Machine-tending robots are often key components used to enable unattended or lights-out machining operations, adding capacity by taking advantage of time that’s currently unused, like nights and weekends. In many cases, robot integration enables shopfloor employees that were previously loading and unloading parts from machines to perform duties of greater value. Plus, today’s robots are faster and more intelligent than in years past and are also becoming increasingly viable for small-batch/high-mix production. In addition, collaborative robots, or “cobots,” use sensor technology that enables them function safely alongside humans in a shared work environment. That means no more isolating fencing is needed to separate worker and robot.
Lean Approach to Automated Machine Tending Delivers Quicker Paths to Success
Almost any shop can automate at least some of its production, even in low-volume, high-mix applications. The key to getting started is finding the simplest solutions that fit your requirements. It helps to work with an automation partner that understands your needs.
Automation: Essential Reading
4 Steps to a Cobot Culture: How Thyssenkrupp Bilstein Has Answered Staffing Shortages With Economical Automation
Safe, economical automation using collaborative robots can transform a manufacturing facility and overcome staffing shortfalls, but it takes additional investment and a systemized approach to automation in order to realize this change.
Made in the USA - Season 1 Episode 2: The Automation Puzzle
There is a fundamental question we need to answer when we talk about automation: To what extent is automation an answer to the skilled workforce shortage, and to what extent is automation vs. Skilled labor the wrong comparison to make in the first place?
Choosing a Five-Axis Machine Tool With Automation in Mind
While much focus is placed on the machinery that moves parts, the features most important for automating five-axis machining are arguably found in the machine tool itself.
5 Tips for Automating Laser Marking With Robots
Automating laser marking can be a useful way to increase robots’ utilization, but the process requires careful planning for success.
Reducing Machine Cycle Times Both In and Out of the Cut
Increasing automation means setup times are lower than ever. How can shops optimize cycle times to match and win more business?
FAQ: Automation
What is automation?
“Robot” is the first picture that comes to mind, but it means more than that. Automation could be machines that are able to do more in one setup, one handling. It also refers to other options like pallet systems for moving work around, in and out of machines. It refers to software that can automate certain operations. Automation is not a replacement or an alternative for people.
What is a cobot?
A collaborative robot or “cobot” is a robot that is safe to run unguarded near people. Most cobots are safe because they are speed- and force-limited, and they stop upon sensing contact with an obstacle. Cobots are also easy to relocate and reprogram for different tasks in a shop.
What should you know about cobots?
1. Cobots, vision and AI all go together.
2. Cobots do not guarantee safety.
3. Cobot applications need not feature collaboration.
4. Automation’s payback period is declining.
5. Trends in manufacturing favor collaboration.
6. Cobot adoption might be held back by lack of people.
7. Advancing AGV technologies make cobots mobile.
8. Attention recognition is coming.
9. Collaborative can be done in different ways.
10. “Collaborative” can be a bigger idea.
How do robots and 3D printing intersect?
1. 3D Printed End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)
2. 3D Printed Off-Robot Accessories
3. Robot-Tended 3D Printers
4. Robots As 3D Printing Systems
NADCAP Shop Digitizes to Eliminate Paper Trail
Customizable ERP software has transformed a 27-year-old manual metal finishing job shop into a state-of-the-art paperless company with full digital traceability in about 10 months.
JTEKT Technology Days Showcases Synergies
The event took place following the company’s completion of its new showroom and decision to merge several of its brands under the JTEKT name.
Flexxbotics Becomes System Integrator for Universal Robots
Flexxbotics’ solutions are designed to seamlessly connect and coordinate UR cobots with existing automation equipment, IT systems and people for robot-driven manufacturing to achieve autonomous process control.
Siemens Partners With CEA-List to Advance Digital Twin Technology
The collaboration will bring together the two companies’ technology to help break down the barriers between electronics design, software development and mechanical engineering disciplines using digital twin technologies.
Same Headcount, Double the Sales: Successful Job Shop Automation
Doubling sales requires more than just robots. Pro Products’ staff works in tandem with robots, performing inspection and other value-added activities.
#workforcedevelopment #topshops
Lean Approach to Automated Machine Tending Delivers Quicker Paths to Success
Almost any shop can automate at least some of its production, even in low-volume, high-mix applications. The key to getting started is finding the simplest solutions that fit your requirements. It helps to work with an automation partner that understands your needs.
CNC Machine Shop Honored for Automation, Machine Monitoring
From cobots to machine monitoring, this Top Shop honoree shows that machining technology is about more than the machine tool.
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