Automa­tionSimple automa­tion in three steps

Many small and medium-sized enter­prises want to make their processes more effi­cient through automa­tion, but they either do not dare to or are afraid of high cost risks. SCHUNK provides support in all three steps of automa­tion.

1. Needs analysis

The first step is a struc­tured inven­tory: which manual activ­i­ties can be auto­mated – and how? Instead of just looking at indi­vidual work steps, compa­nies should analyze the entire process, including possible addi­tional func­tions such as visual inspec­tions or down­stream steps. A system­atic approach often reveals more poten­tial than orig­i­nally expected and avoids bad invest­ments.

How SCHUNK can help:
SCHUNK offers what is called an automa­tion check – a non-binding and free initial consul­ta­tion. On-site, SCHUNK experts analyze the processes together with the customer, iden­tify automa­tion poten­tial, and prior­i­tize the rele­vant appli­ca­tions – including a view of upstream and down­stream process steps. 

2. Vali­da­tion

The key ques­tion here is: Can the iden­ti­fied process be imple­mented tech­ni­cally – and does the central step that is rele­vant to adding value, such as grip­ping or labeling, work reli­ably? This is followed by further details from the periphery of the process, such as the feed. Many compa­nies are put off by the fact that they have to invest upfront in robots or manip­u­la­tors for vali­da­tion.

This is how SCHUNK helps:
SCHUNK tests the tech­nical feasi­bility of the core process together with the customer using real customer compo­nents in 15 CoLabs world­wide.

3. Implemen­tation

Installing and commis­sioning in their own produc­tion facil­i­ties is the most diffi­cult hurdle for many rela­tively small compa­nies. This is because the struc­ture includes design, compo­nent procure­ment, robot program­ming, commis­sioning, and safety aspects. Many details such as inter­faces, energy supply, and work­piece vari­ants have to work together. Without external support, this is diffi­cult for most small and medium-sized enter­prises to imple­ment.

How SCHUNK helps:
SCHUNK offers modular systems that stan­dardize entire processes such as laser marking or part sepa­ra­tion. The turnkey automa­tion cells are quick and easy to commis­sion and operate – without any knowl­edge of robotics. Thanks to their modular design, they can be flex­ibly adapted to indi­vidual require­ments. The automa­tion cells work with proven compo­nents and specif­i­cally increase produc­tivity.

More about light automa­tion:
schunk.com/readysteadygrow



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