Our demo at the Advanced Engineering show was a huge hit! When we designed it, our aim was to showcase the capability and safety of collaborative industrial robots. Being able to see that it is possible to have the same equipment as what is used in actual robotic manufacturing automation solutions on the stand and in close proximity to exhibitors and visitors with guarding can open manufacturers’ eyes to possibilities within their own factories.
Industrial Automation Robot
This type of Collaborative robot or ‘cobot’ is the same type of robot used by robotic and automation companies to produce all sorts of robotics and manufacturing automation solutions, completing countless tasks.
These types of industrial automation robots, which work alongside operators and fit in tight spaces, are perfect for SMEs.
They can assemble, test, sort, deburr, inspect, or countless other possibilities. Our “Plinko” demo was also an opportunity to show how a robot can perform different tasks under different conditions.
The demo also raised a few other questions:
1️.”Where is the camera?” or “Is there a camera?”
The robot used simple and cheap (£6 each!) proximity sensors to detect which slot the ball was in. This is a great example of Keeping it Super Simple (KISS) and making the solution fit the spec. As I mentioned to many visitors, if I had two different colour balls with different required actions, then a camera or more advanced colour-detecting sensor might be required!
2️. “What happens if I do [this]?”
I also didn’t spend time programming the most important part of most robot programs and that is what the robot should do when something goes wrong!
No error catching, no error recovery.
It made the programming simple but not very robust. A real application would have about 2 to 10 times the programming effort to cover the “what if’s.”
3. “What else can a robot do?”
This is where a demo really shines. If you need to visualise your process, OmnaTec, as an automation machine manufacturer, can develop a scaled-down “proof of concept” to help you understand the full range of capabilities and possible limitations to adapt your process to automation. This type of demo can help get other stakeholders in your company across the line and get people excited about automation projects.
To begin your journey with an Industrial Automation Robot: Start with OmnaTec
Omnatec is the ideal partner to get UK manufacturers up and running with an industrial automation robot solution. Peter Shafe, (the author) is one of the directors of OmnaTec, and his primary goal is customer satisfaction. Peter can help you scope your project, design the solution and install it onsite. His experience with robotic arms and traditional automation will ensure your project is set up to succeed and delivered as promised. Drop us a line if a demo would help you get your automation journey started.
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