices, cut back lead occasions, and decrease the challenge danger 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 working in in the future, 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 era of off-the-shelf robotics, and the economies of scale of this modification will make these merchandise extra reasonably priced and accessible.
As well as, by eradicating programming utterly and drastically decreasing 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 utility just for the skilled skilled.
Any last ideas for producers contemplating automation?
Taylor: Don’t accept only a robotic arm and ask your self in case you are on the lookout for turnkey or off-the-shelf, particularly for those who want an answer that provides transparency, ease of use, and the flexibleness to adapt to altering manufacturing wants. Off-the-shelf automation isn’t just a pattern; it’s the way forward for manufacturing.
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