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Industrial Automation

WHY IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTION LINE WITH MACHINE-TENDING ROBOTS?

Machine tending is an essential part of the manufacturing process. It involves loading and unloading materials, parts, or products into machines such as CNC machines, lathes, and injection molding machines. This process can be time-consuming, repetitive, and potentially dangerous, which is why many manufacturers are turning to machine-tending robots to automate this task. In this blog post, we will discuss the relevance of using a machine-tending robot in the manufacturing industry.

1. Increased Productivity

Machine tending robots can operate 24/7, allowing manufacturers to increase their productivity by reducing downtime and increasing throughput. These robots are designed to work at a consistent pace, which means that they can complete tasks at a faster rate than human workers. This results in a significant increase in production output, which can help manufacturers meet their production targets.

2. Improved Quality Control

Robots are designed to perform tasks with a high level of accuracy and precision. This means that they can reduce the risk of errors that can occur when humans are performing repetitive tasks. Consistent loading and unloading of materials, parts, or products into machines can also reduce the risk of defects and errors in the manufacturing process, resulting in improved quality control.

3. Enhanced Safety

These robots can help improve safety in the manufacturing industry by reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. They are designed to perform tasks that can be dangerous for human workers, such as loading and unloading heavy materials or working in hazardous environments. By automating these tasks, manufacturers can reduce the risk of worker injuries and illnesses, resulting in a safer work environment.

4. Reduced Labor Costs

Machine tending robots can also help reduce labor costs by eliminating the need for human workers to perform repetitive tasks. This allows manufacturers to allocate their human resources to more complex tasks that require human intervention. This can result in significant cost savings for manufacturers, especially in industries where labor costs are high.

5. Scalability

This technology can be easily scaled up or down depending on production needs. It means that manufacturers can adjust their production capacities to meet changing market demands. This flexibility allows manufacturers to remain competitive in their respective industries by ensuring that they can meet customer demands quickly and efficiently.

6. Data Collection

Usually, robots can be equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to collect data on the manufacturing process. This data can be used to optimize production, reduce waste, and improve quality control. Manufacturers can use this data to identify trends and patterns in the manufacturing process, allowing them to make data-driven decisions that can help improve their production processes.

Conclusion

In the end, machine-tending robots are becoming an increasingly relevant tool in the manufacturing industry. They offer a range of benefits, including increased productivity, improved quality control, enhanced safety, reduced labor costs, scalability, and data collection. By automating the machine tending process, manufacturers can improve their production processes, increase efficiency, and remain competitive in their respective industries.

At DIY Robotics, we offer great options to assist you in introducing machine-tending robots to your production line. If you would like to learn more about our products, you can visit: https://diy-robotics.com/products/

THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND THE ROLE OF ROBOTICS IN MANUFACTURING

In recent years, the manufacturing industry has undergone significant transformation, thanks to the rise of industrial automation and robotics. As businesses strive to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality, robotic automation has become increasingly popular. This blog post delves into the future of industrial automation and the critical role that robotics will play in the manufacturing industry.

The Current State of Industrial Automation

Although businesses have been using machines to automate manufacturing processes for decades, recent technological advancements have taken automation to the next level. Today, businesses can implement comprehensive automation solutions that integrate multiple systems and processes, from production lines to warehouse management.

Automation offers numerous benefits, including reducing labor costs, improving efficiency and productivity, and enhancing quality and consistency. Additionally, automation can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries, thus improving workplace safety.

The Role of Robotics Automation in Manufacturing

robotic hand machine tool at industrial manufacture factory

Despite the use of robotics in manufacturing is not new, recent technological advancements have made robotics more accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Robotics can automate various tasks, from assembly to packaging to material handling.

One of the key benefits of robotics in manufacturing is their ability to perform repetitive tasks with high precision and accuracy. This not only improves efficiency and productivity but also enhances quality and consistency. Robots can work around the clock, reducing the need for human labor and increasing output.

Another benefit of robotics in manufacturing is their flexibility. Robotic systems can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks and can be easily reconfigured to adapt to changing production needs. This makes them an ideal solution for businesses that need to produce multiple products or change production lines frequently.

The Future of Industrial Automation

The future of industrial automation is bright, with continued technological advancements driving innovation and growth. One of the key areas of growth is the Internet of Things (IoT), which allows machines and devices to communicate and share data. This enables businesses to monitor and control their manufacturing processes in real-time, optimizing performance and reducing downtime.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area of growth that enables machines to learn and adapt to changing conditions. AI can optimize production processes, predict maintenance needs, and improve product quality. Furthermore, the use of collaborative robots (cobots) is expected to increase in the coming years. Cobots are designed to work alongside human workers, performing repetitive or dangerous tasks while leaving more complex tasks to humans. This not only improves efficiency and productivity but also enhances workplace safety.

Industrial automation and robotics are transforming the manufacturing industry. The use of robotics in manufacturing is expected to increase as businesses aim to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. In addition, IoT, AI, and cobots are expected to become more prevalent, enabling businesses to optimize their manufacturing processes and stay competitive. As a business owner, it is crucial to keep up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in industrial automation to ensure that your business remains competitive in the future.

To get more information about our robotic solutions, please visit our website: https://diy-robotics.com/

THE BENEFITS OF TURNKEY ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

The manufacturing industry has been transformed by the advent of advanced robotics technology. While large corporations have been utilizing this technology for years, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have been slower to adopt it. This is primarily due to the high cost and complexity of implementing robotic systems. However, turnkey robotic solutions are changing that. In this article, we will explore the benefits of turnkey robotic solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.

What Are Turnkey Robotic Solutions?

turney robotic solutions 2Turnkey robotic solutions are pre-engineered robotic systems that are designed to be plug-and-play with minimal installation and setup required. These systems are typically designed for specific applications, such as welding, material handling, or packaging. They come with all the necessary hardware, software, and controls to automate a specific task or process.

Benefits of Turnkey Robotic Solutions for SMBs

1. Cost-Effective

One of the primary benefits of turnkey robotic solutions for SMBs is their cost-effectiveness. These systems are typically less expensive than custom-designed robotic systems, making them more accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.

Moreover, turnkey robotic solutions are designed to be easy to install and operate. This means that SMBs can avoid the high costs associated with engineering, programming, and commissioning custom robotic systems, which would require specialized skills and knowledge.

2. Quick Deployment

Another benefit of turnkey robotic solutions is their quick deployment. These systems are pre-engineered and pre-configured, so they can be installed and put into operation quickly. This means that businesses can start realizing the benefits of automation sooner.

They can be easily integrated into existing production lines without the need for major modifications or downtime. This further reduces the time and cost associated with deploying robotic systems.

3. Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Those custom solutions can help increase efficiency and productivity by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. By automating these tasks, businesses can free up their employees to focus on higher-value activities, such as innovation, problem-solving, and customer service.

A great advantage is that they can operate 24/7, which means that businesses can increase their production output without increasing their labor costs. This can help SMBs compete with larger corporations that have already adopted robotic technology.

4. Improved Quality and Consistency

precisionTurnkey robotic solutions can also help to improve the quality and consistency of their products. Robotic systems can perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability, which reduces the risk of human error and inconsistency.

Robotic systems can be programmed to perform quality inspections and reject defective products, which ensures that only high-quality products are delivered to customers. This can help businesses build a strong reputation for quality and reliability.

5. Enhanced Safety

Enhancing safety in the workplace is always a priority. By automating dangerous or repetitive tasks, businesses can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. This not only protects employees but also reduces liability and workers’ compensation costs for the business.

Additionally, turnkey robotic solutions can be equipped with safety features such as sensors and barriers, which ensure that the robotic system stops or slows down when a person enters the workspace. This further reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

Conclusion

Turnkey robotic solutions offer numerous benefits for small and medium-sized businesses. They are cost-effective, quick to deploy, increase efficiency and productivity, improve quality and consistency, and enhance safety in the workplace. They can help SMBs remain competitive by providing access to advanced automation technology. If you are an SMB looking to enhance your operations, turnkey robotic solutions are definitely worth considering.

To conclude, if you are looking for a robotic solution for your business, don’t hesitate to visit our product page https://diy-robotics.com/products/ and contact us to book a free consultation https://diy-robotics.com/free-consultation/.

HOW MODULAR ROBOTICS CELLS CAN STREAMLINE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

Modular robotics cells are transforming the manufacturing industry, allowing businesses to automate their production lines and streamline their operations. These pre-designed, modular, and mobile robotic cells can be customized to fit a variety of manufacturing needs, from small businesses to large-scale operations. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of these cells and how they can streamline manufacturing processes.

Modular robotics cells are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing manufacturers to quickly and easily reconfigure them to meet changing production needs. This means that businesses can automate their production lines without having to make significant investments in new equipment or infrastructure. By using modular robotics cells, manufacturers can save time and money while improving efficiency and productivity.

Benefits

One of the key benefits of a modular robotics cell is that it can be easily integrated with existing manufacturing processes. This means that businesses can automate specific tasks or processes without overhauling their entire production line. This makes this cell ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that want to automate their operations but may not have the resources to invest in a full-scale robotic integration.

Another benefit of modular robotics cells is that they can be customized to fit a variety of manufacturing needs. This means that businesses can choose the size, configuration, and capabilities of their robotic cells to match their specific production requirements. This customization allows manufacturers to optimize their production lines and improve overall efficiency and productivity.

More Flexibility

Those flexible cells are designed to be mobile, which means they can be easily moved around the production floor to adapt to changing needs. This mobility allows businesses to optimize their production lines, moving robotic cells to where they are needed most and avoiding bottlenecks or other production issues.

In addition to their flexibility the modular, and mobile robotics cells also offer significant safety benefits. By automating dangerous or repetitive tasks, businesses can reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries. This not only protects employees but also reduces liability and workers’ compensation costs for the business.

Finally, these cells can improve the quality and consistency of finished products. By automating manufacturing processes, businesses can reduce the risk of human error and ensure that products are produced to a consistent standard. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and fewer product returns or recalls.

In conclusion, modular robotics cells are transforming the manufacturing industry by providing businesses with a flexible, adaptable, and customizable solution for automating their production lines. By streamlining manufacturing processes, businesses can save time and money while improving efficiency, productivity, and product quality. If your business is looking to automate its operations, modular robotics cells are an excellent option to consider.

If you would like to know more about our modular product line, visit our product page: https://diy-robotics.com/products/modular-robotic-cells/.

WHY YOU SHOULD INCLUDE COBOTS INTO YOUR COMPANY

Companies have already integrated robotics into their production floors in order to increase production, safety, and consistency. However, the majority of these robotic installations are of the industrial category and are often complex to program or install. The majority of this robot category provides a more permanent solution and are ideal for large business where layouts or production steps rarely change. Luckily, there is a category of robot which is excellent for industries looking for a more adaptable solution: the cobot.

What is a Cobot?

A cobot is a term used to represent a collaborative robot. These robots are specifically designed to be able to work alongside humans in a production setting. They have reduced speed, unique safety features, and can work in an open system, unlike their industrial robot counterparts. They often take the shape of a human arm and hand, and are great for repetitive and dangerous tasks; which makes them an excellent addition to any workspace.

Advantages of a Cobot

Like any robotic equipment, cobots are extremely accurate and efficient at performing their tasks. This will result in improved production rates, fewer errors or defects, increased overall efficiency, etc. Although slower, cobots have improved safety features and are usually cheaper than industrial robots.

cobotCobots are designed to be installed quickly. They usually come pre-assembled in a box or crate and only require a few anchoring bolts and power connections before the cobot can start functioning. With the right training, these types of robots can be installed and programmed internally. Some companies, including DIY Robotics, even offer user-friendly software and HMIs to help guide the acquiring company to an easier solution.

To build upon on the above points, cobots are also versatile and mobile. This means that a cobot can be programmed to perform a task one day, but then be moved to another with little to no hassle. In other words, one cobot has the capability to perform at multiple workstations. This is usually accomplished by coding multiple projects, and installing the cobot on a robotic cell with wheels. This makes them an excellent addition to small or medium business types that are looking to integrate robotic equipment for the first time.

Collaborative robots provide an excellent solution for any industry looking to automate a production setting. They are designed to work alongside humans and provide a more accurate and consistent job to everyday production. Due to their user-friendly interfaces, it allows a worker to program these robots with little experience in programming. The majority of cobots are also versatile to allow it to work on multiple projects at a time, or be relocated with ease. It is this combination of benefits which allows cobots to be a worthy option when planning to automate production tasks.

At DIY Robotics, we offer a range of collaborative robot work cells which will contribute greatly to your production tasks. They offer all the advantages stated above while providing additional functionality with the installed cell. If you would like more information regarding our collaborative robot products, feel free to visit our product page: https://diy-robotics.com/products/. If you have a question about this article or any of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us: https://diy-robotics.com/contact/.

References

  • Matheson, E., Minto, R., Zampieri, E. G. G., Faccio, M., & Rosati, G. (2019, December 6). Human–robot collaboration in Manufacturing Applications: A Review. MDPI. Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/2218-6581/8/4/100/htm

BENEFITS OF ROBOTIC CELLS ON WHEELS

Within the manufacturing industry, layouts or production floors can change often. Automated equipment may need to be reinstalled, relocated, or altered to satisfy a new manufacturing environment. Industrial robots are often installed with a permanent location in mind (i.e., bolted to the ground). Hence, installing and uninstalling this equipment can often be lengthy and complicated. To add on, safety barriers and cells installed around these robots would increase the time needed. Therefore, robotic cells which have the robots installed alongside them, equipped to have wheels on them can provide many benefits to a workspace.

Robotic Cells & Wheels

As stated above, work environments can be reorganized and/or evolve. During this process, it is important to have equipment which can easily and naturally adapt to any change required by an industry; or risk lengthy downtime which in turn will decrease production time. Therefore, mobility is an important aspect when purchasing automated equipment. For robotic cells with wheels, relocation of the robot would take a fraction of the time compared to a classic industrial robot. To add on, a robotic cell could also be added to a production line at any moment based on a factory’s needs; there is no need for lengthy installation times.

For small to medium industries, wheeled robotic cells also provide the benefit of using the same robot cell for different applications. For example, a robotic cell could perform tasks at a molding machine, and then be moved easily to work collaboratively with humans (or any other automated task).

At DIY Robotics, we pride ourselves on our fully mobile and modular robotic cells. Each of our models support different kinds and sizes of robots to satisfy any requirement by your production environment. Each of these cells are equipped with wheels to achieve a mobile product capable of performing day to day robotic tasks, as well as providing all the benefits stated above.

When located in its correct operating position, the integrated leveling pads allow the cell to remain in place to ensure it does not move or vibrate during the robot’s movement, or if anything impacts the cell. The leveling pads as well as the wheels are industrial grade and are capable of supporting the full weight of the robot and the cell, along with any payloads the robot is working with, and more.

Conclusion

To summarize, mobility is an incredibly important benefit when acquiring automated equipment. DIY Robotic cells with integrated wheels provide that benefit while still maintaining all the benefits of a permanent solution. Our robotic cells provide many other benefits which any industry can make use of. If you have any inquiries regarding our robotic cells, please feel free to visit our product page: https://diy-robotics.com/products/, or our blog: https://diy-robotics.com/blog/. If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will put you in touch with one of our experts: https://diy-robotics.com/contact/

References

THE IMPORTANCE OF MATERIALS IN INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS

Throughout history, humans have discovered and developed ways to manipulate materials in order to create and build the world around them. As technology progressed, our understanding of these materials has led to breakthroughs in production and sustainability, which has benefited society greatly. Therefore, a strong understanding of materials is essential for any manufacturing environment to operate. Whether the results are structural or product-based, each industry must comply with and meet specific requirements to deliver a safe and reliable product. Hence, the use of Strength of Materials is a key aspect of all manufacturing processes.

Strength of Materials

Strength of Materials refers to the mathematics used to calculate stresses and strains in a working material. In other words, it is the process used to determine if a product or structure will fail during its use. When designing structures or products, architects and engineers carefully choose their working materials based on the forces which the product/structure would be subject to during its lifetime. Strong and durable materials should be chosen to ensure a long product lifespan and resistance to general wear and tear. Metal is one of the most common materials used in industries due to its diverse capability to sustain loads and forces. It is great for structural components (beams, trusses, etc.) and products under a heavy workload.

By designing and developing a product to incorporate the correct and strong materials, a manufacturer can reap many benefits. Damage, as well as wear and tear, can cause considerable costs for an industry. The cost to repair a structure or piece of equipment can often be higher than building it with the correct materials in the first place. This will save a company a great deal of cash which can be used on other investments. In a commercial scenario, selling a customer a reliable structure or piece of equipment will give the company a good reputation, often attracting more customers. Good materials make good products. On the other hand, there are many consequences if a manufacturer utilizes cheap materials in production. It is a company’s responsibility to ensure a product is capable and long-lasting in its field of application or run the risk of failures, customers complaints and returns, or worst of all casualties.

Materials in Robotics

In industrial robotics, engineers have made it their purpose to ensure a robot is equipped with and composed of strong materials and a reliable framework. Industrial robots are subjected to many hazardous tasks which involve repeated motions, heavy payloads, etc. These robots (along with all engineered products and structures) have a Factor of Safety that guarantees that their structure will stay intact under a certain payload or force. However, a section that is often not discussed is the strength and reliability of a robot’s environment. Due to a large number of quick linear or rotary motions, an industrial robot must be equipped with a strong anchoring system or robotic cell which is capable of withstanding vibrations and the accelerations of the robot’s movement.

materials for industrial roboticsAt DIY Robotics, we take pride in our well-structured robotic cells. Each cell has been carefully constructed with welded and folded sheet metal to provide a strong frame without the use of aluminium or extruded metals. These cells have full capability of housing an industrial-sized robot and make no compromises to the robot’s acceleration and speed due to the strong and reliable materials the cell is composed of. Despite the strength provided, each cell is still light enough to be mobile around workstations. In other words, our cells are perfectly balanced between lightweight and heavyweight to handle all manufacturing processes while still being moveable. The cell’s metal components are also rust and scratch protected due to the long-lasting powder coating. Depending on the model of the cell chosen, transparent polycarbonate panels may also be equipped to provide a shatter-proof and scratch-resistant barrier from its workspace (a huge advantage over glass or polymer). If you would like more information regarding our robotic cells or would like to browse all available options, please feel free to visit our product page: https://diy-robotics.com/products/.

Conclusion

In summary, the selection of strong materials is essential for the construction of great products. Doing so will establish a reputation of reliable equipment with customers. In the case of robotics, it is crucial to integrate long-lasting, strong equipment due to the complexity and expense of industrial automation. Failure to do so may result in unexpected failures and expenses which would easily be avoided. This concludes this week’s blog on Materials in Industrial Robotics. If you have a question regarding any of the stated material or have an inquiry about our products, please feel free to contact us: https://diy-robotics.com/contact/.

References

APPLICATIONS OF ASSEMBLY ROBOTS

As companies upgrade their production floors to be on track with Industry 4.0, so does the demand for automated equipment. By integrating automation, industries can increase their overall production and efficiency, while lowering costs and hazards. The best way industries can achieve automated production is through the use of robots. In today’s world, robotic equipment fulfills a wide range of applications within the manufacturing industry. This could be as simple as pick and place robots, or as complex as automotive robotic welders. One of the most common applications for robotic technologies is product assembly.

Assembly Robots in Industry

Assembly robots are commonplace within any manufacturing environment. They are capable of performing mundane and repetitive tasks with ease. Due to the accuracy of a robot’s EOAT, assembly robots are also perfect for constructing products that require a delicate or precise touch. Such products could involve anything with electronics or compact components. Assembly robots are also capable of working with awkward and heavier parts which a human would find hazardous. In modern assembly lines, almost all nodes within the line are operated by robots or some sort of automated equipment. This ensures that a consistent and accurate construction process is maintained.

An automotive factory is a great example of an industry that utilizes these concepts. Vehicles consist of hundreds of complex parts which vary in size and their installation method. Due to the amount of unique maneuvering required to install the components of a vehicle, it would be best suited for a robotic arm to perform these tasks. Hence, automotive assembly lines mainly consist of robotic assemblers. These robots work in cohesion to produce completed vehicles at a consistent rate. Heavier objects like the motor and vehicle frame can be installed easily without endangering workers. 

Benefits

Efficient
Assembly robots perform instructions and tasks at greater speeds and with greater precision than human workers. Assembly robots are also able to provide a better-quality product since they are more consistent and precise in their assembly process. Robotic assembly installations are also capable of operating 24/7, with the exception of occasional maintenance breaks. As a result, productivity can be maximized which will increase production rate in a smaller timespan and increase profits.

Cost Effective
As stated above, robotic assemblers are extremely efficient at performing their tasks. Increased productivity leads to increased profits. Installing robotic equipment in the place of human workers will also allow a production floor to significantly reduce labor costs and replace them with a lower powering cost. This will lead to a quick return on investment.

Hazard Reduction
Due to the ability to work with heavy, awkward, and dangerous materials or parts, assembly robots can reduce hazards to which a human worker would be subject to. In other words, a robot is more capable and adaptable to hazardous work environments. This in turn can save money which would have been used to provide workers with PPE, safety equipment, etc.

Restrictions

High investment
Robotic equipment can often have a high investment value. This includes the initial cost of the robot, as well as installation and maintenance. This cost can often exceed that of a worker’s annual wage. However, as stated above, the cost-effectiveness of a robot in long-term use results ini a quick return on investment.

Personnel Expertise
Due the complexity of robotic installations and processes, it is important to have access to personnel who are familiar with the robotics field. Companies with a mass number of robotic installations should ensure a member of staff with this expertise is on-site in the case of unexpected errors or downtime. The labor costs of this employee may be large, but the benefits that countless robotic installations provide easily out-ways this disadvantage. DIY Robotics has an advantageous support program for all of our robotic cells; that combined with the large robotic knowledge base our specialists possess provides all the expertise you require.

Maintenance
For production floors with any quantity of robotic equipment, performing frequent and correct maintenance is extremely important to keep efficiency high, and prevent unexpected errors and downtime. This mainly includes safety inspections, system analyses, cleaning, and upkeep (if a machine has a consumable resource or disposable parts). As stated above, it would also be necessary to have an employee with the expertise to perform this maintenance correctly.

Conclusion

In summary, robotic assemblers provide a necessary benefit to all manufacturing environments. Despite having a large initial cost, this robotic installation can increase efficiency and safety while keeping product consistency. If you have any questions regarding robotic assemblers or have a general inquiry about a certain subject or our products, do not hesitate to contact us and we will put you in touch with an expert: https://diy-robotics.com/free-consultation/.

References

HOW TO ATTEND A ROBOTICS TRADE SHOW EFFECTIVELY

More and more industries are turning towards industry 4.0 with the use of automation and robotics. To ensure an industry is leading in a manufacturing climate, they must ensure their robotic equipment is effective and of top-grade quality. Therefore, is it crucial to be well educated and informed on the variety of equipment and technology available. Often, it is hard to acquire such knowledge or satisfy any questions from websites and manuals alone. It is important to view and work with robotic equipment physically before confirming that you wish to integrate it. Companies could plan a showcase of their products; however, these can be time consuming and might not deliver the answers and information a customer is looking for. Robotic trade shows are an excellent solution to this.

What are Robotic Trade Shows?

Also known as trade exhibitions or a robotics fair, a robotics trade show is a scheduled public event where companies and industries can showcase their products, technology, and research at a booth. They provide an excellent and effective form of marketing for both buyers and sellers. During these shows, customers who are be interested in robotic products have a chance to ask questions about any aspect of robotics, as well as spectate the workings of different equipment. This provides an opportunity for customers to receive first hand experience and knowledge, as well as give option to purchase or close deals. However, due to the great opportunity companies have to showcase their products, these trade shows are often clustered and can be quite overwhelming since each exhibitor wants your attention. It is important to have an effective strategy before attending these shows to ensure you acquire the maximum value in your visit.

Effective Strategies

A robotics trade show is likely to have a wide variety of technology available, some of which might not even relate to the field you wish to inquire about. Before attending these events, it is important to know what it is you are looking for in order to plan your time effectively. These events often have a member list along with a location of their booth on a floor plan. This can be found on the show website or during the event. When you arrive, you can simply visit their location and avoid the unnecessary booths.

Depending on the organization of the exhibition, companies with similar technology would be grouped together, giving visitors a categorized experience similar to a superstore. Upon arrival at a booth, it is also important to have a list of requirements or expectations available for the vendor. This will allow the vendor to provide the best solution they have for your company. Similarly, you can visit other booths within the show who may satisfy these requirements more appropriately.

Due to the popularity of these events, it can often be hard to receive a vendor’s full attention because of other potential customers. Establishing your intentions or informing a company of your visit will allow them to prepare a presentation. Certain companies will even schedule appointments during these events to provide a more personal, hands-on display of their products.

To summarize, robotic trade shows provide an excellent way for a company to acquire knowledge and information regarding new equipment, technology, and research. It is important to know what you are looking for before attending these shows since it is often a busy event. Plan which booths you wish to visit, as well as a list of requirements your company needs for equipment. Thank you for reading this week’s post on Robotic Trade Shows. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will provide you with the knowledge you require: https://diy-robotics.com/contact/.

References

SECOND-HAND AUTOMATION MARKET

Automation has been an essential part of manufacturing environments over the years. Around the globe, industries have been upgrading their workspaces to incorporate robots in order to be on track with industry 4.0. This involves integrating new robotic systems or adding to pre-existing robotic assemblies. The robot equipment does not always have to be bought new. In fact, many companies are purchasing second-hand robots in order to satisfy their automation requirements.

Second-Hand Robots

The second-hand market represents the sale of used or old equipment and merchandise. Automated equipment is a sector within this market, and is a viable option for manufacturers to invest in. Due to supply chain disruptions and the closure of boarders from the COVID-19 pandemic, second-hand robots provide a necessary and adequate way to substitute for late or cancelled robot shipments. There is also a range of advantages and disadvantages when acquiring and utilizing second-hand robots.

Advantages

The second-hand market continues to grow; many reasons contribute to the popularity of used robots, however, the main benefits are as follows:

Consistent

Often, the type and style of an industrial robot are crucial in order to achieve a production requirement. This could involve a custom application, or other machines being dependent. A manufacturer who has already integrated robotic equipment into their production floor may need a replacement of the same model. Depending on how old the equipment is, it may have become obsolete and new robots are not available. A newer robot also may not be compatible with older programs or power sources; therefore, a company would have to invest more money having to upgrade their robotic system to accommodate for one machine. In these cases, the second-hand market would be the only option.

Reliable

When an item has been labelled as ‘second-hand’, a common thought is that it is damaged, or of poor quality. However, that is not always the case. Industrial robots have an incredibly high lifespan, and used robots often still have years of lifespan remaining. If the second-hand robot was pre-owned by a respectable company who ensured maintenance was conducted regularly, the robot would still have a long operating life. Second-hand robots can also be refurbished to operate just as well as newer ones. Depending on the popularity of a used robot, spare parts may also be widely available in the case of future grievances.

Affordable

Newly designed robots can often be incredibly expensive and may be a dealbreaker for companies with tight budgets. Used robots are a fraction of the price of a new robot, while still delivering all automation needs. By spending less on robotic equipment, companies not only have a quicker ROI (return on investment), but could also use the savings to purchase more robots, or invest back into other manufacturing operations.

Disadvantages

Despite the already stated benefits, the second-hand automation market does have disadvantages and inconveniences to be aware of:

Quality

When acquiring a second-hand robot, it is crucial to ensure that it is in working condition. Be sure to be aware of the total working hours as well as reliability with its previous owner. As stated above, be sure the previous owners are of a respectable company who conducted maintenance regularly and ensured the robot operated within its specifications. Another option is to perform diagnostics to check if the robot is in an ideal working condition (ex. FANUC Pro Diagnostic). Doing so will ensure the robot does not perform poorly or have any mechanical errors like backlash, vibration, motor failure, etc.

Technology

A second-hand robot may not be equipped with the latest robotic features. Newer robots are usually more efficient, faster, and more accurate than older models. Not to mention, integration with the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) or production monitoring may be easier with newer models. For those who want complex robotic equipment, a newer model may be the best choice.

Conclusion

To summarize, second-hand robots provide an excellent solution for integrating automation into a production floor. They provide a cost-effective and consistent way to revolutionize a workspace. DIY Robotics offers a range of robotic cells well suited for second-hand robots. These cells are mobile and modular which allows the robot to adapt to any work environment, and facilitate a need on a production floor. For more information regarding DIY Robotics cells, please visit our product page.

Please stay connected for more posts addressing robotic industrial applications. If you have any questions regarding the second-hand market or have another inquiry, feel free to contact us and we will put you in touch with an expert.

References