I simply wrapped up a manufacturing unit acceptance take a look at (FAT) in Spain with a world participant within the private care and shopper items business. It was clean—so clean, in actual fact, that their group needed to rebook flights dwelling as a result of we completed forward of schedule.
Now, I do know what you’re considering: if it was that simple, it most likely wasn’t thrilling. And technically, you’re proper. This mission wasn’t difficult from an engineering standpoint. However from a deployment and long-term technique perspective? It was spot-on.
Right here’s why beginning easy was precisely the precise transfer, each for them and for us.
Low complexity, excessive alternative
This was the primary robotic deployed of their whole group. It’s a low-speed, low-stack palletizing software: about three packing containers per minute, inflexible cardboard, simple structure. For my technical aspect, nothing to get fired up about.
However from a enterprise standpoint, it is a launchpad. We’re speaking a few world group with a number of factories throughout Europe. This primary set up is a take a look at case. If it goes effectively, we’re taking a look at repeat deployments in websites with greater velocity necessities, tighter footprints, and completely different security constraints.
So sure, it’s easy. But it surely’s additionally the important thing to scaling automation throughout their community.
A lean robotics method from day one
This buyer had some consciousness of Lean Robotics already, which made the dialog even smoother. Collectively, we agreed: let’s begin small, deploy quick, and decrease threat.
The mission suits completely within the “inexperienced zone”—low threat, low complexity, and excessive worth. That allowed us to:
- keep away from safeguards (a giant tradition shift for them)
- keep the prevailing structure
- cut back friction in the course of the deployment
Every little thing on this first section was about constructing belief and displaying what’s attainable when automation is finished proper.
Easy doesn’t suggest challenge-free
Although the robotic software itself was easy, we nonetheless needed to navigate a whole lot of complexity—simply of a unique variety. When working with a big, world firm, you’re not simply fixing for automation. You’re fixing for change.
We needed to interact with stakeholders from IT, security, upkeep, and procurement. Everybody had completely different targets, KPIs, and views. One individual can greenlight the applying, but when the protection lead isn’t on boa (or the manufacturing unit operator spots a problem late within the recreation) issues decelerate quick.
We managed it effectively, however I’ll say this: the sooner you’ll be able to meet these stakeholders, the higher. A few of the suggestions we received throughout FAT (like field orientation changes) got here from native operators who understood the method higher than anybody. These insights have been vital, and would’ve been much more helpful earlier on.
Why flexibility issues
As a result of we used Robotiq’s normal palletizing resolution, we may adapt actually rapidly.
Throughout FAT, they requested for 4 or 5 adjustments. Field orientation. Pace changes. A tweak in drive. Every change took 5 minutes or much less. No rewriting code. No delays. We stayed on observe and accomplished the total FAT in at some point.
Their group informed us this was the smoothest FAT they’ve ever finished. That’s not only a win for us—it’s a robust sign that standardization and ease go hand in hand while you’re laying the inspiration for broader automation.
What’s subsequent?
This was simply the first step. Extra complicated websites coming: some that require velocity, others that demand extra superior security setups. However that’s the place our modular, brand-agnostic platform actually shines.
We will help collaborative purposes like this one and scale as much as higher-speed, extra demanding traces—all whereas preserving the identical software program setting and core elements. That consistency is strictly what prospects want after they’re planning multi-site rollouts.
Ultimate ideas
For those who’re dealing with resistance to automation, whether or not it’s from security groups, IT, or operators who’ve been doing issues the identical means for many years, begin easy. Allow them to see the robotic in motion. Allow them to really feel how simple it’s to adapt. That’s how you modify minds and shift tradition.
This mission jogged my memory that “simple” on paper doesn’t all the time imply “simple” in actual life. However when the tech is versatile and the group is aligned, it actually may be.
Wish to see in case your mission suits the “inexperienced zone”?
Attempt our Palletizing Match Software to determine low-risk, high-reward automation alternatives.
