For everyone involved in the manufacturing, assembly, packing, or distribution of goods, robots are the talk of the town. Are you seeking solutions to automate your processes, lower your variable labor expenses, and increase your competitiveness? Robots are swift, robust, and have a wide range of motion, which makes them such adaptable automation devices.
Most end consumers considering the value of a robotic system, on the other hand, rely on the integrator or OEM to supply a solution without fully comprehending the possible benefits and pitfalls of a robotic system. The concerns that a robotic user must take into account when deciding on a robot and a robot programmer/installer are posed in the following content.
1. Security
Robots are quick, precise, strong, and quiet, which implies they have the ability to do tasks, but also the potential to create catastrophic hurt and destruction. The goal of robot producers, competent and trustworthy integrators, and every end-consumer should be to safely exploit the advantages of robots without jeopardizing human life.
2. The Gadgetry
On the exterior, the qualities of different manufacturers’ robots appear to be rather comparable. A deeper investigation indicates significant disparities in hardware dependability, durability, security feature execution, operator interface, and programming style. Your initial robot system, irrespective of its size or sophistication, is frequently scrutinized and sets the tone for all subsequent executions. Pre-purchase research will assist you in establishing a clear automation path today and in the future.
In addition to the equipment in the robots, you need to understand what it takes to maintain it and the requirements on your end. You need to understand that the operational abilities of the robot you buy depends on the conditions you set up for it. Things like the right power, which you will need to work with both experts and insulator suppliers to ensure that your robot has the required power to function well.
Robots are typically critical to satisfying your production demands once they’ve been introduced. While they are incredibly dependable, they will require assistance at some point. Is the producer or integrator available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? How fast could the required support staff arrive at your location? Is there a spare part available? Isn’t it possible to use remote diagnostics? Is the cell intended to permit minimal manufacturing when the robot is out of commission?
End-of-arm fabrication and cable administration are critical to the project’s achievements, you need to invest in essential cable boxes. Is it built to withstand the long-term strains of the expected loads and accelerations? Is it strong enough to survive the high forces of a crash with misaligned products or an incorrect setup? Is it possible to replace expendable parts without having to re-calibrate? Bear in mind that as the flexion rises, cable maintenance becomes more complex, and it becomes more crucial as the cycle rates go up.
3. Coding, Operator Interface, and Functioning
Even the best robot for the job, with well-designed and durable equipment, in a safe and user-friendly cell, might cripple your business if it isn’t programmed with the same care. Programming dictates whether your robotic automation expenditure will be a respected and trustworthy collaborator, or a lunatic in a cage who operators fear to work with and servicing hopes to dodge.
After receiving proper training, the operator interface must be simple and straightforward to understand so that technicians can swiftly build confidence in utilizing the system. To limit the risk of inaccuracies, the technician controls must reduce the number of steps needed to set up the intended operation and validate the operator’s input. Wherever feasible, the system should be “self-aware” of the work surrounding the use of sensors and imprinting on tools, jigs, or fittings to further reduce the probability of poor setup and crashes.
When repetitive or reactive actions are performed via operator interfaces, they are frequently burdensome and slow; therefore, judicious use of actual buttons/controls on a well-designed board is usually a superior alternative. Alarms and operator warnings should be precise, easy to interpret, and recorded in a log for later analysis.
Errors and fault restoration should be impenetrable. Well-written programs should be able to manage all predicted error scenarios and assist the user through the recovery procedure without causing damage to the machinery or products. Well-written programs must also identify where manual (i.e. competent personnel) involvement is necessary and prevent any further procedures until the situation is safe.
A well-designed industrial robot should almost require no maintenance. Good programming, detailed alarms, and diagnostic logging can provide your engineering and servicing staff a significant advantage in discovering and addressing system issues. The desire to “override” to get things operating will be reduced if quality safety parts are used appropriately and the status of each safety device is announced. The time it takes to get a damaged system back up and running is reduced even further by well-documented code with meticulous references to the genuine labeled inlet and outlet components. Substitute components or tools should be calibrated and thorough instructions should be offered to enable speedy deployment with reproducible results.
The Bottom Line
Robots are a great addition to manufacturing plants. While you add them, remember to acknowledge that the staff needs to be educated on their operations. Having a clear understanding of the working principle of the robots you invest in your company helps to get your employees at ease with the new changes, and even have them on board with the increase in office functionality and efficiency. They also need time to rest and take all their learning in. Choose wisely!
