An Interview With The Original Industrial Robot Helper
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Willem Oswald is on a mission to make automation accessible to all businesses. After identifying a gap in the market for sustainable and cost-effective ways for companies to optimize and maintain robots he launched Industrial Robot Help in 2021. Today, IRH is staking its claim as an industry leader in robotics consulting and programming. We support a diverse range of sectors, from healthcare to retail, with bespoke automation solutions including system integrations and maintenance, custom end-of-arm tooling, and HMI design.
To celebrate the launch of our new website and blog, Willem is weighing in on the genesis of Industrial Robot Help, his vision for the company’s future, and what he believes makes IRH a real game changer in the industry.
Let’s start at the beginning. What sparked your interest in robotics and automation?
I have always been a tinkerer and liked to keep my pulse on new and exciting technology. I got started in the automation industry helping a stepper motor control and drive company grow and develop new products, including the first ever wireless motor-mounted control, and support their growth through market expansion.
I have always been a tinkerer and liked to keep my pulse on new and exciting technology. I got started in the automation industry helping a stepper motor control and drive company grow and develop new products, including the first ever wireless motor-mounted control, and support their growth through market expansion.
The idea for Industrial Robot Help didn't come along until much later. A colleague asked me to help a Systems Integrator with programming a complex system that used brand new technology, one that they were unfamiliar with. Working on this project, I realized there is a need for advanced robotics programming knowledge in the industry, even where there is a certain level of familiarity with programming, as well as a growing market opportunity for supporting the increasing number of companies new to automation.
What do you find most interesting about the work?
The continued challenge to keep things simple and cost effective, which is often a big hurdle for small manufacturers. As an engineer you want to make things complex, but with complexity comes cost and unreliability. Simplification is challenging because it often requires the team to be more creative with solutions and thoughtful about execution. But when it’s done correctly, it keeps machines relevant for longer and lowers overall cost. I find it rewarding to break down these barriers and make the power of automation accessible to everyone.
The continued challenge to keep things simple and cost effective, which is often a big hurdle for small manufacturers. As an engineer you want to make things complex, but with complexity comes cost and unreliability. Simplification is challenging because it often requires the team to be more creative with solutions and thoughtful about execution. But when it’s done correctly, it keeps machines relevant for longer and lowers overall cost. I find it rewarding to break down these barriers and make the power of automation accessible to everyone.
What has been your biggest learning since founding IRH?
Probably learning the ability to say no, especially when you understand that something is not a good fit. As a business owner, it's challenging to say no to a client. Sometimes though, the realities of a project can just be too complex and expensive to be a real value add for a client, or a project might have a really interesting scope of work, something we would like to do, but one that doesn’t make sense for the team to invest in. Making those calls can be difficult, but doing so ensures that we are staying true to our vision of success and the importance we place on putting our clients’ best interests first.
Probably learning the ability to say no, especially when you understand that something is not a good fit. As a business owner, it's challenging to say no to a client. Sometimes though, the realities of a project can just be too complex and expensive to be a real value add for a client, or a project might have a really interesting scope of work, something we would like to do, but one that doesn’t make sense for the team to invest in. Making those calls can be difficult, but doing so ensures that we are staying true to our vision of success and the importance we place on putting our clients’ best interests first.
What are you most proud of regarding IRH?
The team. I am incredibly fortunate to have this amazing group of individuals working together, we have fun in everything that we do. Every member of this team has a thirst for knowledge and loves a good challenge. They come to work every day with a mindset of creativity and can-do attitudes, which is so special and drives us to achieve amazing things.
What is the plan for the future?
Same thing we do every night, world domination! Just kidding (sort of). Honestly, the plan for the future is growth. As a serial entrepreneur myself, I want Industrial Robot Help in a position to empower companies worldwide to reach their goals.
What are the challenges you foresee in the industry? How is IRH equipped to address them?
Maintaining your knowledge base is a constant challenge. Technology is evolving so rapidly, especially in this industry and with the rise of AI, but keeping up with every new bit of tech is difficult. I really believe that our curiosity and thirst for knowledge being our strengths and will ensure that Industrial Robot Help is best equipped to help our clients navigate this ever-changing environment. We will continue to grow and learn everyday, just as we are now.
What do you think should everyone know before beginning to automate their business?
An understanding of the basics of automation and how automated workflows may differ from how you are working today is critical. It is also extremely important for companies to have clear, and realistic, budgetary expectations. Our Basic Automation Consultation (an automation 101, if you like) is designed to address these key elements of the automation process. We want to educate you first, before you purchase anything, so that you can make an informed decision.
What are the most common mistakes you see companies making when integrating robots into their workflows?
Overcomplexity is one of the most common issues in the adoption of robotics today. There is a real misconception that the latest technology, with all of the latest bells and whistles, is what you have to buy to keep up with the industry. But why buy a robot that can do a million things you do not need, one that your team probably does not have the knowledge or the time to commission and maintain? You’re wasting your money. When you start integrating robots into your systems, it’s important that you’re selecting the robot that meets your needs, one that completes the required task efficiently and safely, and often that does not have to be the most complex offering on the market. Ultimately, simplifying will save you on the capital side as well as the operating side.
We just launched a new service model that enables customers to purchase project support directly through our website. What solutions are you most excited about and why?
The team has an incredibly strong core knowledge in Epson and Beckhoff programming, something we have been doing for years and know well. I anticipate that these two support services are going to be huge value-adds to our clients who need help maintaining their Epson or Beckhoff robots but have limited staff, knowledge, and/or budget resources. These programming services are fairly unique in the industry and allow manufacturers who need updates made ASAP to go directly to experts to optimize their code, minimizing downtime so that projects stay on track and costs stay lower than they would with added headcount.