Robotic Automation FAQs

When you hear the term robotic automation, do you think “that’s not for me”, or “that’s too expensive for our shop”? Well, the times they are a changin’. Gosiger Automation, a member of Partners in THINC, provides a great resource that shows how almost any shop can achieve excellent ROI with robotic automation. Their website contains a list of Automation and Robotics FAQs, and here are some of the highlights:

Who Uses Robotic Automation?

Almost any shop can benefit from robotics. Yet today, only 10% of American shops that could benefit from robotic automation are actually using it. This means that 90% of your competitors are likely not getting an advantage from this technology, but you can! The benefit-to-cost ratio of robotic automation continues to improve, so robots today are more affordable than ever.

What If I Do Short Runs of Various Parts?

With tools like vision guidance, automated systems can accommodate more, different part types more easily than ever before. Vision guidance reduces system setup and changeover time while reducing the costs associated with material handling and fixtures.

Will My Team Accept Robots?

We’ve never seen production workers reject a robot installation once they realize that the robot makes their work easier and more interesting while giving them new opportunities to work on more challenging work assignments. Plus, robots can’t do it alone, they need a human support team.

What’s Required to Adapt a Robot to a CNC Machine?

There are two fundamental elements required for robotic automation: communications and physical compatibility.

1. Communications: Both the robot and the CNC machine must have electrical interfaces for each other. These are generally rather simple I/O exchange interfaces that need to be built into both machines’ control systems. Robot interfaces are available for most CNC machines.
2. Physical Compatibility: The CNC machine must have features such as access for part unload and reload, automatically actuated fixtures (chucks) and enclosures, chip containment and management, and the workholding must be automation friendly. Automation friendly means that it is generally easy to load and unload without parts hanging up and jamming.

If your CNC machine has these features, it is likely suitable for a robotic automation retrofit.

Are Robots Just for New CNC Machines?

No, one of the biggest opportunities for the implementation of robotic automation is with older CNC machines. Most people think of automation with a new installation because the investment is more easily justified and the installation is generally easier. However it could be well worth investigating the ROI of adding this to your older machines.

Is Robotic Automation Too Expensive for Me?

While automated systems sound expensive, initial costs are actually dropping even as today’s robots become more advanced and capable. A dollar invested in robotic automation today buys more capability than ever. And, with the increases in production, machine utilization and operating efficiency you’ll see as a result of implementing a robot, the increased profit will justify your investment.

To learn more about the ROI of robotic automation for your shop, please contact us, or the folks at Gosiger Automation.

Video: Watch how the FANUC LR Mate 200 iC’s machine vision gives it the ability to handle batches of small parts on an Okuma CNC lathe.

This article first appeared on the Gosiger Automation website.