Ready for Robots?

Determine The WHY Before Jumping to the HOW

First answer these questions:

Why do you think you need a robot?

Is the target task necessarily the right thing to automate? Look upstream and downstream.

Can multiple tasks be combined into a single robotic solution?

5 Steps to Robot Implementation Success

Your robotic journey will be more successful if you fully understand your drivers and have all the necessary information available.

Step 1: Get Company-Wide Support

Talk with everyone impacted by a robot:

• Senior managers and Plant managers

• Engineering and Manufacturing

• Maintenance and IT

• Safety managers and Shop floor staff

• Human resources

Educate them about robotic automation:

• Robots have a short return on investment

• Robots can open opportunities for the company

• Robots do not replace shop workers

Step 2: Define Success

Come to a consensus on what would make the project successful:

• Increased production?

• Lower cost per part?

• Reduced risk of personal injury?

• Short ROI

For example:

• Increase production by 20%

• Reduce the price per part by $0.10

• Limit the number of personal injuries on the production floor

• Get a full return on investment in less than 24 months

Step 3: Define Failure

Come to a consensus on what would make the project a failure.

• Not fully supported by the entire organization

• Does not meet criteria for success

• Negatively impacts the quality

For example:

• If the operator has to intervene more than one time per shift outside of load/unload

• If parts get stuck together

Step 4: Prepare The Timeline & Budget

Timeline

• Do you have a specific date for implementation to be completed?

• Can your team realistically meet all deadlines?

• When can you schedule time for disruption on the shop floor during installation?

Budget

• Evaluate costs

• Estimate cost savings

• Forecast sales potential

• Share with your integrator

Step 5: Gather Information

Technical information

• Models & drawings

• 2D part prints with tolerances

• Material specs and notes

• Work definition

• Machine and fixture descriptions

• Machine manuals

• Pictures and videos

Non-technical information

• TAKT time

• Process cycle times

• Annual volumes

Choose the Right Integrator

• Experienced in your application

• Can provide real-life success examples

• Are vetted, certified integrators