Look at your manufacturing facilities and identify the different processes you would like to automate. Start with the simplest and most cost-efficient project where minimal changes need to be made to the production line. Look for manual processes that are repetitive, and don’t require on the spot decisions, critical thinking...
Automating with robots – learn more about how to get started
If you’re thinking about automating and you’re not sure where to start, here is a quick guide for your first steps towards automating your manufacturing processes.
Decide on the processes you’d like to automate
Look at your manufacturing facilities and identify the different processes you would like to automate. Start with the simplest and most cost-efficient project where minimal changes need to be made to the production line. Look for manual processes that are repetitive, and don’t require on the spot decisions, critical thinking, or human dexterity. Machine tending and pick-and-place operations are a good place to start.
Decide whether mechanical components within the processes need to change
When you automate a process, it doesn’t necessarily mean a robot with a gripper will be deployed. Often manufacturers need to make changes to the mechanical components around the robot so they’re able to consistently feed products to the robot for handling. It’s important to decide whether such changes will need to be made to your production. If so, think about what these changes will look like for you and whether or not there will be any additional costs if you decide to automate. If you’re prepared to incur additional costs after the initial investment, you’ll receive benefits and great value in the long term.
Determine available space on the factory floor
Look at the processes you would like to automate and determine whether you have the space available on the factory floor to deploy the robot. Consider your needs now and in the future. If space is tight, look for solutions that are small, flexible, easy to implement and that don’t take up a lot of room. Today there are compact and lightweight solutions available that will fit in the smallest of spaces and operate efficiently and safely. This means you don’t have to wait until you’re in a bigger factory to automate. With solutions like collaborative robots, you can start now, save money on property costs, while at the same time increasing your production, growing your business and being the leader in your market.