Industrial robots are now an economic alternative to bespoke automation in many applications, and have a significant part to play in reducing staff health and safety risks from repetitive strain or manual handling. We have developed systems for general assembly work based around flexible work cells, and highly specialised systems that have stretched the boundaries of robot capabilities.
Building on relationships that have been developed with ABB and Toshiba Machine, we are now well placed to offer robot based automation solutions.
GB Innomech are a channel partner for integration of ABB Robots.
GB Innomech are an integration partner for Toshiba Machine UK.
Historically, many manufacturers have suffered difficulties when trying to re-purpose dedicated automated manufacturing, but today’s programmable robotic systems are a new generation. The automotive sector is a classic example; twenty years ago we can all remember models that had incredibly long lifetimes such as the Ford Sierra. In no small part this was due to the enormous cost of discarding a production line and installing a new one for a new model. Today’s modern equivalent production facility will often see several different models and variants being built on the same line, and new models being introduced frequently. This is only possible because the investment in flexible industrial robot based automation has prepared the route. Planning based on a particular working envelope, load capacity, precision or throughput rather than a single product design, allows for simple re-purposing of the core robot system as new products are developed.
It may be difficult to forecast more than a six month schedule for a particular product, and if it is unique, the case for investing in automation can be difficult. However, even short lived products are often part of a wider family, and considering groups of these together with new additions can make an entirely different investment case for providing automation. In this case significant benefits can be achieved through considering the design of each product to ensure that as many components as possible are shared, and that they are as simple to manufacture and assemble as possible. These are the standard elements of a value engineering exercise, and the implementation of automation can provide the impetus to overhaul the products, not only driving out cost and improving quality and consistency through efficiency of manufacture, but also through updates to the design.
We would be happy to help you develop a cost justification model for an upgrade to your process, and to work with you to characterise the key drivers for change.
Read about one of our successful precision Robot cells, where a customer has benefited from this approach.
If you would like more information about any aspect of our services we would be delighted to talk to you. You can contact us online or by telephone, if you would prefer a face to face meeting we would be happy to visit you and discuss your project.
