A robotic palletizer utilizing the D:PLOY platform is an instance of an off-the-shelf system that’s pre-configured and obtainable now. | Supply: OnRobot
In right now’s fast-paced manufacturing panorama, automation is not a luxurious however a necessity. Nevertheless, with varied approaches obtainable, choosing the proper one could 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 completely different
What precisely is off-the-shelf automation, and the way does it differ from turnkey techniques?
Taylor: Off-the-shelf automation refers to finish, pre-built, and pre-configured robotic techniques designed for particular functions. These techniques 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 professional help.
Turnkey techniques, alternatively, are sometimes partially pre-engineered however nonetheless require customization, programming, and on-site integration. If you want to make any modifications, they require experience and engineering abilities.
So, whereas turnkey options sound handy, they nonetheless contain a level of complexity?
Taylor: Precisely. Turnkey techniques typically require integrators to customise and program the appliance, rising prices and lead time, in addition to resulting in potential downtime for any modifications that should be made after preliminary setup.
This implies turnkey is usually a superb selection for conventional automation with very particular necessities and excessive manufacturing quantity, however turnkey isn’t an efficient resolution to deal with 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 techniques have decrease upfront prices and clear pricing. These techniques 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 abilities or exterior integrators. Moreover, customary robotic-system merchandise for particular functions are primarily based on a confirmed automation software program engine to scale back dangers of customized techniques.
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, carried out an off-the-shelf robotic palletizing resolution powered by OnRobot’s D:PLOY platform.
It changed a handbook activity and achieved same-day set up, leading to $31,000 in annual value financial savings.
D:LOY a platform for creating standardized techniques
Off-the-shelf automation gives a substitute for ‘turnkey’ techniques that also have to be custom-made, 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 techniques. It empowers OEMs and integrators to develop standardized robotic techniques for particular functions 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 techniques 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 techniques?
Taylor: Appropriate. It’s a growth platform that permits integrators and machine builders to shortly create full, off-the-shelf robotic techniques. This permits them to develop aggressive choices for a phase of shoppers who will not be served right now with conventional automation expertise or turnkey functions.
By standardizing the providing, they’ll leverage economies of scale to decrease prices, scale back lead instances, and decrease the challenge danger that may include custom-made techniques.
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 fully 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 enhance 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 ultimate ideas for producers contemplating automation?
Taylor: Don’t accept only a robotic arm and ask your self if you’re on the lookout for turnkey or off-the-shelf, particularly should you want an answer that gives transparency, ease of use, and the pliability 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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