In contemporary manufacturing, the concept of automation has undergone a significant transformation. While automation was once synonymous with robots executing repetitive tasks, it now encompasses the design of comprehensive systems tailored to specific production processes. This evolution is central to Yaskawa Motoman's philosophy, as highlighted in their recent webinar, "Not Just Robots."
Yaskawa Motoman emphasizes that custom automation is not limited to large-scale projects; it can include a diverse range of solutions, from small, focused systems to extensive production lines. Their approach involves creating turnkey robotic cells that integrate various components—robots, tooling, vision systems, and safety measures—tailored to fit seamlessly within the customer's existing workflow.
A fundamental principle of Yaskawa's methodology is the necessity of understanding the production process before selecting equipment or designing layouts. Each custom automation project begins with critical inquiries regarding the operation being automated, the parts involved, and the metrics for success. This process-first mindset helps manufacturers avoid common pitfalls, such as automating unnecessary steps or creating systems that fail to deliver a solid return on investment.
Once the requirements are established, application engineers utilize advanced modeling techniques to develop concepts, ensuring that proposed solutions meet necessary cycle time and quality standards. This phase also incorporates considerations for tooling, vision systems, and safety, which are integrated into the design from the outset rather than being added later.
Yaskawa categorizes its automation solutions into three types: standard systems, modified standard systems, and custom systems. This flexibility enables manufacturers to strike a balance between speed, cost, and customization, resulting in tailored automation solutions that enhance productivity.
Moreover, the ability to coordinate multiple robots and external axes as a unified system is a hallmark of advanced automation. This capability is particularly advantageous in applications like arc welding, where maintaining optimal positioning is crucial for quality and consistency.
Beyond welding, Yaskawa's custom automation solutions extend across various industries, demonstrating their adaptability and the importance of engineering systems around the product rather than the other way around. The Advanced Systems Group at Yaskawa plays a vital role in delivering these solutions, ensuring continuity from concept to installation.
Ultimately, Yaskawa underscores that automation should not be perceived as a one-time investment but rather as a long-term capability that can evolve with changing market demands. By focusing on process understanding and system integration, manufacturers can position themselves to adapt quickly and compete effectively in an ever-changing landscape.
For more insights and examples of custom automation in action, visit Yaskawa Motoman's blog.