Automating with robots - how to get started

Robots are increasingly being adopted in manufacturing plants but, for companies that are new to this technology, it can be difficult to know where to start.

1. Decide on the processes you would 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 do not require on-the-spot decisions, critical thinking or human dexterity. Machine tending and pick-and-place operations are a good place to start.

Choosing the simplest and most cost-efficient project will enable you to achieve a high success rate and keep your investment to a minimum. It will also be easier to train your workers to operate the machines.

2. Decide whether mechanical components within the processes need to change

When you automate a process, it does not 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 are able to feed products consistently to the robot for handling. It is 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 are prepared to incur additional costs after the initial investment, you will receive benefits and great value in the long term.

3. 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 do not take up a lot of room. Today there are compact and lightweight robots available that will fit in small spaces and operate efficiently and safely. This means you do not have to wait until you are in a bigger factory to automate. With 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.

4. Choose flexible automation

If you have a low-mix high-volume manufacturing environment look for flexible automation. You may be producing the same product now but, in the future, things may change - which is why it is important to look at automation that will grow with your business. Automation will bring you long-term value if you adopt flexible systems that can be used in different areas of your business. You will receive a much greater return on your investment if you look at your short-term and long-term business goals.

For businesses with a high-mix low-volume production, flexible automation is critical because it will enable you to meet the changing needs of your customers and make it easy to reconfigure your workspace quickly for the production of different products and processes in your business.

5. Keep your workers safe

Worker safety is critical when you integrate robots into a production. Most automation requires safety fencing so the robot can operate in a closed-off area away from workers in order to keep workers safe. Remember that fencing can increase costs, it takes up a lot of space and having fenced automation can make your manufacturing processes inflexible. Consider automation that does not require safety fencing (subject to a risk assessment) - for example, collaborative robots, which have certified safety measures so they can work alongside workers safely. Unfenced automation brings many benefits including the ability for workers to stand in for the robot to prevent downtime if the need arises.

6. Consider the value of automation

When considering your options think about your future needs. Look for automation that will create efficiencies in your business now and that will grow with your business. Automation is not about reducing staff numbers; it is about integrating new technologies that will support and work alongside your staff.

Automation will enable you to create and grow a sustainable business, be more competitive in your market, reduce your production costs and enable you to produce a higher-quality product time and time again. You will receive short-term and long-term benefits though automation that will maximise your return on investment and bring immense value to your business both in the short-term and the long-term.

Follow the link to find out more about automation using collaborative robots from Universal Robots.