ABB has launched its new OmniVance™ Collaborative Machine Tending Cell, providing a complete integrated solution for automated machine tending that is easy to program, install and use.
As the technology has progressed, many companies have discovered ways to reap the benefits of modern cobots beyond manufacturing and assembly operations.
In recent years, collaborative robots (cobots) have become increasingly popular in production environments due to advances in technology. Gronbach, a global manufacturer, is using KUKA Robotics’ LBR iisy cobot for product testing.
Automated quality inspection cells help achieve zero-defect production and increase throughput through 24/7 operations. However, unexpected stops in complex, AI-powered cells can pose challenges due to unpredictable scenarios and edge cases.
Manufacturers face complex challenges, including attracting and retaining labor and adapting to a volatile market. Skilled human labor remains crucial despite advancements in automation.
Automating testing and inspection requires careful consideration of tools, including robot type, end-of-arm tooling, and ancillary systems. While cobots are popular for quality tasks, their full collaborative capabilities may not be utilized in some applications, leading to higher costs without maximizing benefits.
Automation in manufacturing, particularly in quality control, is crucial for boosting productivity and reducing errors amid a shortage of skilled operators. Vision system technology offers a powerful solution, automating measurement and inspection processes to streamline operations and enhance accuracy.
Quality sat down with Stefan Friedrich of New Scale Robotics to explain why quality is often one of the later steps to automate. Adopting a robot or cobot can be intimidating but it doesn’t need to be. Here he describes what quality professionals need to know. Hint: it’s not programming.
On Demand Join this webinar to learn how companies of all sizes are adopting easy-to-use cobots to overcome the labor shortage, handle multi-shift operations, scale production on-the-fly, and solve many other challenges.