Blog
New Tax Code Encourages Robot Installations
Subsidies have been introduced that would allow companies to
take immediate expensing of high-cost assets, such as robots, instead of depreciating
them over time. This plan works to the advantage of companies struggling to
either find or keep their workforce which is currently needed to perform jobs
that could be automated. Rather than expensing wages as they are paid over
time, companies could purchase robots and take the deduction right away. This
makes an investment in automation a much
…
Jan 30th 2018
Collaborative Robotics Increase Sales 40%
Universal Robots are quick and flexible cobots - collaborative robots - able to operate without safety fencing after risk assessment is conducted. They save a lot of time and money at Etalex in Montreal, Canada, where a UR10 robot now handles
pick and place tasks at a brake press.
Installing a UR robot has freed up 7 man hours per day and has cut the price of production. All in all, Etalex has invested in 25 robots, resulting in a 40% increase in sales with no layoffs in staff.
Challenge:
Et
…
Jan 18th 2018
Welding Robots
The high cost, minimal flexibility and programming complexities of robotic welding cells have historically prevented smaller job shops and manufacturers from considering automated welding as a viable part of the production process. However, with a shrinking skilled workforce, more companies are assigning their welding experts to oversee multiple robotic welding cells. According to the American Welding Society, 40% of manufacturing companies have been forced to decline new contracts due t
…
Nov 15th 2017
Factory Optimization with Machine Tending Robots
The most common usage of the term “machine tending” is loading and unloading a machine with parts or materials. Since those entering the workforce are becoming less and less interested in positions with this activity, more companies are installing robots to compensate for the smaller pool of potential operators.
A robot can insert raw material into a machine, initiate the activity, and remove the finished item once the activity is complete. The robot does not need to take a smoke break, use
…
Nov 1st 2017
Kobe Bryant's Bizzare Connection to the Future of Robotics
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics was founded in 1989 with the mission to inspire young people in STEM fields and today provides a mentor-led program that promotes competition, creativity and teamwork.
This week, Automation Distribution representatives introduced collaborative robots to the FIRST Robotics team at Lower Merion High School, Kobe Bryant’s alma mater. The team participates in complex competitions each year, which require the time c
…
Oct 27th 2017