​Boost Efficiency with Incremental Automation Integration

As manufacturers continue to navigate the challenges of modern production, embracing incremental automation with cobots and AMRs will be key to staying competitive, innovative, and efficient in an increasingly automated world. Join Automation Distribution's Sales Engineer Steve Rich at the EDGE 2024: The State of the Global Supply Chain Conference September 29 - October 2 in Nashville, Tennessee, where he and other experts will share real-world examples on how automation can drive efficiency and enhance the role of workers, enabling them to perform more valuable, strategic tasks. They will also share risk mitigation techniques and actionable steps to help you harness the power of accessible automation. Steve previously served as project and engineering manager for large sortation systems with global postal agencies. He lead the design of sortation systems utilizing robotics, vision & scanning systems, AGVs, AMRs and sorters. Having sat “on both sides of the table” enables him to guide customers to the best solution for their operations.

The manufacturing industry is continually evolving, driven by the need to increase productivity, reduce costs, and maintain high standards of quality. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by augmenting workers with incremental automation. This approach allows manufacturers to gradually introduce advanced technologies like collaborative robots (cobots) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into their operations, enhancing efficiency while keeping human workers central to the process.

What is Incremental Automation?

Incremental automation involves the step-by-step integration of automation technologies into the manufacturing process. Instead of overhauling entire systems, manufacturers can automate specific tasks progressively. This approach is more manageable, cost-effective, and minimizes disruption, allowing companies to enhance worker productivity and operational efficiency without compromising quality. Incremental wins in automation can lead to significant improvements in flexibility and scalability, allowing you to swiftly adapt to changing demands and effectively mitigate operational risks.

Key Benefits

Increased Productivity: By automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks, workers can focus on more complex and value-added activities. This shift results in faster production cycles and higher throughput.

Enhanced Precision: Automation technologies like cobots and AMRs perform tasks with consistent accuracy, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors. This precision is crucial in manufacturing environments where even minor mistakes can lead to costly defects.

Scalability: Incremental automation is highly scalable. Manufacturers can start by automating simpler processes, such as material handling, and gradually move towards more complex automation, like assembly or quality inspection.

Cost-Effectiveness: The gradual nature of incremental automation allows manufacturers to spread out investments over time, making it easier to manage costs and achieve a return on investment without large upfront expenses.

Improved Worker Satisfaction: Cobots and AMRs can take over monotonous or physically demanding tasks, leading to higher job satisfaction among workers. Employees are empowered to take on more engaging roles, improving overall morale and productivity.

Implementing Incremental Automation in Manufacturing

Identify automation opportunities by evaluating the manufacturing processes that are repetitive, labor-intensive, or prone to errors. These are ideal candidates for automation.

Cobots are designed to work alongside human workers, automating tasks such as material handling, machine tending, and assembly. They are easy to program and can be quickly integrated into existing workflows without the need for extensive modifications.

AMRs can be used to automate the movement of materials within the facility, reducing the time workers spend on non-value-added tasks like transporting parts or products. AMRs navigate autonomously, avoiding obstacles and adapting to changes in the environment, making them ideal for dynamic manufacturing settings.

Involving workers in the automation process is critical. Provide training on how to operate and collaborate with cobots and AMRs, ensuring they understand that these technologies are there to assist and not replace them.

Continuously monitor the performance of automated systems and gather feedback from workers. Use this data to fine-tune processes and gradually expand the scope of automation to other areas of the production line.

Real-World Applications

Automotive Manufacturing: In the automotive industry, cobots can assist with tasks like precision welding, assembly, and quality inspection, working alongside human operators to increase production speed and accuracy. AMRs can efficiently transport components between workstations, reducing downtime and streamlining the production process.

Electronics Manufacturing: Cobots are ideal for the delicate assembly tasks required in electronics manufacturing, such as placing small components on circuit boards. AMRs can be employed to move materials and finished products between different stages of the production process, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing: Cobots can handle repetitive tasks like packaging and palletizing, while AMRs transport raw materials and finished goods throughout the facility, optimizing the flow of materials and reducing the strain on human workers.

Incremental automation, through the strategic deployment of collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots, offers a practical and effective way to enhance efficiency and productivity in the manufacturing sector. By taking a gradual approach, manufacturers can enjoy the benefits of automation without the risks associated with large-scale overhauls. This method not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances worker satisfaction, creating a more adaptable and resilient workforce.

Ready to take your manufacturing operations to the next level with incremental automation? Let Automation Distribution help you seamlessly integrate collaborative robots and autonomous mobile robots into your production processes. Contact us today at 1-888-600-3080 and ask for a free assessment about how tailored automation solutions can boost your efficiency, enhance worker satisfaction, and keep you ahead of the competition.