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7 Problems IFP Automation Helps Manufacturers Solve Using Robotics

1. They want to reduce workplace injuries  – Any repetitive task is a possible target area for robotics in manufacturing, particularly if it’s difficult or dangerous for a person or takes place in a hostile environment. Robotics can protect workers from repetitive, mundane and dangerous tasks.

2. They need to stay competitive in domestic manufacturing – Robotics are in greater use than ever today than ever.  Manufacturers increasingly need to embrace automation to stay competitive Automation allows domestic companies to be price competitive with offshore companies.

3. They need to increase the productive output of their plant – In creating efficiencies with automating tasks, robotics in manufacturing can achieve higher throughput and help manufacturers do more with their facilities and equipment.

4. They are struggling with keeping production jobs in the US  – When our domestic manufacturers can’t compete, jobs are sent offshore. Robotics can help to create jobs by reshoring more manufacturing work. Additional skilled jobs can be created like engineering, programming, management and equipment maintenance.

5. They need to assign valuable workforce labor to other areas of their plant-  Robots free up manpower to let companies maximize workers’ skills in other areas of the business.

6. They need to improve quality results of their manufactured product – Robots used in manufacturing create efficiencies all the way from raw material handling to finished product packing.

7. They need to gain a rapid return on investment – Robots achieve ROI quickly, often within two years, offsetting their upfront cost.

Today’s labor market includes fewer skilled manufacturing workers due to decades of offshoring, and robots eliminate the shortfall

1. Robots can be programmed to operate 24/7 in lights-out situations for continuous production.
2. Robotic equipment is highly flexible and can be customized to perform even complex functions
3. Automation can be highly cost-effective for nearly every size of company, including small shops.
4. Department of Labor statistics indicate that American workers are maximizing their output capacity, and robots help manufacturers break that ceiling.

IFP Automation’s partnership approach to helping you evaluate the use of robotics in your facility or on your machine includes:

• Introduction
• Needs Evaluation
• Analysis & Recommendations
• Execution

Are you struggling with any of the above 7 challenges?  Contact us here to receive a personalized contact by an IFP Application Engineer:

About IFP Automation

IFP Automation supplies innovative technology and design solutions to the automation and mobile marketplaces.  Our firm is a technology supplier specializing in the design and supply of automation and motion control products to OEM, integrator, and end user customers. Companies partner with IFP because they like the depth of our product and application knowledge and our commitment to outstanding customer service.

1. Zoom Web Conference, Phone Teleconferencing, & Video Conferencing.
2. Remote machine access: Our engineers are able to access your equipment remotely to perform troubleshooting and upgrades as needed.
3. Cellular and VoIP Phones: Each IFP sales engineer, application engineer, and customer service person has been provided company cellular phones and/or VoIP phones. Contact by phone is still very much available.
4. Smart Phone pictures of machine parts needed and problems from your phones can be sent.
5. Shipments Continue: Shipping department is fully functional. Samples of materials to be prototyped or items to be repaired can also be sent to IFP.
6. Virtual Online Collaboration: Sharing of information, drawings, schematics, & more can be done through:

• • One Drive
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Basecamp
  • Dropbox

Wearable Ergonomic Support

Imagine the power your operators can feel in using this wearable technology while carrying out their daily tasks.

Introducing MATE, Comau Exoskeleton, an ergonomically designed structure which eases the repetitive movements and relieves the effort, thanks to a lightweight, breathable and effective postural support.

Developed in collaboration with ÖSSUR, an Icelandic leading non-invasive orthopedic company, and IUVO, a spin-off company of the Italian BioRobotics Institute specialized in wearable technologies, and commercialized by Comau, our Exoskeleton is fully able to replicate dynamic movements of the shoulder while enwrapping the body like a second skin. This ensures greater comfort for the worker and increases work quality and efficiency by providing consistent movement assistance during manual and repetitive tasks.

Key Features

• Designed in close collaboration with factory workers engaged in manual activities
• Naturally comfortable, breathable postural structure
• Compact structure
• Passive mechanism

Key Benefits

• Reduced muscular and cardiac fatigue
• Improved posture and thus reduced occupational diseases
• Naturally comfortable and highly breathable
• Follows the physiological movements without resistance or misalignment
• Improved precision of repetitive tasks
• Improved job quality and work excellence

Voice of the Machine™ Software and SensoNODE Sensors create an advanced condition monitoring solutions for equipment and machines that delivers vital measurement data and analytics.

One of the biggest recent advancements in industrial manufacturing is the proliferation of sensors on all types of industrial equipment, from connectors, hose and tubing to pumps, motors, actuators and filters. Data from these sensors creates enormous opportunity to transform the way industrial equipment is operated and maintained.

Voice of the Machine is a centralized strategy to ensure standardization across all Parker IoT-empowered products, providing visibility into critical components. Voice of the Machine makes it easier and more cost effective for you to remotely monitor assets to improve safety and reduce risk, maintenance cost and unplanned downtime while uncovering hidden opportunities to improve efficiency.

SensoNODE™ Gold
SensoNODE™ Gold is Parker’s series of networked, wireless sensors that are developed for continuous condition monitoring via the cloud or local applications. That means as long as you have an internet signal, you can get up-to-date measurements.

• Wireless sensors that are small in size
• Simple installation: place and go
• Provides accurate measurements
• Place sensors at point of need
• Long battery life
• Long range radio
• Durable construction for harsh environments – IP65 rate

Route-based monitoring and diagnostics
Parker’s route-based monitoring and diagnostics allow workers to take instant measurements of individual assets wirelessly, and record those measurements using their mobile device. Compared to traditional wired gauges, users spend less time getting measurements and can avoid potentially unsafe working conditions; e.g. monitoring mobile equipment.  Parker’s Voice of the Machine™ Software and SensoNODE™ Gold Sensors deliver a complete standalone solution that isn’t dependent on a facility network or IT department.

Voice of the Machine™ Software
Voice of the Machine Software is Parker’s cloud-based continuous condition monitoring interface that provides alerts, status, and analytics for increased awareness of your processes and assets anywhere, anytime.

• Access to data anytime, anywhere
• Easy to use web-based interface
• No software download – no updates
• Receive alert notifications – email, text message, or in-system
• Visualize data in a way that makes most sense
• Customize alerts, trend charts, and dashboards
• View measurement anomalies easily
• Support continuous improvement efforts with trend data
• Multiple user access levels
• Remotely monitor multiple sites and sensors
• Export and share data

Start the Voice of the Machine™ Cloud Software and SensoNODE Gold experience with our easy to use Starter Kit.

Programming robotics for simple pick and place applications doesn’t have to be hard. In some cases, they can be programmed via a tablet app – even by a 5 year old!

The other day we had a visit from a 5 year old (my son Declan) to IFP Automation, and he was able to get our collaborative robot doing work pretty quickly!  #STEM #Automation #NoCoding