For small and medium enterprises and large manufacturers, as long as they are installed correctly, robot automation can help them improve efficiency and work quality, reduce operating costs and increase flexibility. Before deploying automation, companies must develop a complete strategic plan. They need to understand the operation of automation and in what applications to deploy automation, understand the potential advantages of automation, and clearly know the specific budget and operating strategy.
After clarifying these problems, the next step is not to choose a robot, but to find a suitable end-of-arm tool that can be installed on the robot to deploy automated collaboration applications.
Companies that are new to automation may think that robots are the most important component, which is understandable. But in fact, the end-of-arm tool, EOAT, is the tool for handling materials and products. EOAT tools can also be used to collect data, convey robot task instructions, and communicate with objects, robots, and humans.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a robot gripper, sensor, and quick change device. Generally speaking, modern EOAT is not designed for specific industries and can be used in various types of applications. Therefore, companies can consider choosing a single supplier to provide a series of robot accessories for a variety of production needs. These robot tools require extremely short installation/reassembly time and have more powerful and complex operating functions.
Custom grippers that are specifically used to perform specific tasks in mass production environments have limited functions and application potential. If the task or production requirements change (this is especially common in the consumer goods industry), then the custom gripper becomes a useless tool and can only be replaced. This reality will slow down the production process and increase production costs.
From reducing long-term costs to creating a more efficient and flexible production environment, automated processes can help companies overcome existing challenges and ultimately bring companies a greater competitive advantage. The same is true for SMEs and large enterprises.
Automation is no longer only suitable for mass production. Small and medium-sized enterprises with small batch production business and historical production data collection requirements can/should make full use of the advantages of modern advanced robotics and EOAT tools, especially lower-cost tools, which will help them provide more for customers’ low-budget projects. Feasible solutions/services.
Automation has many potential benefits to small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, more precise operations can reduce unit costs, and stronger functions allow enterprises to easily increase or decrease production capacity according to demand. By enhancing production capacity, SMEs can stand out from competitors and attract more customers with greater production needs.
However, for all companies, it is vital to set automation goals and choose tools that are conducive to achieving them. The selection of suitable and flexible tools and advanced intelligent accessories will help reduce the deployment cost of automation solutions, save installation and reinstallation time, and significantly improve the collaboration and coverage of the entire automation process.