How to Boost Automotive Plant Efficiency with Robotic Vision Systems
Photo courtesy of Carlos Aranda via Unsplash
Robotic vision systems are known to improve efficiency, but those advantages are likely unclear for manufacturers who haven’t yet integrated these systems into their plants. The overall cost- and time-saving gains often aren’t realized until after a system is up and running.
As a whole, this technology has the ability to improve efficiency—and thus, your bottom line—from a variety of standpoints, depending on the brand and application you choose.
Choosing a System with Quick Integration
When researching robotic vision systems, it’s important to consider the setup time. Times can vary depending on which manufacturer you choose, the complexity of the application and the current equipment you have in place.
When researching different options, ask yourself these questions:
- How long will it take to setup my system, and how long will it take to recover from a fault during production so downtime is minimized?
- Is an integration team required to set up my system?
- How long will it take to train my employees to use the system?
Some systems can take weeks to be fully integrated into a plant, while others need to be set up by an integrator, which can cost upwards of $500,000.
While it’s easy to see how robotic vision systems can improve efficiency in the long run, it’s critical to find solutions that can reap benefits from the moment they’re purchased. Some systems, such as Recognition Robotics’ Robeye® and CortexRecognition® visual guidance package, can be implemented by plant personnel in the matter of a day. These quick setup means immediate efficiency gains and most important fast recovery when fault occurs during production.
Minimize Downtime With Your System
Traditional automation can not cope with some process variations and/or part presentation. This causes downtime. In a sprawling facility that can span up to 6 million square feet in size, it takes time for maintenance personnel to arrive at a faulted station. For every fault that occurs, the time spent troubleshooting and getting the line operational again could result in serious downtime.
Robotic vision systems are designed to cope with large variation of process and/or part presentation. The level of complexity of robotic vision system varies, though, depending on the manufacturer. Some may require employees to possess an in-depth understanding of the software, while others may require troubleshooting assistance from an outside source.
Recognition Robotics’ Robeye® and CortexRecognition® system, however, is designed to make it easy for plant personnel to integrate and to ensure an issue is diagnosed and fixed, getting the machine back up and running as quickly as possible. The easy use of this system offers the advantage of greater productivity.
Improving Efficiency With Manpower Reallocation
Robotic vision systems also play a key role in improved efficiency through time-saving manpower reallocation. These systems are designed to perform simple, repetitive tasks, which frees up line workers to focus on strategic, problem-solving tasks. Given the competitive nature of the automotive industry, manufacturers are constantly seeking innovative solutions, and having a larger pool of employees dedicated to discovering them can help accomplish this goal.
Additionally, the systems can perform dangerous tasks, which helps prevent employees from becoming injured, burned out, unengaged, and resigning. In the long run, removing these unsafe tasks from employees’ workloads and assigning them to more meaningful tasks can increase retention and job satisfaction, saving time and money from unforeseen staff loss.
Greater Production With Robotic Vision Systems
Finally, robotic vision systems can offer improved efficiency compared to other types of automation. While both robotic and traditional automation systems can perform repetitive tasks without fatigue, robotic vision systems are more flexible and adaptable than traditional automation systems. Though both systems automate processes, traditional automation requires more human oversight because it often demands changes in IT infrastructure, requiring the intervention of an expensive specialist.
Additionally, robotic vision systems can be configured to perform new tasks, whereas API limitations can prevent traditional automation systems from doing so. Integrating traditional automation systems also typically requires a strong understanding of the software, necessitating outside sources to make adjustments or fix issues. Because of their flexibility, robotic vision systems can be adjusted in-house, reducing the issue of technology breakdowns and ensuring a constant production flow, whether humans are present or not.
Looking to Increase Efficiency?
In the long run, a robotic vision system is an immeasurable investment that will save your business time and money over the years. Through reduced downtime, increased production and manpower reallocation, it has the power to contribute to overall company growth that otherwise couldn’t be achieved without this cutting-edge technology.
Recognition Robotics’ Robeye® and CortexRecognition® visual guidance package can be set up in a day’s time, eliminating costly downtime and the need for an expensive integrator right from the start. Find out how this system can offer you all of the benefits listed above.
For more information, fill out the form below or call us to request a demo, have your questions answered, or speak to a representative.