Robotic automation projects may be undertaken for a variety of reasons, but one that Guyson engineers encounter with increasing frequency is the desire to maximize the productivity of the skilled manufacturing work force.
At the same time, the introduction of robot-enabled 
automation often presents a good opportunity to streamline the flow of work, reorganize the layout of the factory floor and eliminate wasted movement. In many cases, this involves locating related processing machines together in a work cell, placing cells in closer proximity and automating the transfer of components from one to the next.
Leaner work cells that do not require a dedicated human operator for each machine are becoming much more common, and robotic machine tending can free-up workers to focus on tasks that require their skill, judgement and adaptability.
The integration of robotic automation systems usually requires the design and precision fabrication of accessory items, such as conveying equipment, transfer carts, carousels or other component-handling features. It may also require the design and manufacture of fixtures, grippers and special end-of-arm tooling.
A good example of a productivity-boosting robotic installation is one that combined two separate automated blast machines in a robot-tended cell Guyson built for a precision component manufacturer. In this case, the operator can be occupied with quality inspections and other tasks for up to 30 minutes of uninterrupted blasting before loading another carousel-full of parts and unloading another. You can follow the operation of the multi-process in this video.
Especially important for a successful robotic automation project is a controls engineering team that is up-to-date on the latest safety circuit technologies, experienced with risk assessment and familiar with current safety standards, including the ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 standard for industrial robot installations.
Guyson not only has built a team with all of the qualifications and experience described above, but we add to these an understanding of the special considerations that the abrasive blasting, finishing or shot peening process imposes on the integrator, including the use of abrasion resistant materials and designs that isolate precision mechanisms from contact with the abrasive.
If you have a potential robotic automation project in mind, a member of the Guyson sales and applications team will be pleased to discuss your requirements and supply data on alternatives for your evaluation. CONTACT GUYSON
