How to Choose the Right Robotic Vision System for Your Needs
Photo courtesy of Carlos Aranda via Unsplash
5 Steps for Choosing the Right Robotic Vision System for Your Needs
Regardless of company or industry, the complex process of selecting a new technology typically involves input from many people and departments.
The automotive industry is no exception. Management, maintenance, finance—so many departments will want to have a say in equipment selection. So how do you go about choosing the right technology that checks all the boxes and makes everyone happy?
Here are five steps you can use to make sure you’re choosing the right robotic vision system to meet your needs.
Evaluate Your Needs
Once you’ve determined your plant could benefit from robotic vision systems, you need to consider the specific use or uses that you will be implementing the technology on. Understanding that there are many ways in which a vision guidance system can be implemented within a facility, it’s worth asking several important questions:
• What is the machine’s purpose?
• What are the conditions the machine will be working under?
• How will the machine be serviced?
The answers to these types of questions will help you to select the proper system for your needs.
Determine System Integrations
Your new robotic vision system doesn’t operate on an island. Rather, it works in conjunction with the entire assembly line; as a result, you need to ensure that the system you select can operate with the line as a whole. Not all systems are universally compatible, so it’s important to choose one that can mix with other equipment and not cause any problems.
Compare the Alternatives
There are plenty of options on the market that offer a wide range of capabilities and different features. Some systems need multiple cameras, others require specific lighting, while still others offer different degrees of integration and calibration. That’s where a system like Recognition Robotics’ Robeye® and CortexRecogniton® solution offers tremendous value. Installation at a fraction of the time and cost allows your line to get back up and running quickly. To more accurately analyze the pros and cons of various systems, ask to see a demo of the system in action.
Analyze the Numbers
It’s not enough to simply examine the up-front purchase cost of a system to understand the true cost of a robotic vision system. Some systems require lengthy and costly integration processes that can add up to a half a million dollars to the purchase cost. You’ll also need to consider the operational costs, as well as the amount of downtime it will save your company.
Get Buy-In
It’s important to remember that every division within the facility has different needs and goals. All of those will need to be addressed when choosing a system and adding it to your assembly line.
Be prepared to address the financial implications of the addition with the procurement teams. Make sure your maintenance workers understand what will be required of them to service the unit. Management will also want to know how the system will improve your overall plant’s efficiency. Getting your entire team involved and on board with the decision to implement the technology will ensure that all groups are aligned and the process is seamless.
Working through this process, you can better make the case for the countless benefits a robotic vision system offers, including improving the plant’s overall performance and efficiency. It can also ensure you receive input from the various decision makers who need to sign off on the investment.
Get It Right the First Time
With this type of capital expenditure for the plant, it’s crucial to choose the right technology the first time through. Learn what makes our CortexRecognition® system different and how it can help your plant improve efficiency and productivity.
For more information, fill out the form below or call us to request a demo, have your questions answered, or speak to a representative.