How Low Cost Automation is Leveling the Playing Field
The manufacturing sector is in the midst of another revolution. A global skilled-labor shortage, supply chain disruptions, and historic market demand for quickly and cheaply produced products are pushing manufacturers to automate faster than ever before. Early adopters of automation have seen significant ROI via increased productivity, efficiency, and reliability. These “smart factories” have also fostered safer working environments, greener production, and flexibility in the face of ever changing market demands. So what’s the holdup on widespread adoption? For many, it’s the price tag.
The adoption of industrial robots comes with an upfront investment, but automating your business does not have to break the bank. Low-cost automation (LCA), which leverages simplified machines and inexpensive parts to replicate results produced by more sophisticated machines, makes it possible for small and medium-sized businesses to keep up with larger competitors. Successful LCA solutions start with the breakdown of processes to their component parts. Robot options abound, so understanding the parameters of your unique application will help you make an informed decision about the features you require in a robot. Remember, the more complex your system the less economical it will be to purchase, integrate, and maintain long term.
Two standouts among low-cost machines are the Epson T-Series SCARA Robots and the igus ReBeLⓇ.
Among the major benefits of LCA machines, including those in the Epson T-series and the igus ReBeLⓇ, is that they require little to no coding for basic functions, making them a great option for those new to robots. These machines have smaller physical install footprints and can be integrated quickly, thereby minimizing costs associated with robot commissioning and production downtime. These robots also tend to be modular in design and often have less complex programming requirements, enabling your business to be flexible with updating production applications to meet shifting market demands more nimbly. Although LCA robots tend not to have quite the same degree of precision or quite as many features as their more expensive cousins, they can still perform core automation applications extremely efficiently.
Let’s look at an example.
A small manufacturer wants to automate the pick and place task in their production process. The UniversalRobots UR3 and the igus ReBeLⓇ are both machines that can be used to automate a pick and place task. The UR3 has a reach of 500mm, repeatability of 0.03mm, 360° joint rotation, and has a max payload of 3kg whereas the ReBeLⓇ has a reach of 644mm, a repeatability of ±1mm, joint rotation of nearly 360°, and a max payload of 2kg. Both are lightweight, table-top cobots that offer six degrees of freedom. While the UR3 boasts marginally higher precision and power than the igus ReBeLⓇ, it costs 5x more. For many manufacturers, pick and place applications do not require the degree of precision offered by the UR3. The igus ReBeLⓇ can achieve the same end result as the UR3 but at significantly less cost.
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate this territory alone. Industrial Robot Help’s team of experts is equipped to offer comprehensive guidance and systems integration support for LCA clients using Epson T-series and igus ReBeLⓇ machines. Our team can also work with you on design projects for custom EOAT, robot cells, and more!