Robots-Blog: Top Automationsanwendungen für rasche Renditesteigerungen
Introduction:Discover how to reduce costs and make the most of classic automation applications like Pick & Place, Inspection, and Dispensing. In this article, Alexander Mühlens, Head of Low Cost Automation at igus GmbH, explains how smaller and medium-sized businesses can overcome the challenges of automation and find affordable solutions that work for them. From robot systems to components like vision systems, grippers, and sensors, find out how to get started and benefit from automation in your industry. Plus, learn how the robot marketplace RBTX can help you find inspiration and ready-to-use automation projects from a wide range of industries.
Full Article: Robots-Blog: Top Automationsanwendungen für rasche Renditesteigerungen
How to Reduce Costs and Make the Most of Automation Classics Pick & Place, Testing, and Dispensing
Author: Alexander Mühlens, Head of Low Cost Automation division at igus GmbH
Once upon a time in the industry, robots were not an essential part of the process – whether as machine operators, quality inspectors, or assembly assistants. However, many smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are at risk of falling behind. They often don’t know where to start. Which applications can be automated? And often, the investment costs seem too high and the integration and operation too complex.
Figure 1: Whether it’s dispensing, picking, or testing – it takes some imagination and inexpensive robotic components to start automation projects. (Source: igus GmbH)
Picking, dosing, grinding, or testing: there are a variety of monotonous, repetitive, and exhausting tasks that can easily be automated. However, simply acquiring a robot does not lead to a solution in the end. The entire system, including the robot and components such as vision systems, grippers, and sensors, must work together. But especially SMEs often don’t know where to look for a solution and what the right solution even looks like. It is also important not to start too complex.
The manufacturer-neutral robotics marketplace RBTX helps those interested in automation find the simplest and most cost-effective working solution. With over 400 practical complete solutions available online, interested parties can find not only robots and individual components, but also inspiration for immediate use. These solutions can be adapted easily and have already been implemented by thousands of SMEs around the world. Furthermore, 95 percent of these complete solutions are available for under 12,000 euros. The low-cost solutions have already proven to pay for themselves within 3-12 months. The main application areas include pick & place tasks, quality testing, as well as adhesive and dosing applications.
Efficient handling of products with pick & place robots
A pick & place robot reliably transports an object from point A to point B. These are often repetitive and time-consuming tasks that offer a lot of potential for optimization within a production. Whether it’s machine loading, palletizing, sorting, or pre-assembly. The advantages of low-cost robot solutions have triggered a trend in automation in industries ranging from agriculture, food production, medical technology to craftsmanship. Pick & place systems are increasingly being used in everyday end-customer applications, such as vending machines. Different types of robots, such as articulated arm, delta, or gantry robots, can realize various application scenarios. For example, gantry robots are used to grip medications and transport them for dispensing, while a SCARA robot acts as a “lab assistant” by safely picking up and placing test tubes – all for just 7,820 euros. The advantage of robot systems is that they can precisely pick up components and place them at the desired location. The processes are repeatable.
Automated quality testing for more precision and predictability
Automated quality control allows for efficient and precise execution of repetitive testing processes. The scenarios for testing robots are as diverse and individual as the processes to be automated. Surface testing, dimensional testing, or functional testing – test processes and criteria differ greatly in practice. For example, RBTX helped configure a robot system for the automated loading and unloading of a test station for circuit boards. It also helped with the development of a surface gantry that uses a camera to individually control watches and visually check if the minute and second hands move. A robot arm is also used for end-of-line testing of chargers for electric vehicles. Testing processes can be streamlined and better planned through the use of robots. In addition, robots work around the clock without compromising quality. They ensure identical processes and precise, consistent measurement of test criteria.
Secure bonding and dispensing – without waste
In addition to testing and pick & place tasks, the application of adhesive, sealing, painting, and insulation foams can be efficiently automated. The goal is usually to avoid waste and achieve more precise bonding or dispensing. And for that, you don’t need a robot with six-figure investment costs. Low-cost robots can be used for almost any adhesive application, achieving a precision of around 0.5 mm. Another reason is workplace safety. The robot can come into contact with chemicals without any issues and support with ergonomic work. Especially adhesive processes on small workpieces require a high level of concentration and precision. It is often important that the adhesive seals the component exactly. This is where robot automation comes in handy. For example, a customer was able to quadruple the speed of applying sealant to a metal part, an important step in their production, by using an automatic dispensing robot through RBTX. The machine’s simple operation allows even untrained employees to use the robot immediately. Various robot systems can be used for bonding and dispensing, depending on the application. With the help of a dedicated dispenser robot configurator, users can easily create an individual robot solution that automates precise bonding and dispensing processes. For those still looking for inspiration, all practical application examples can be found on RBTX.com.
RBTX is a registered trademark of igus GmbH.
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Summary: Robots-Blog: Top Automationsanwendungen für rasche Renditesteigerungen
Summary: In this article, Alexander Mühlens, the Business Unit Manager of Low Cost Automation at igus GmbH, discusses how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can reduce costs and benefit from automation classics like pick & place, testing, and dosing. He highlights the importance of finding the right automation solution and introduces RBTX, a robot marketplace that offers over 400 practical automation projects for inspiration and implementation. The article also explores the advantages of pick & place systems, automated quality control, and efficient adhesive application and dosing.
Robots-Blog
Go-to-Automationsanwendungen für einen schnellen ROI
Introduction
Welcome to our Robots-Blog, where we discuss go-to automations applications that can provide a quick return on investment (ROI).
What are automation applications?
Automation applications refer to software programs or tools that can perform repetitive tasks automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention. These applications can significantly improve efficiency and productivity while minimizing human error.
Why should businesses consider adopting automation applications?
By adopting automation applications, businesses can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. These applications can handle repetitive tasks with precision and speed, allowing employees to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.
What are some examples of go-to automation applications?
Some popular go-to automation applications include:
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- Workflow Automation Tools
- Data Entry and Document Management Automation
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Automation
- Inventory and Supply Chain Management Automation
How can automation applications provide a quick ROI?
Automation applications can provide a quick ROI by automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks, saving significant employee hours and reducing the likelihood of errors. This leads to increased productivity, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction.
What factors should businesses consider when selecting automation applications?
When selecting automation applications, businesses should consider factors such as:
- Compatibility with existing systems
- Scalability
- Integration capabilities
- User-friendliness
- Vendor support and reputation
Conclusion
Implementing automation applications can transform businesses by maximizing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing overall productivity. By carefully selecting the right automation applications, businesses can achieve a quick return on investment (ROI) and gain a competitive advantage in their industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are automation applications?
Automation applications are software programs or tools that can perform repetitive tasks automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Why should businesses consider adopting automation applications?
Businesses should consider adopting automation applications to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity.
How can automation applications provide a quick ROI?
Automation applications can provide a quick return on investment by automating time-consuming and repetitive tasks, saving significant employee hours and reducing the likelihood of errors.
What factors should businesses consider when selecting automation applications?
When selecting automation applications, businesses should consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, scalability, integration capabilities, user-friendliness, and vendor support and reputation.
