Could’ve been perception was altered due to watching one too many Jetsons’ episode or because the rapid advancement of technology at the time brought with it high expectations. Regardless, the reality of one of those things happening wasn’t bad!

Fast forward to the present as robotics and automation are yielding unprecedented results

Today, sans flying cars and house maid robots, businesses across the globe are being transformed through robotics and automation. New technologies are constantly emerging, bringing with them an increased ability for tasks to be completely fulfilled by robotic solutions.

The shift from human performed functions to partial or fully automated tasks has been greatly influenced by the pandemic workforce exodus. With labor shortages and new hire difficulties, it’s estimated that industrial robots are now operating within warehouse, logistics and manufacturing facilities worldwide, performing repetitive tasks, simplifying manual processes and overall, improving productivity, throughput and profit.

If there has been one positive takeaway from these tumultuous times, it’s that the implementation of robotics and automation solutions have proven to mitigate workforce issues, resolve challenging production demands and garner relatively quick .

The BOOM – A bubble or sustainable option for the future?

Robotics and automated solutions are here to stay. Capabilities continue to increase and costs as related to ROI are extremely palatable, making highly coveted aspects of business-like expansion, scalability and production optimization possible.

The advent of automated technologies that allow humans to seamlessly work alongside their robotic counterparts is also a huge factor. This coupled with the ability to redeploy valuable staff to other functions within a facility makes automation even more appealing and viable for many. Plus, businesses utilizing multiple robots, cobots, AMR’s and machine vision systems throughout their facility can integrate additional technological capabilities to tie everything together – making manual tracking, sorting and managing a thing of the past and more accurate.

What does this look like in applicable terms for many industrial applications?

Automated solutions come in a variety of forms. Most common for industries such as warehousing, manufacturing and logistics operations are: Robots, Cobots, AMR’s and Machine Vision Systems. When integrated to perform automated tasks, solutions can make production processes faster and more efficient. Plus, they significantly increase the potential for companies to save time and money on everything from labor to inspection and tracking.

Move it. Pick it. Pack it. Store it. Inspect it.

Common applications of automation and robotic solutions include: Assembly, Pick and Place, Material Handling and Transport, Palletizing/Depalletizing, Packaging and more.

Robots are ideal for repetitive tasks where payload and reach may exceed human capabilities and productivity. Robust, industrial robots are reliable, easy to operate and offer a great deal of flexibility in handling many application specific functions.

Cobots, provide an equal value as robots when it comes to executing automated tasks with the added benefit of being collaborative. These systems can work alongside humans safely, are often portable and easy to configure.

AMR’s or Autonomous Mobile Robots provide industry with the ability to eliminate wasted travel time, transporting materials throughout a facility, providing material handling and cross-docking capabilities, safely and efficiently. The ability to redeploy valuable personal to other functions has been a key decision-making factor for many companies incorporating AMR’s into their automation mix.

Machine Vision Systems are a key advantage in many environments. Providing more consistency than the human eye with up to a 99% accuracy rate, they eliminate the need for manual inspections, sorting, tracking and traceability functions.

Then, now and beyond.

Technology will continue to advance, and in many aspects so will the needs of business and industry along the way. As hiring remains a challenge, wages continue to escalate and inflation doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon, robotic solutions remain a cost-effective option to combat these variables.

Easy to deploy, reliable, efficient and safe with not much down time, automation makes it possible to run shifts 24/7 at maximum speed and capacity. This translates into increased productivity, process optimization and long-term profitability.

Chat with an automation expert today to see what solutions are right for you – you may be surprised at how easy, seamless and effective they can be.

Let’s face it—change is hard. As creatures of habit, we take comfort in the routine. Change can quickly jolt us from our comfort zone, manifesting uncertainty that can derail positive momentum. However, when embraced correctly, change can propel progress and potential to new heights.

In a manufacturing plant, logistics facility, or distribution center, implementing new technologies, like autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), brings on changes to workflows, processes, and procedures. It is important that the human workforce feels comfortable and confident working alongside and collaborating with the automation technology as they adjust to their new processes.

Facility managers should aim to minimize the discomforts of change to gain acceptance from the human workers and maximize the value of the automation investment. Further, managers need to ensure that operators remain confident throughout the entire automation journey. The most effective way is through one word: understanding. With structural support and enablement, offering education, training, and information, you can empower employees to achieve greater levels of success.

There are several benefits to developing a knowledgeable workforce. Here are three advantages you can gain by ensuring your employees have the information they need to drive results.

1. Increase Adoption and Knowledge to Accelerate Your Industrial Automation Success

To effectively achieve your automation goals, employees must utilize the automation technologies correctly. With their day-to-day workflows changing, it’s normal for employees to initially resist new processes. People like to do things the way they are used to doing them.

To overcome this, empower your employees to understand, use, embrace, maintain, and manage the technology. When facilities provide quick and easy access to the right information, training, resources, and reinforcement to help the employees get up and running, the rate of adoption and overall support for the technology accelerates.

Provide information that is relevant to the employee’s application, and ensure that they can easily understand why the technology was implemented, how to properly use and maintain the technology, and how it can positively benefit them in their role. Confidence can create a sense of ownership and establish trust. Ensure that operators have access to the information they need, when they need it, with straight-forward, centralized resources and support.

People want to be part of a successful, winning team. Leverage an AMR vendor who provides services, such as on-site training, self-led educational resources, on-demand knowledge portals, and continued support to help employees become more skilled, involved, and focused. Developing a confident, knowledgeable team will fast-track your automation success for a faster return on investment.

2. Elevate Productivity and Evolve to Grow
As your workforce begins using the AMR technology effectively, you will quickly see major improvements in your performance metrics, including reduced costs, improved��safety, boosted throughput, and improved worker��productivity. But it doesn’t have to stop there.
Employees can become material handling automation experts by sharpening their skills and expanding their knowledge to safely operate, maintain, and manage their��AMR fleet. After learning how to use the technologies, then they can identify, recommend, and put automation solutions into action based on their new skillset and first-hand knowledge of your business priorities and goals.

For example, employees can learn how to utilize AMR fleet analytics software, like Fleet Geek®, applying their competency in the mobile robot fleet and leveraging actionable insights from the software platform to continue advancing. When companies establish an environment where teaching and learning are embraced, facilities will continuously improve, driving safety, efficiency, and growth even further.

3. Empower Teams for Operational Agility
When teams have the ability to access the information they need, when they need it, and at a pace and format that complements individual learning styles, knowledge becomes a support system for both employee development and operational agility.

Levels of expertise will vary across a material handling facility, which is why it’s important to provide a wide range of educational resources. For example, new employees can easily be brought up to speed with introductory, on-demand training courses. More experienced employees who are already collaborating with mobile robots can quickly find and implement a solution when faced with a new challenge, ensuring that production doesn’t get disrupted. Advanced users can discover new ways to optimize workflows by accessing on-demand, interactive learning modules specifically focused on interpreting fleet data.

Other team members may prefer to self-serve to find answers to their questions. A knowledge base, like Seegrid Help Center, offers immediate responses to a variety of questions, sourced from the combined expertise of Seegrid engineers, service, and support teams. With the ability to access a centralized resource center of information, your team can tap into automation expert tips, tricks, and best practices that are accurate and easy-to-understand—around the clock. When teams have the flexibility to access resources, they, in turn, become a more agile team that is armed to overcome any operational hurdles.

Create a Winning Automation Team for Fast-Tracked Success
Seegrid understands that automation is paramount to productivity and growth, and that success with technology initiatives comes from building a confident workforce. Knowing that humans play a huge factor in enabling success with mobile automation technology, we offer a number of ways to ensure our customers have teams that are confident and capable from day one. During deployment, our implementation specialists work alongside your employees, providing them with the information, hands-on training, and support they need to feel comfortable and confident working alongside the robots and managing their AMR fleet.

Once up and running, your teams have access to Seegrid Learning, an extensive selection of courses and materials that provide customers with critical knowledge about the use, performance, and maintenance of Seegrid Palion AMRs to streamline adoption and ensure ongoing optimal fleet management. Seegrid customers have 24/7 access to our robust online training portal—a user-friendly centralized library that contains Seegrid Learning courses, materials, and resources to help you and your company benefit quickly from the use of your Seegrid mobile automation solutions.

We know questions come up, so we’re ready to help in many ways. In addition to our dedicated support team—committed to rapid responses to inbound inquiries—Seegrid also offers customers self-service assistance through Seegrid Help Center. Seegrid Help Center enables self-service access to timely, relevant, and expertly sourced information on the use, maintenance, and management of Seegrid Palion AMRs and Fleet Central enterprise software solutions. The user-friendly, online knowledge base is available 24/7, and helps customers quickly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues to optimize your entire team’s ability to move material safely and efficiently with Seegrid mobile automation solutions.

Power your facility with a confident, knowledgeable workforce by partnering with an AMR provider that offers the right resources and tools. Educational support can facilitate employee adoption of the technology, create a skilled workforce of automation experts to drive continuous improvement, and help you create operational agility to achieve both short-term and long-term goals. Ensure that your workforce is confident in using and maintaining the automation technology to maximize your investment and streamline for even stronger performance in the future.

Everyone has become accustomed to the sign “Help wanted” or “Closed due to staffing shortages” hanging in the windows of our favorite stores. From big-name stores to local family-owned shops, it seems like no one can find help.

The United States Burea of Labor reports surprising data regarding the number of unemployed today. The United States currently has��. This is up from the pre-pandemic number of 5.7 million unemployed.

The issue is not a lack of jobs, however. The U.S. is facing a labor shortage. Why aren’t people going back to work? Can automation and MiR robotics help fill the void?

Keep reading to find out more about what you can do.

The United States Labor Shortage 2021

In June of 2021, the United States saw an astounding . This number increased by .8 million from April, which��was unforeseen by many economists and labor experts.

These shortages occurred mainly in the hospitality and foodservice industries. These businesses saw a mass exodus of employees during the pandemic in 2020 and early 2021.

Experts believed that many of these workers would choose to return once the unemployment benefits ended in August. But they did not. And, by and large, they still have not returned.

Many experts believe this is because many workers do not wish to return to the harsh conditions. They were barely making ends meet at such jobs, to begin with, and returning does not seem like the right choice.

Perhaps you are like many employers right now, scratching your head and trying to solve this dilemma. Here are the top 6 solutions.

1. Create A Purpose

Having a vision is an essential part of retaining employees. Imagine you work at a coffee shop, and you believe that all you do is make coffee and scones for people. You do not feel like your job matters, and you will want to go elsewhere to find your purpose.

But, if you provide your employees with a vision for your company, you give them a sense of purpose. This could mean hosting fun games with your customers to create a community or collecting scraps for composting in local gardens.

The important thing is your employees feel they have a bigger purpose.

2. Provide Useful Employee Benefits

There was a time when people worked for the bare minimum. This paradigm has significantly shifted in the past 20 years or so. This shift is caused by the increase in the cost of living and the pandemic showing just how vital these low-wage jobs are.

The pandemic has shown employees that they matter. They will also demand more for their services. Provide some perks to keep them.

3. Create An Engaged Workforce

Workers want to feel like they belong and that they can depend on one another. Creating a work environment of is essential for your workers.

Workplaces should schedule times for their workers to address their concerns. Employees will feel more appreciated and valued if they have this safe space.

4. Paid Sick Leave And Maternity Leave

The pandemic demonstrated the dire differences between high-wage and low-wage jobs. This was especially evident in the difference between paid leave.

Low-income workers were the . They were also the least likely to qualify for Paid sick leave. Low-income workers were more likely to attend work sick or miss pay due to illness.

For many employees, paid sick and maternity leave will make a huge difference in whether or not they stay. You’re more likely to keep your workers and bring fresh workers if you add this benefit.

5. Offer Educational Incentives

Many companies have already adopted new policies about helping their employees advance to the top. People don’t just want to feel passionate about their work (even though this is important). They want to feel like their job is taking them someplace.

Some companies started to offer college reimbursement programs. Some companies like Amazon and Starbucks have created special scholarships for their employees. Their employees might be able to complete their whole degree virtually for free.

This is an excellent way to motivate your workers to learn more about your company. They may wish to move up in your company and become a more valuable employee. Internal promotion is an excellent incentive.

6. Automation And MiRs Robotics To Help Fill The Gap

The above five solutions may sound very appealing to you and your workers. But, maybe you examined your resources, and you’re just not sure you have enough to give these employees what they seek.

Maybe you don’t think you have the funds or time to create such a program. In such cases, you might benefit from integrating autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). These robots have already entered the manufacturing sector in warehouses and factory settings.

But, how can these systems be utilized in the service sector? Mobile industrial robots (MiRs) have a team of experts working to improve AMRs. Robots could enter the service sector very soon.

Robots are capable of performing many of the jobs that employers are struggling to fill today.

MiR Robotics to Help Meet Your Staffing Needs

Business owners want to make a workplace that is fulfilling and satisfactory. They want to help their employees thrive while satisfying customers.

There are ways of giving the best experience to all. And, when needed, implementing automation and robotics can help fill the void. MiR Robotics works to bring automation to more areas of the working sector.

Ģ����Ƶ Robotics has a diverse and trained group of experts ready to help you make the transition. for a demonstration!

their jobs in August of 2021. For many businesses, finding people to take their places has been extremely difficult. People want higher wages and better working conditions, but for businesses that can’t provide, there’s an alternative to human labor they should consider.

Mobile industrial robots aren’t a new concept, but the technology behind them has vastly improved. If you’re struggling to find human workers, robotic ones can get the job done just as well. Sometimes, they can even do it faster and better.

When you’re considering mobile industrial robots, here are 7 ways they can help with labor shortages and keep your business running.

1. Making Things Easier for Consumers

As someone running a business, you know customers don’t like to wait. Consumers are demanding better products, faster delivery, and higher quality service. Labor shortages frustrate consumers and can cost you valuable business.

MIR mobile industrial robots can keep your business running. They can keep shipping services going, even if there are no people around. This way, consumers will get their products quickly.

Some robots can also stand in for customer service. Using a touchscreen robot can make placing a food order at a restaurant easy to do without the need of human labor. This is also a great option for consumers who don’t want to interact with another person in order to get what they need.

2. Increasing Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a huge demand for human workers, especially in the industrial field. Mobile industrial robots like the MiR1350 can help make the workplace safer. A safer workplace means you can bring back human labor for the things robots can’t do.

Repetitive tasks, like the transportation of pallets, can be dangerous, backbreaking labor for humans. But an industrial mobile robot can spend all day moving pallets without any risk of injury. These robots can also move bigger, heavier products without the possibility of getting hurt.

Stories about robots accidentally running into people are a thing of the past. Modern industrial robots have advanced software and technology that can sense anything around them, and stop them if they’re about to hit something. The help it avoid obstacles and reroute to the most efficient path possible for the task at hand.

3. Lowering Labor Costs

One of the biggest appeals for businesses to add mobile industrial robots is the reduction in labor costs. Having to pay workers can be a huge expense for businesses, and no one wants to work for free. Wanting to be paid a living wage is one of the biggest causes for the labor shortage.

Robots, on the other hand, don’t need to be paid by the hour. All you have to do is pay the one-time fee to add them to your company, plus general maintenance. This cost is far lower than having to pay a person for the same job.

Another factor that goes into industrial labor costs is the cost of workplace injuries. Workplace injuries can result in fines, damage to your company’s reputation, and a labor shortage while your human worker heals. Sometimes, the injuries are so bad, your worker won’t be able to come back.

Mobile industrial robots use safety sensors to prevent accidents from happening. If your robot does get damaged, you can fix it quickly or replace it instantly.

With all the money you’re saving with these robots, you can put it back into your company or into your pocket. The extra money can be invested into newer products, or better benefits for the people who do work for you.

4. Higher Productivity Levels

Robots don’t need to take breaks. They don’t need to use the bathroom. And, they don’t need to sleep.

The ability for mobile industrial robots to rur 24/7 without a break can increase productivity across the board. You can guarantee same day delivery no matter what time of day the product is ordered because the robot can retrieve it.

Inventory checks can be done by mobile industrial robots, which will eliminate any human errors. This will keep your website up to date and prevent any inventory problems.

Robots can also do meaningless, repetitive tasks like transportation of pallets faster than a human. This frees up human laborers to do more important tasks.

5. No Training Needed

People need to be trained for tasks. Many industrial businesses are having a hard time finding workers who have the skills needed in order to complete tasks. Training takes time, money, and planning to get done for human laborers.

Mobile industrial robots, on the other hand, don’t need to be trained. All you have to do is update their programming every once and awhile to optimize their workflow.

Only having to update the robots means you never have to worry about not having workers who know what they’re doing. Mobile industrial robots can keep up with any industrial need that might arise.

6. Keeping Everything at Home

One of the biggest reasons labor is moving out of the United States is the demand for cheap labor. Cheap, overseas labor is a great solution for cost cutting, but it puts a lot of .

The current supply chain is damaged, so products from overseas are not able to get to US consumers fast enough. This leads to empty shelves, long shipping dates, and unhappy consumers.

Mobile industrial robots can keep labor at home. The cost of these robots is lower than human labor, which means you can still have cheap labor without worrying about supply chain issues. You can certify that your products are made in the United States, too.

7. Easy to Learn to Use

Some companies hesitate to switch to mobile industrial robots because they can appear difficult to use. As technology has advanced, so has user-friendliness.

The MiR1350 can be operated with a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It is easy to program and you don’t need to be an engineer to do it. This robot is meant to help you get the job done, so using it and programming it is easy.

Add Mobile Industrial Robots to Your Workforce Today!

Mobile Industrial Robots sound great, right! Well, if you think they’d be the perfect addition to your workplace, don’t wait! Add them to your workforce today and get back on track.

At Ģ����Ƶ, we have a wide array of mobile industrial robots available, including the MiR1350. Reach out to us today so we can help you find the perfect product for your workplace.

We are living in the future.

It’s easy to ignore all of the technological advancements in society. That’s what happens when you live beside them every day. It becomes easy to overlook them.

Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, algorithms, and even robots are accomplishing jobs done by humans. Some people think it’s a bad thing. But, if there’s ever a serious labor shortage, we need all the help we can get.

One of the industries where robots are making the biggest impact is in the manufacturing space. Warehouse and inventory tasks are starting to be handed off to robots. These particular types of robots are called autonomous mobile robots.��

But, what are autonomous mobile robots?  in the workplace may be a new concept to you. If they are, that’s ok. We’re here to clue you in on everything you need to know regarding autonomous mobile robots.

We’ll talk about what leveraging their automated labor can do for your operations management. Finally, we’ll discuss some leaders in the space and go over the products that they’re offering.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be your team’s resident autonomous mobile robot expert. But, there’s a lot of information to cover. 

Let’s get going!

What Are Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)?

Autonomous mobile robots are robots that involve a complex system of electronics and computer programming. Because these robots are so complex, they are able to complete tasks a human would do. They also have the ability to complete these tasks on their own.

Once a robot knows its job, that’s it. Automation engineers can set the robot to work and it will continue to do its job with very little monitoring.

Leveraging this technology has a lot of benefits for manufacturing companies. These benefits can then be passed along to you, the customer.

Although there may be people that disagree with the growing use of robots and AI, the end result is a net positive for everyone involved.

Life Before AMRs

AMRs can be a big improvement in a manufacturing setting. The parts and inventory companies store in warehouses gives these robots plenty to do.

AMR technology is not something that’s brand new. Companies within the manufacturing industry have been leveraging automation technology for decades. This automation has come in the way of long lines of conveyor belts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). 

Leaders within the manufacturing industry are optimistic that AMR technology can improve upon the current automation. Manufacturing companies see AMRs as an improvement because they require less clumsy technology than their predecessors.

Long lines of conveyor belts spanning the entire length of a warehouse or factory can be bulky. They can take up so much room that they make conducting business difficult for the warehouse team. 

AGVs are no different. They may no take up as much room, but they require additional equipment to work properly. Manufacturing warehouses need wire strips or magnetic tracks on the floor to help guide the AGV’s path. 

If an AGV gets off-track for some reason, it needs to be corrected. Otherwise, it may constantly be running into the wall like your Roomba vacuum at home.

How Are AMRs Different?

 than conveyor belts and AGVs without as much of the extra technology. This is because AMRs operate on an advanced system that leverages LIDAR technology.

LIDAR technology works by using light detection and ranging. AMRs use LIDAR along with their other onboard technology to navigate through a warehouse or factory environment. They can find their way through the workplace just like a human can.

This is because, in addition to LIDAR, AMRs have their own onboard collision detection and intelligence systems. Much like us, AMRs are able to choose the best route to a destination every time. And it’s all because of these systems.

Benefits of AMRs

Starting to leverage the technology of AMRs can really transform a manufacturing company’s workflow. AMRs have several other benefits, as well.

Using . As a result, manufacturing companies experience significant cost savings that directly affect their bottom line. AMRs can be expensive. Knowing that they are going to offer an immediate return on investment makes pulling the trigger to purchase one much easier.

In addition to cost savings, AMRs can help manufacturing teams maximize the space in their warehouses or factories. There are no magnetic tracks or wire strips necessary for AMRs. This allows warehouse managers to focus on configuring their shelving in a way that works best for the company.

Conveyor belts and AGV tracks no longer have to dictate the company’s warehouse layout.

The Future of Manufacturing

Another benefit AMRs provide is allowing companies to keep up with the latest trend in manufacturing. That trend is .

Rising real estate prices are causing plant, warehouse, and factory space to become much more expensive. As a result, manufacturing companies need to do the best they can with what they’ve got. This makes the need for adaptive manufacturing higher now than ever before.

AMRs allow companies to design their floorplans efficiently. They can really shrink the size of their layout and make changes on the fly. Companies that can grasp this concept and put it to work will be miles ahead of their competition.

In addition, certain industries need to adapt to new shipments on the fly. Certain industries have to implement adaptive manufacturing based on their shipments. One such industry is consumer electronics.

These businesses have new inventory coming in every couple of weeks, or even every couple of days. Without the help of AMRs, they wouldn’t be able to adapt to this frequency of shipments.

Companies would be left applying and reapplying magnetic tracks for their AGVs to accommodate each shipment. With AMRs, warehouse managers can simply rely on the robot’s programming and allow it to find the best route on its own.

Challenges Facing AMRs

It’s easy to see the many benefits using AMRs can provide. However, industries like manufacturing are dragging their feet with AMR adoption. One of the reasons is that manufacturing is a historically risk-averse sector of the economy.

Upper-level managers of many manufacturing companies see the benefit of using mobile industrial robots. The problem, however, is they’re afraid of adopting the technology too soon. Using the technology before the industry is “ready for it” could result in significant revenue losses for the company.

Most companies also struggle with the price tag for AMRs. It’s not so much the price tag, but the fact that they’re paying a lot of money for a robot that can only perform one task. As a result, the AMR industry is moving toward creating robots with multi-modal functionality.

One such company is Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR). Automation engineers at MiR are working on AMRs that can accomplish multiple functions within the manufacturing space. The hope is that providing a robot that’s able to accomplish more than one task will justify the upfront costs.

MiR hopes to do this using a unique “plug and play” design. Where other AMR companies offer general use robots, MiR plans to offer a robot that focuses on integration. MiR’s new multi-modal robot will integrate with other pieces of hardware to help you get more done.

Think of the robot as a “blank slate” that can adapt to whatever tasks are necessary.

MiR’s Latest AMR Ģ����Ƶ

With that theme in mind, MiR is beginning to launch two new AMR products. These new robots are generating a lot of buzz within both the AMR and manufacturing communities. The new models are the MiR600 and the MiR1350. 

Let’s take a look at what they can accomplish for you and your team.

MiR600 Facts and Features

The MiR600 is one of the safest robots around. It complies with all of the highest safety standards within the industry. It’s also been engineered to handle any fluids, dust particles, or debris your warehouse can throw at it.

The MiR600 has the ability to “see” completely around itself. This AMR misses nothing thanks to its 360-degree vision capability. The robot’s vision also extends as high as two meters above the ground.

Another amazing feature is the robot’s autonomous navigation. The MiR600 can find the best route to its destination all on its own. On its way to its destination, it will maneuver safely and effectively. Warehouse managers can also load palettes onto this robot with ease.

The MiR600’s flexibility and user-friendly features make it one of the leading AMR products in the industry.

MiR1350 Facts and Features

The MiR1350 boasts all of the features of the MiR600 and much, much more. This cutting-edge robot can handle heavier payloads within your factory or warehouse. The MiR1350 can handle payloads weighing up to 1350 kg or 3,000 pounds.

You can rely on the MiR1350 to literally do your heavy lifting. 

The MiR1350 has the same autonomous navigation, safety, vision, and longevity as the MiR600. It also can be fitted with special palette lifters provided by MiR. With these palette lifters, the MiR1350 can replace any standard palette loader or truck.

Engineers can operate both robots from their smartphone, tablet, or computer. MiR’s operation interface is user-friendly and allows for amazing ease of use. There isn’t much of a learning curve with MiR’s newest technology.

You’ll have your robots up and running quickly, putting in an honest day’s work on the warehouse floor in no time.

AMRs and the Current Labor Shortage

Another area where AMRs can help manufacturing and industrial teams in the current labor shortage. 

As we mentioned earlier, some people are afraid of robots like AMRs taking their jobs. But, in manufacturing, the jobs being done by robots haven’t been done adequately by humans anyway.

Companies are seeing startling numbers of absences from their human workforce. In fact, one industry leader reported as much as 25% of their workforce being absent on any given shift. This can severely reduce the effectiveness of your production line.

This is all the more reason for companies to leverage AMR technology. Even if a large portion of your human workforce is absent, your company’s downtime would still be limited. AMRs can step in and pick up where the human team left off. 

AMRs can also help in a labor shortage by drastically reducing the number of employees necessary. AMRs can handle the heavy lifting both literally and figuratively. They can move your heaviest palettes, but they can also assume the responsibility of the mundane day-to-day tasks.

Using AMRs for the small stuff will allow your human team to focus on the more high-value, high-dollar tasks.

It may take a little training, but your warehouse staff will quickly become familiar with working with these autonomous mobile robots. Training your employees to work with these robots will also help your workforce.

If an employee on your team can become a skilled operator of AMRs, it’s another skill they can add to their resume. Adding marketable skills to their toolbelt is one of the best moves human employees can make during a labor shortage.

Robots to the Rescue

There you have it! Everything you need to know about autonomous mobile robots. We hope you enjoyed this article and came away with a new perspective.

AMR technology can do a lot to grow your business and help your team thrive through the current labor shortage. 

Our team at Ģ����Ƶ offers a wide variety of AMRs including the latest products from MiR. If you have any questions or are looking to start implementing AMR technology in your business, contact us today. 

Summary:��

A global manufacturer of heavy equipment��was looking to��automate the transportation of material between two areas within its��Central PA based manufacturing��facility.�� The��plant��has significantly grown since the facility was first built decades ago.����It��was built into the side of a hill so as square footage was added,��the new buildings were constructed at an elevation that was different from the older parts of the building.�� The buildings are connected via ramps but the 10% slope of those ramps made it impossible for material handling equipment to use them as a means of transporting materials within the facility.������

The current process for material transport between��subassembly and final assembly areas��was very manual and inefficient.����The ramp��that separates the two areas measures 35 feet in length and has a 10 degree incline.�� Because of this the ramp��was historically limited to��foot traffic only.�� Due to the size and weight of the subassemblies, all material��has always been transported��by forklift.�� However the only way for a forklift to travel between��subassembly and final assembly was to exit one building through a large overhead door, travel across pavement and reenter the other building through another large, overhead door.�� This path of travel became the only way to get from one area to the other.�� This meant that fork trucks traveled outside, carrying materials, no matter the��temperature and weather conditions.������

The customer understood that this was an inefficient process and was interested in a way not only to retain material transport within the buildings but also to do so in an automated fashion.������

Requirements:��

The customer’s requirements were to move a multitude��of products ranging in size, weight and dimension��from multiple pick up locations in subassembly and drop off to several locations in final assembly.����These items would be transported in totes approximately the size of a standard pallet.��Empty totes needed to be returned from final assembly to the appropriate area��in subassembly.�� The solution would have to eliminate the need to travel outside.��The max payload that was to be transported between the areas was not to exceed 2000 lbs.�� The system needed to seamlessly integrate with their production planning system��which would determine when and where materials were needed to move��from one area to the other.����The solution needed to be flexible and adaptable to ongoing production floor layout changes.��

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Solution:��

Ģ����Ƶ’s Industrial Automation team developed and implemented a concept that exceeded the customer’s expectations.�� The concept involved the following:��

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A 1000kg (2200 lbs) payload autonomous mobile robot from Mobile Industrial Robots was designated to the subassembly area. The AMR was outfitted with a roller conveyor top module from Nord Modules, that allowed totes to be transferred from the staging area conveyors to the AMR.

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Totes and pallets��traverse the 35 foot, 10% sloping ramp by implementing a��fully redundant motor driven belt��lifting mechanism.�� The lifting mechanism moved a powered roller conveyor between the two elevations.�� Material transfers from the AMR��to the��lifting mechanism’s powered roller conveyor platform which transverses the ramp transporting material from one elevation to the other.

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A duplicate 1000kg (2200 lbs) payload autonomous mobile robot from Mobile Industrial Robots was designated to the final assembly area. The AMR was outfitted with a roller conveyor top module from Nord Modules that allowed totes to be transferred from the lift mechanism to the AMR which would then deliver the material to its final destination.

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Fleet and Process management – An MQTT server-based software application developed by Ģ����Ƶ would act as the conduit between the mobile robots and the customer’s production planning system and manage the traffic and flow of material. This software application would allow the material to move seamlessly from pick up to drop off without any human interaction. It would manage the fleet of robots as well as manage the logic needed to control the lifting mechanism on the ramp.

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Engineering, deployment and support – In addition to providing the items described above Ģ����Ƶ provided onsite services to ensure a successful installation and system deployment. We mapped and configured the AMR’s and all of the points of interest like pick up and drop off locations. We provided oversight on the installation of the lift mechanism. We provided onsite engineering and commissioning of the system and provided basic user and technical training for the customer.

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Why Ģ����Ƶ:

The customer had received proposals from other solution providers, Ģ����Ƶ was the only integrator that was able to use their existing ramp without causing major changes to the layout of their plant’s footprint. It was our ability to leverage COTS technology like the MiR AMR’s and roller conveyor top modules along with a completely custom engineered lifting mechanism and fleet management software application that delivered a spot on solution for this customer.

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Let us help you find the right��solution for your working environment. Contact Ģ����Ƶ for more information.

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As technology continues to advance, robotics is playing an increasingly important role in industrial operations. There are many different kinds of robotics solutions that today’s businesses use. One important distinction is the difference between robots and COBOTs. How are robots and COBOTs different?��While typical industrial robots work on their own and fully take over a given task, COBOTs are collaborative robots. They work with people, not in place of them. COBOTs help to create a hybrid work environment that improves efficiency and safety across a wide variety of industries and tasks.

Some of the ways that cooperative work with robots helps are through:

• Assistance:��Traditional robots perform tasks without any human interaction or oversight, but some tasks are too complex for robots alone. That’s where COBOTs differ from industrial robots. COBOTs help human workers and assist them, to speed up tasks or take over monotonous or tedious work, leaving the more complicated stuff to the human workers.
• Seamlessness:��COBOTs use a variety of technologies that help them work with humans. With environment-sensing software, mobile programming and safe designs, these COBOTs can be near workers, while helping to improve their efficiency. COBOTS, intended to be in close contact with humans, put safety at the forefront of design.
• Adaptability:��The COBOT is typically easy to program and does not require any advanced coding capabilities. It is versatile, adjusting easily to different parts of a workplace and learning about its new environment.

COBOTs offer unique benefits and are useful across industries. They’re rising in popularity and can help businesses improve their efficiency in any number of ways.

Robotics in Manufacturing

From the automatons of ancient Greece to the rise of Numerical Computing and integrated circuits, robotics have come a long way. So has the idea of automation in manufacturing. Henry Ford is an essential figure in the history of automation. Ford cars were one of the first mass-produced items to use an assembly line. This concept restructured how workers would do their jobs for both skilled and unskilled labor.��, Christoffer Polhelm developed a machine to cut cogwheels with the help of hydropower. These men, along with several others in the industrial age, were part of bringing automation into manufacturing, improving the efficiency and changing the landscape of mass-produced items.

In the 1880s, Herman Hollerith developed another piece of technology that proved influential to the world of robotics. He came up with the Electric Tabulating Machine, a punch card system that analyzed holes and “non-holes” within a card. The United States Census even adopted this method by 1890, and it was a significant component to the start of IBM as a company.

As the digital computer came around in the 1950s, things took another turn as information-processing systems could be automated alongside manufacturing. Numerical control also developed around this time, making more advanced programming possible with computer numerical controls (CNC). Shortly after, in the 70s, came the integrated circuit, or microchip, which enabled more advanced electrical circuitry in a small, mass-producible method.

In between these developments came a prototype of an industrial robot, built for a General Motors (GM) factory in 1961. Plenty more were installed in Ford factories in the following years, ramping up the hype about industrial robots. Many of the first robots were hydraulic or pneumatic and capable of handling larger loads than those on the assembly line but were not particularly fast. This situation created a perfect niche for faster electric robots that didn’t need to lift heavy items. They could repeat tasks at high speeds and shorten the cycle time.

These powerful technologies paved the way for modern industrial robots that could perform a wide variety of functions, including:

• Welding
• Painting
• Assembly and disassembly
• Palletizing
• Packaging and labeling
• Materials handling
• Pick and place

Of all these tasks, industrial robots tend to take on tasks that humans can’t do or ones that would improve worker safety or efficiency if performed by a robot. Arc welding, for example, can involve hazards related to heat, fire and explosions, along with possible eye damage from ultraviolet light or the inhalation of dangerous substances. Even simpler tasks, like assembly or disassembly, can have high risks of injury, depending on the job. Lifting heavy objects or using sharp tools can cause harm if an employee makes a mistake.

Assigning these tasks to robots allows people to be safer overall and avoid the most harmful jobs. Plus, many of these tasks require extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety precautions, which creates additional costs and liability concerns for the company. Robots eliminate many of these issues by taking over either the entire job or the more dangerous parts.

Another benefit of delegating to robots is that it frees up employees for other tasks that may be more suited for human work. The robots can take over repetitive, tedious tasks and allow employees to take over more skilled responsibilities. Programming and engineering are some of the jobs that workers can lean toward instead to improve the efficiency of the manual tasks.

What Are COBOTS?

All of those above features apply to traditional robots, but they typically apply to COBOTs as well. These little machines are ideal for marrying the work of humans and technology. They focus on collaboration and teamwork, with features to make workers’ jobs easier and faster without requiring any advanced programming knowledge. Some of the jobs they look to accomplish include those that are repetitive, hazardous or tedious for humans. Safety, versatility and assistance are key features in the design of a COBOT.

The COBOT is smart and learns on the job, understanding the movement of items and speeds as it adjusts to the world around it. And while a COBOT typically has lighter-weight load capacities, it offers exceptional agility and speed, perfect for tasks that require 100% accuracy and faster results.

Below are just some of the benefits that a COBOT can offer.

1. Partnership and Collaboration With Humans

The COBOT works more like a partner than a fully autonomous robot. It can assist with a repetitive task such as picking an item up and placing it somewhere else. It might sit directly beside a person, instead of enclosed behind a safety fence. A COBOT has an intelligence to it, so it can learn about its environment and dynamic surroundings, working in close quarters with human workers.

The collaborative nature of COBOTs makes them easy to work with, while their ease of use reduces the need for advanced programming expertise for small changes, making them a flexible option. Working with people is a foundational aspect of COBOTs.

2. Ease of Use and Training

COBOTs are made to work with all humans — not just those who are programming experts. They are easy to operate for almost any employee, regardless of their technical skill or experience. Employees can even “train” the COBOTs. Often, they do this by merely manipulating the arms and walking it through the process. The COBOT then learns the steps and can replicate them. Many COBOTs even use advanced behavior-learning methods and artificial intelligence to adapt to the task at hand. These traits help make them usable by your everyday employees.

3. Easy Programmability

In addition to training and use, setting up and programming a COBOT is also easy. It doesn’t require advanced programming skills, and employees can reprogram the COBOT for plenty of different tasks.

4. Versatility and Functionality

You can’t pin COBOTs down to just one intended task. They can perform a wide range of jobs and combinations of them, including welding, assembly and pick-and-place. COBOTs move freely, with designs that are lightweight and easy to move. They can stay in one spot and help with repetitive tasks, or you can move them around the facility, with easy reprogramming options and learning capabilities to make the merge to a new environment smooth and productive. Different COBOT models are typically designed to specialize in certain areas of production. In the��, for instance, we offer models like the M0609, intended for repetitive tasks at high speeds, the M1509 for heavy object handling and the M0617 for multi-tasking and long-range use. Many of these bots are 6-axis articulated collaborative robots with 360-degree joint movements.

5. Increased Safety

One feature that separates the COBOTs from industrial robots is their approach to worker safety. While industrial robots are often autonomous, they also tend to be isolated. They might be blocked off to keep them separated from workers for safety reasons. COBOTs include a variety of design features that make them ideal for use in close contact, such as smooth, rounded edges and advanced sensors. They monitor their surroundings to identify people in the area and can stop wherever they are in the production cycle if someone gets in the way.

In terms of their core functioning, COBOTs also increase safety by reducing the need for human operators to put themselves in dangerous situations. For example, by using a COBOT to apply a coat of paint, human operators can stay away from any hazardous fumes that some paints or coatings produce. A COBOT can also help reduce problems associated��with����that create occupational hazards.

6. Fast Setup

The setup process for COBOTs often only takes a few hours. These bots mount onto many different surfaces and can even be moved throughout the facility as needed. With the fast reprogramming processes we discussed, this task allows you to move the COBOT as much or as little as needed.

7. Increased Productivity

The COBOT gets all the typical benefits you’d expect from a robot. It doesn’t get tired or hungry or try to get out of doing work. It focuses on the task at hand and can move more quickly and accurately than humans. Some COBOTs can even learn as they work, suggesting more efficient methods of getting the job done.

8. Cost-Effective

COBOTs are smaller than many industrial robots and can accomplish numerous tasks. With their wide variety of usage options and effects on productivity, COBOTs can offer significant benefits to a company’s bottom line.

Common Misconceptions About Collaborative Robotics

COBOTs offer many benefits, including improved efficiency and safety, but they do have their place. Some people get the wrong idea about what exactly a COBOT can do.

COBOTs are not supposed to replace workers. They are meant to assist and improve existing tasks. Remember that the key difference between industrial robots and collaborative robots is that industrial robots can entirely automate a process without human interaction, while COBOTs work with humans. COBOTs also cannot take on some of the heavy-duty manufacturing jobs that should be performed by an industrial robot. Industrial robots are still necessary for many applications, and COBOTs aren’t merely a lower-cost replacement.

Industries and Processes That Benefit

Due to their versatility and mobility, COBOTs are found in a wide range of industries. They can work with delicate electronics or aerospace parts, help move food items down an assembly line and tend to CNC machines. Nearly every industry, from pharmaceuticals to automotive parts and everything in between, can use COBOTs to improve processes.

Some of the tasks that a COBOT can assist with include:

• Pick and place:��This is an extremely repetitive task that is perfect for COBOTs, avoiding injury and mistakes that can happen with human workers. Pick and place involves moving an item from one location to another, typical in packaging and assembly line applications.
• Packaging:��Shrink-wrapping, assembling boxes and moving products are all tasks that a COBOT can accomplish.
• Welding:��COBOTs can eliminate the repetitive motions and occupational hazards of welding.
• Machine tending:��Machine tending involves placing an employee at a machine for long hours to address needs like tool changes or adding materials. COBOTs can free up that operator and tend to multiple machines at once.
• Moving pallets:��Some COBOTs, like��, can even maneuver around a facility and deliver pallets to new locations.
• Quality inspection:��Between sensors, cameras and other attached technology, COBOTs can help employees inspect finished products.����can be equipped with FANUC’s intelligence features, like iRVision, 3D Vision with FANUC 3D Area Sensor and FANUC Force Sensors.
• Glue application:��This is another repetitive task that a COBOT can perform.
• Finishing:��Grinding, polishing and other finishing tasks can cause a repeated vibrational force to the worker, forming another occupational hazard. COBOTs can eliminate this risk.

Improve Operations With COBOTs

As you can see, COBOTs are powerhouses for added productivity in the workplace. From eliminating repetitive tasks to offering faster, more accurate results with 6-axis industrial arms, they can improve operational performance in a myriad of ways. Plus, they can make the job safer for employees by taking over dangerous tasks.

If you think your operational procedures could use the help of a COBOT, call Ģ����Ƶ today. Our in-house engineers have the technical expertise to help you find and implement a COBOT in your business. We can help you install your COBOTs and teach you how to use them effectively. When you choose Ģ����Ƶ, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you are partnering with an industry leader with over 60 years of experience. To learn more about COBOTs and industrial robots and how they can work in your business,��contact us today.

Ball valves may be small, but they are critical components in many industrial applications. Because ball valves control the flow of fluids, they see extensive use across just about every industry. It’s important to know how to tell which industrial ball valves are best for different applications, especially those involving hazardous chemicals, which can easily destroy some types of valves.

Corrosion poses serious financial risks to any industry, as well as obvious structural risks. According to the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, the total annual cost of corrosion in the United States across all industries is��, or about 3% of the United States’ GDP. Your company can reduce your risk of financial loss from corrosion, though, by using chemical-resistant ball valves.

At Ģ����Ƶ, our��Parker ball valves��offer heavy-duty durability to fight against chemical corrosion. The premium quality and reliability of this brand of ball valve make it stand out from the rest. Our Parker valves function reliably in temperatures ranging from 0 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit, and they can withstand pressures of up to 6,000 psi. They come in a variety of styles, materials and diameters optimized for different industries and applications.

The wide variety of valve types on the market means finding the right ball valve can be tricky. Fortunately, we’ve put together this handy ball valve buying guide. Below, we’ll explain the benefits of chemical-resistant ball valves and help you figure out how to choose the ball valve that’s right for your application.

Types of Ball Valve Body Styles

Ball valves come in :

1. Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valves

Trunnion-mounted ball valves contain a pivoting point where a shaft rotates inside part of a cylinder. This construction allows for shutoff and switching through the use of upper and lower bearings. The additional top-and-bottom anchoring of trunnion-style valves also keeps the ball from floating in the fluid. This construction allows for larger valves that function at peak performance in high-pressure operations and with higher flow capacity because the ball has more support, which reduces the friction against it.

Ģ����Ƶ’s trunnion-mounted ball valves can withstand pressures of up to 10,000 psi and provide dependable switching and shutoff capabilities. The design of the upper and lower bearing in these high-pressure ball valves helps provide seizure resistance and extend the valve’s lifespan, even in rigorous applications.

2. Floating Ball Valves

Floating ball valves are one of the most common types of ball valves. Their����allows for strong performance even under challenging pressure and temperature conditions. Unlike the balls in trunnion-mounted valves, the balls in floating ball valves are attached only to the valve stem. The advantage of this construction is that the ball can float in the liquid and press against the seat of the valve, creating a positive seal. A positive seal is useful because it allows for zero leakage from the valve, an essential quality in many gas operations, among others.

These ball valves are designed for process and instrumentation applications and can streamline fluid flow to enhance those operations. They offer rapid on-off control and can withstand pressures of up to 6,000 psi and temperatures of up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

These valves are useful in facilities such as chemical plants, refineries, power plants and petrochemical plants. They provide a range of functionalities, including flow diversion and flow selection, and are often critical parts of quick-fill systems, process-mixing systems, instrument panels and remote shutoff with actuation. They are also typically less expensive than trunnion designs.

Ģ����Ƶ’s floating ball valves are generally available in stainless steel and brass, with specific alloys available upon request. The ball bearings feature microfinishes for a positive seal, and the valves allow for a straight flow path that reduces pressure drop. Our products also offer optional features such as pneumatic and electric actuation, live-loaded PTFE stem seals, nonadjustable O-ring stem seals, upstream and downstream drain models and stainless steel and extended handles.

3. Rising-Stem Ball Valves

Rising-stem ball valves contain a stem that allows the ball to tilt within the valve. When the valve is closed, the ball nestles snugly against the seat – the disc-shaped material designed to provide a watertight seal. When the valve is open, the ball moves away from the seat, allowing liquid to flow around it. This capacity for repositioning prevents the ball from rubbing against the seat and causing the valve to fail. It decreases wear and minimizes the need for maintenance.

Ball Valve Port Styles

In addition to their different body types, ball valves also come with different port configurations. The ball of a ball valve typically contains a port, or a bored opening, through its center. When the bore is aligned with the valve body, liquid can flow through. When the valve is rotated 90 degrees and the bore is perpendicular to the valve body, liquid can no longer pass through. These ports are designed in different ways for optimization in a variety of applications.

1. Full-Port Ball Valves

A full-bore ball valve has a sizeable ball with a large bore diameter—often itself. This large orifice allows for a higher flow of liquid, thus reducing friction and pressure loss. The large bore diameter is also ideal for valves that may clog and require pigging to remove the blocked material.

2. Reduced-Port Ball Valves

Reduced-port ball valves have smaller ports to restrict the flow of liquid within a narrower path. These valves are typically smaller and less expensive, and they are useful in applications where pressure loss is a minimal concern.

3. V-Port Ball Valves

In a V-port ball valve, either the ball or the seat of the ball contains a V shape. The advantage of the V shape is that it allows the valve to open and close more easily. When the valve is closed, the smaller, V-shaped end typically opens first, allowing��for greater stability and control of liquids’ velocities. For this reason, V-port ball valves often function as control valves, especially in industries such as the . However, because they require more stability to function, these valves are not suitable for use in all applications.

Ball Valve Body Materials

Ball valve bodies come in a few different types of materials. The three most popular materials we offer at Ģ����Ƶ are brass, carbon steel and stainless steel, but many other possibilities exist as well.

1. Brass and Chrome-Plated Brass

Brass ball valves offer the virtue of reliable performance at an economical price. They typically feature a brass body with a chrome-plated brass ball, and they provide superior corrosion resistance over plastic valves while remaining feasible for most budgets. Our brass ball valves offer long-lasting operation and come with a variety of options to suit different applications. In addition to being corrosion-resistant, they are heat-resistant as well. They function well at temperatures ranging from -50 degrees Fahrenheit up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unlike other types of ball valves made of materials such as bronze, brass ball valves contain very little lead, so they are safer for use in applications where lead contamination is a concern.

Brass is also a key component of Parker brass compression fittings. These utilize a brass compression piece to compact around the pipe and hold the valve securely in place.

2. Carbon Steel

are exceptionally rugged and durable. They typically consist of carbon steel bodies with steel balls, and they are designed for demanding applications in which valves must stand up over time to harsh working conditions. They are often used in heavy-duty truck manufacture and agricultural, construction and industrial applications.

Carbon steel ball valves are useful for fuel line shutoffs in gasoline- and diesel-powered equipment and are also common features of hydraulic lines and in plant design plumbing that requires complete shutoff capability. They can function effectively in temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Fahrenheit to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel ball valves��are��well suited for all-purpose industrial use because of their excellent chemical resistance. They provide the best corrosion resistance of any of the ball valves we offer. They can stand up to the harshest chemical conditions and are particularly recommended for use in marine environments because they resist the corroding effects of saltwater as well.

Stainless steel ball valves are often used in industries such as petrochemical, steel, agricultural and food processing. They are also common components of fuel lines, chemical lines, washdowns and plant plumbing that requires complete shutoff capability.

4. Bronze

Bronze ball valves are resistant to cracking because of the high malleability and ductility of bronze. Bronze ball valves also resist corrosion very well and are relatively inexpensive, providing beneficial cost savings to many industries when compared to valves made of materials like brass. They are often used for direction control, flow shutoff and a variety of other functions.

5. Chrome

Chrome is useful for making ball valves because it provides strong resistance against wear over time. It also helps the ball move smoothly as the valve opens and closes and allows for excellent corrosion resistance. Chrome is more porous than many other materials, though, so if a chrome valve contains chrome plating over another metal, the porous nature of the chrome can sometimes allow water to seep through and corrode the underlying ball structure.

Many ball valves have a protective coating made of materials like chrome. A chrome coating can make a ball valve as . It is susceptible to corrosion by seawater and chlorine, however.

6. Titanium

Titanium provides a high level of corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance for ball valves. It is an ideal material for ball valves that will be used in����(HPAL) scenarios, which make use of highly corrosive acids, often 98% sulfuric acid. Titanium ball valves are also ideal in pressure oxidation (POX) applications, such as in autoclave plants for steam sterilization. They are optimal for use in plant maintenance and emergency shutdown applications.

7. Nylon

Nylon valves are common across a range of industries. They are inexpensive to produce and have good chemical and mechanical qualities.

One of the nylon-bodied ball valves Ģ����Ƶ offers is the . The nylon construction of this ball valve makes it lightweight and ideal for use in compact operations and where quick installation times are a priority. These valves offer full flow capacity and stable performance. They are often used in pneumatic applications, as well as in factory and process automation, packaging, petrochemical facilities, semiconductors, machine tools, robotics, vacuum lines and textile operations.

8. PVC

Plastic ball valves like PVC valves are useful because of their high corrosion resistance. Because they are plastic rather than metal, they provide superior resistance to rust and corrosion, and they are also more inexpensive to manufacture than many metal ball valves. Because of their light weight, they are also economical to ship. They are not suitable for certain demanding industries because they cannot stand up to the same temperatures and pressures that metal valves can. But in many applications, such as in swimming pools or irrigation systems, they make an excellent cost-effective alternative to metal valves.

9. Polypropylene

, also made from plastic polymers instead of metal,��provide extreme resistance against harsh chemicals and corroding agents. These ball valves are ideal for applications such as water filtration units, coffeemakers, cold beverage machines and other applications whose parts need to stay in pristine condition.

Chemical Resistance of Ball Valve Seals

The seal is one of the most important ball valve components. The seal forms a tight connection between the ball and the seat material to prevent liquids from passing through when the valve is closed. The right seal can make an enormous difference in functionality, maintenance time and costs.

Common ball valve seal materials include the following:

• EPDM: EPDM rubber is a type of synthetic rubber made of ethylene, propene and a diene monomer. It is one of the best-performing types of seal materials and provides a particularly effective seal in hot water and steam. It is also optimal for use with alcohols, low concentrations of acids and alkaline substances and more. It has limited resistance to grease, oils and solvents, however.
• FKM: FKM is a fluoroelastomer that provides more heat and chemical resistance than most rubbers. It offers resistance to a broad spectrum of chemicals and is also resistant to many oils. It does not perform as well with hot water and steam, though, because it tends to expand at high temperatures.
• PTFE: PTFE — commonly known as Teflon — is hard and rigid, unlike EPDM and FKM. It is resistant to many chemicals, though, and its hardness allows it to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.
• NBR: NBR is nitrile rubber. It provides strong resistance to compression and wear, and it stands up well to alcohols, oils and nonpolar solvents. It is sensitive to fluctuations in weather and temperature, though.

Ball Valve Applications

Ball valves find uses in a number of different industries and applications, from gas processing and oil refining to fuel lines, flowing systems on ships and many more. The rugged performance of chemical-resistant ball valves makes them incredibly well suited to demanding manufacturing and industrial environments.

Industries that involve hazardous chemicals need the right kind of valves to ensure that their processes run efficiently and effectively. Chemical-resistant valves have the durable construction to withstand harsh, hazardous substances and keep performance high and maintenance requirements minimal.

Contact Ģ����Ƶ for Chemical-Resistant Metric Ball Valves

In any industry, it’s important to choose the right ball valves, and it’s also important to have the facts you need to make an informed decision. The consequences of choosing the wrong ball valves can have a dramatic impact on your business, so it’s always best to get the decision right the first time.

Partner with Ģ����Ƶ for the best motion control and fluid handling solutions and quality products. We can help you figure out how to find the right ball valve for your specific application. And the technical expertise of our engineers means we can answer your questions about choosing chemical-resistant ball valves and give you the highly functional and long-lasting products you need.

Contact us today to learn more.

Automation and robotics are relatively new to human history yet have become integral parts of our daily operation. From automatic doors to surgical robotics, these technologies inundate nearly every industry. Automation equipment is particularly exciting for the manufacturing industry, with newer systems offering more comprehensive automation solutions. To understand the excitement surrounding the future of robotics in manufacturing, you have to understand what industrial automation means, how it developed and what it offers to modern manufacturing.

What Is Industrial Automation?

D.S. Harder, an engineering manager at the Ford Motor Company,����to describe machines that completed tasks once done by humans on the automobile production line. The term has slightly evolved over time to refer to a technology that performs specific, pre-determined processes in response to feedback without human intervention. Automation is often confused with mechanization, which refers to the replacement of human labor by machines, though automation usually accompanies mechanization.

In the manufacturing industry, industrial automation refers to the use of computer or robot-based control systems that complete processes in a manufacturing setting. Automated manufacturing systems operate inside factories and complete operations that include material handling, processing, assembly and inspection. These duties are explained briefly below:

• Material handling:��These tasks are relatively simple, involving a robot moving material from one location to another. This could include machine loading and unloading, conveyor belt transfer, material arrangement and more.
• Processing:��As the name suggests, this task involves a robot performing a pre-determined process to alter a part, usually using a tool. This may include tasks such as welding, spray painting, grinding or polishing.
• Assembly:��Assembly is the arrangement and fixing of parts to complete a whole product. Robots are being increasingly used in the assembly process in order to reduce human labor and improve the speed of production.
• Inspection:��Inspection is the visual assessment of a complete product to determine whether it meets specifications. Robots are increasingly being used in this capacity, using sensors to compare the part with specifications more quickly and thoroughly than a human can.

The takeaway with robotic automation in manufacturing is that it covers a wide range of tasks with reduced human intervention. The more advanced the industrial robot system, the less human participation involved in that system.

A Brief History of Automation

The idea of automatic devices has been around for centuries. The first known description of an automatic mechanism was created by the Greek engineer��., who created an idea for automatically-opening doors using a steam-powered system. Though this design never gained traction, Khalif of Baghdad included this idea and others in his ninth-century compilation called “The Science of Ingenious Mechanisms.” This text was used by the Arab world to explore the possibilities of automation through the following centuries, though much progress was lost in the Dark Ages.

The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in automation, and Khalif’s text served as the basis for exploration of this topic. The book inspired many Renaissance scientists and thought leaders, including Leonardo da Vinci, to engage with these ideas, culminating in the creation of automatons by Swiss craftsmen in the 18th century. Though these automatons were mere moving dolls that served primarily as sources of entertainment and aesthetic appeal, they were the first stepping stone toward modern automation.

The ideas of da Vinci and other Renaissance scientists further inspired inventors of the Industrial Revolution. These inventors responded to the increasing demand for production by turning to machinery and exploring the possibilities of automation. Most notable of these inventors was Nikola Tesla, who invented many robotic models, including a robotic boat. These ideas didn’t fully come to fruition in an industrial setting, however, until the 20th century.

The Modern History of Automated Robots in Manufacturing

The first exploration of robots in the 20th century was in the arts. A play called “Rossum’s Universal Robots” premiered in Prague in 1921, featuring robots that completed human work then revolted and destroyed the earth. The play created a fear of robots that has persisted. However, this didn’t stop others from picking up and exploring the idea further. Most famously, Isaac Asimov wrote extensively about the potential implications of the widespread use of robotics, developing the fundamental laws for robotics that are still used today. In fact, Asimov’s work inspired the inventors who developed the first automated industrial robots.

George Charles Devol invented the first industrial robot in 1954, then partnered with Asimov fan and entrepreneur Joseph F. Engelberger to create robotics company Unimation. The robot they created, the Unimate, was a simple single-arm robot. It was first installed in General Motor’s factory in Trenton in 1961 to serve as a die casting machine. From there, the robotic arm gained traction across multiple industries, doing basic material handling and processing.

Industrial robot arms continued to evolve through the ’60s and ’70s, advancing with new technologies like the computer and the integrated circuit. These robots were able to replace humans for heavy, dangerous or monotonous tasks, and by the end of the 1970s, the exploration and investment in robotics skyrocketed. The 1980s saw a significant slowdown in the adoption of robotics, primarily due to inappropriate installments, manufacturing errors and other issues that caused damage to several factories. Eventually, the use of robotics picked back up, and the invention and integration of sensors has helped robotics achieve widespread use in the 21st century.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Industrial Automation

Automation has been adopted in many industrial settings, and it’s not hard to see why. Automation solutions offer manufacturing companies a��. Some of these advantages are explained in more detail below.

1. Higher Productivity

Even the most productive workers have their limits, and employees need time to sleep, celebrate holidays and spend with their families. The same cannot be said for a robot. While factories need three shifts to run 24/7 with human employees, robots can accomplish the same without rest or shift changes. Additionally, robots can maintain a high level of speed and accuracy as they do not tire or lose attention throughout the day. These factors mean that a company can achieve significant improvements in productivity by implementing industrial automation solutions in their manufacturing processes.

2. Shorter Lead Times

Automation helps reduce the amount of time between a customer placing an order and the product being delivered to them. Instead of waiting for human laborers to complete the process from start to finish, automated machinery can complete the same tasks in shorter amounts of time. This allows companies to edge out competitors.

3. Higher Quality

Human error is always an issue when employing human workers. Humans are limited in their accuracy and may fatigue and lose attention throughout the day, reducing their ability to maintain a high level of precision. Robots do not encounter the same problem. By automating processes, companies can achieve a higher level of accuracy and uniformity in their production, resulting in better overall product quality.

4. Reduced Waste

Higher accuracy results in fewer mistakes and fewer mistakes mean less scrap. When a human laborer makes an error, this can result in a part being scrapped or material being wasted. Automated robotic equipment will not make these kinds of mistakes, resulting in less waste. This also helps reduce material costs for companies using automated equipment.

5. Higher Flexibility

When a process is changed on the assembly line, humans may require significant training to make the change. Even if the workers are quick to pick up the new process, training can take hours out of the day, resulting in lost productivity. Robots, on the other hand, only require a change in programming to alter their processes. As a result, automation makes the manufacturing process significantly more flexible and adaptable to change.

6. Higher Information Accuracy

Modern robotics and control equipment have begun to implement automated data collection in their essential processes. This kind of data allows manufacturers to collect key production information that can help maintain and improve processes significantly. Data monitoring of this type can help identify when a machine is encountering difficulties and may need maintenance. It can also help identify bottlenecks in the manufacturing process. In short, data collection provides decision-makers with facts, enabling them to make informed decisions about their processes.

7. Improved Safety

Typically, industrial automation is used to perform jobs that are repetitive, hazardous or involve dangerous or awkward tools. All of these factors increase the danger to workers. Repetitive tasks may bore the worker and cause them to lose attention and overlook a crucial safety step, while heavy, awkward tools are more likely to be dropped or mishandled and cause injury. Industrial automation takes over these types of tasks, making the production line safer for employees. This is especially important due to the United States’ Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), which makes worker safety one of the primary concerns of any company. In fact, OSHA is one of the primary drivers for the adoption of automation in industrial settings.

8. Reduced Labor Costs

Human labor is costly — between employee training, healthcare, worker’s compensation, bonuses, pension coverage, paid leave and holidays, employees can cost companies significant amounts of money. While it will always be necessary to invest in quality personnel, companies can be empowered to reduce or redistribute labor costs through automation. Automation handles all of the time-intensive, repetitive tasks effectively and efficiently, reducing the need for humans to take on these tasks. As a result, the company may need fewer employees or be empowered to redistribute employees to other locations or specialties within the company.

9. Mitigated Labor Shortages

Holidays, illnesses or economically-caused labor shortages are a serious problem for many companies that rely on human labor in their factories. Robots, however, can never get sick and will never opt to leave your company. This means that labor availability is more consistent for companies using automated machinery.

10. Lower Operating Costs

The above advantages combine to result in improved profits and lower operating costs for companies using automation. Reduced human labor and material costs reduce the overhead involved in the production, while improved product quality and production numbers mean that more quality products are being produced and sold. Even when considering the regular maintenance required for custom automated machinery, it pales in comparison to the cost savings and profit improvements that automated machinery offers.

These advantages make automation solutions in manufacturing a highly desirable option. However, while these advantages are impressive, other factors may be considered drawbacks:

1. First is the initial investment associated with implementing automation — robotic automation equipment is extremely costly by itself, but the costs rise as you include customization and installation expenditures.
2. Secondly, companies have to spend time and money on training employees on how to use this new equipment properly.
3. Finally, worker displacement is a factor discussed by many when it comes to automation — while workers are often retrained and placed in safer working environments, losing one’s job to a machine may cause emotional stress, especially if it may result in geographic relocation.

The Future of Robotics in Manufacturing

Even as industrial robots serve essential roles in modern manufacturing, the technology involved continues to advance. For example, artificial intelligence is expected to be the next revolutionary technology to improve the capabilities of industrial robots, allowing the robots to learn, reason, solve problems and even understand language. Artificial intelligence of this nature could allow manufacturing robots to communicate and accept high-level instructions and even take verbal commands.

Ģ����Ƶ’s Robotic Solutions

Automation is the way of the modern world, especially in the manufacturing industry. The numerous advantages offered by automated machinery makes it a logical step for many manufacturing companies, and many companies with existing automation are choosing to explore advanced options to keep up with competitors. The key to a successful automation integration for companies, however, is a custom solution. If your company is interested in��custom automation equipment��for manufacturing, Ģ����Ƶ can help.

Ģ����Ƶ is an industry leader in industrial robotics. For over 60 years, we have provided expert guidance for clients seeking innovative motion control products and solutions. We are committed to delivering comprehensive solutions for our clients seeking pneumatic and electronic automation and can provide the most comprehensive selection of products and technologies to meet your needs.

Ģ����Ƶ offers excellent parts from top-quality manufacturers in the industry, and we employ in-house engineers who can help specify and evaluate the products you need for your applications. Whether you need high quality directional and process valves, actuators, grippers, air preparation, dryers, vacuum, or fittings, we can provide custom solutions at competitive prices. We even offer live customer support experts to help you with your machinery after installation.

If you need custom automated machinery for your industrial application, you can trust Ģ����Ƶ to offer the expertise and flexibility you need to achieve a quality automation integration.����to learn more about our service offerings and how we can help you achieve your automation goals.

Cobots can perform high-precision tasks that robots traditionally could not do, and they are easy to program. Employees can learn how to operate and work with a cobot quickly and without special training. These affordable robots offer countless benefits for manufacturers, from improving worker safety to boosting productivity. Manufacturers in various industries currently use cobots for��automating the following tasks:

• Metal fabrication
• Packaging
• CNC machining
• Loading and unloading
• Testing and inspection
• Molding operations

Manufacturers around the world are embracing the use of robots to accelerate production and improve the work environment. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), there are����on average, globally. Industrial robots, such as cobots, are here to stay. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) predicts the industrial robot market will experience����by 2021.

Cobots are a major component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. To keep up with competitors and enjoy a high return on investment (ROI), it’s worth considering cobots and what they can do for your company. We’ll explain the benefits of cobots, how they differ from traditional industrial robots, the different types of cobots and what the future holds. If you have questions about any of the types of industrial robots we offer at Ģ����Ƶ,��, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

What’s the Difference Between Industrial Robots and Cobots?

Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are kept separate from workers for safety reasons, cobots are designed to work alongside humans safely. They can be placed in smaller spaces, such as next to humans in an assembly line, and they offer flexible solutions for manufacturers and workers. Cobots are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and come with safety features to meet your production needs while keeping employees out of harm’s way.

Overall, cobots differ from traditional industrial robots in that they are:

• Lighter weight
• More streamlined
• Have a softer touch
• Safe around coworkers
• Easier to use
• More affordable
• Easier to maintain

What Are the Benefits of Cobots in Manufacturing?

Those who work in the manufacturing industry may be afraid that cobots are going to replace humans and eliminate manufacturing jobs. According to a 2016 study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), only about��. It’s important for supervisors and employees to understand that cobots are designed to assist humans and make their work more satisfying –– not replace them. Cobots exist to complete boring, repetitive and hazardous tasks so human workers can put their skills and talents to better use. When cobots and humans form a team, everyone benefits. Here are reasons to welcome cobots into your facility:

• Easy to use:��Cobots are engineered to be user-friendly. Therefore, manufacturers do not need to spend time or money learning and teaching complicated programming. You can integrate a cobot quickly, and you can expect to see positive results fast.
• Increase worker satisfaction:��Cobots make the perfect coworkers. They are built to do jobs that are dangerous or dull. Meanwhile, human workers can use their time and energy to complete more rewarding tasks.
• Improve safety:��Cobots complete repetitive tasks that could lead to strains or injuries in humans. Cobots also handle hazardous materials and chemicals, so humans don’t have to. Lastly, cobots are safe to share a workspace with because they are equipped with advanced safety features.
• Reduce error:��Cobots complete tasks that are prone to human error, and consistently deliver quality results. By performing with high accuracy and consistency, manufacturers����when they use cobots. For example, a cobot can inspect auto parts for defects for hours on end without making a mistake, whereas a human would become tired after time and likely to miss a defective part.
• Boost production:��When employees wish they have a helping hand, cobots come to the rescue. Cobots are����and won’t make mistakes. Also, cobots don’t need breaks, vacations or sick time. They can work 24/7, which allows you to produce more at a higher speed and meet your customers’ demands.
• Boost performance:��Humans and cobots make an excellent team. According to research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), humans and robots work faster and more efficiently when they work together rather than alone. Researchers found that workers����when they worked with robots.
• Affordable:��You don’t have to spend money to add more floor space to make room for cobots. Cobots fit seamlessly into your existing layout and take up about as much room as a human. Also, they’ll work for you around the clock and ask for little in return. For example, if you lease a��Doosan M1013 for $712 a month, and if the cobot works 744 hours a month, that’s equivalent to paying the cobot $0.95 an hour. Overall, cobots are a smart investment.
• Save money:��With cobots, you’ll��. First, you’ll experience greater efficiency, which means fewer operating costs. You’ll also have fewer errors to pay for, and you’ll reduce insurance costs and the cost of workplace injuries. Lastly, you can reduce the number of employees needed to complete unskilled tasks.
• Competitive edge:��With a higher output, consistent quality and lower overhead costs, you’ll zip past competitors with cobots on the team.
• Mobility:��Cobots are lightweight and easy to move, so you can put them to work anywhere in the facility without needing to change the layout.

What Are the Types of Cobots?

The����(ISO) defines��:

• Speed and separation monitoring
• Hand-guiding
• Safety-rated monitored stop
• Power and force limiting

Manufacturers may focus on power and force limiting operation. Power and force limited application allows collaboration between humans and robots because cobots in this category are equipped with sensors that prevent injury. At Ģ����Ƶ, we’ve partnered with some of the best names in the industry to supply customers with the highest quality cobots. Here are the different types of cobots we currently offer. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us. We’ll find a solution for your automation needs.

1. Doosan Robotics

Doosan Robotics created cobots that are highly intuitive, efficient and easy to use. Doosan cobots feature a range of accessories to maximize production and meet your unique specifications. With Doosan cobots, you can expect superior performance with complex tasks, the����and high precision. Employees will appreciate the user-friendly, lightweight touchscreen control when it’s time to put a Doosan cobot to work. At Ģ����Ƶ, we carry��:

• M0609:��The����is designed to perform repetitive tasks in limited spaces at high speeds.
• M1013:��The����and offers great versatility and can be used for any application.
• M1509:��If you need to give workers a break from physically demanding work,��. This model is perfect for working alongside humans to handle heavier objects.
• M0617:��Do you need a cobot with a long reach? Consider��, which features the industry’s largest reach radius of 1.7 meters. The M0617 model is the most efficient Doosan cobot for handling long-range tasks or operating multiple tasks.

2. MIR Cobots

If you need a versatile cobot that can zoom around the warehouse to transport heavy pallets without colliding into objects or workers, consider Mobile Industrial Robot (MIR) cobots. You can program MIR cobots to����or collect and deliver carts wherever you need them to go. MIRs are easy to program, so you can change routes or layout whenever you need to, and quickly reprogram your MIR to adjust to the change. Simply communicate with MIRs and tell them where to go via your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Another bonus of bringing a MIR cobot onto the team is you no longer have to ask employees to transport pallets. Instead, you can ask human workers to complete more fulfilling tasks that boost production.

MIR cobots move products from the assembly lines immediately to optimize workflow. With 360-degree visual protection, MIRs move along safely. Lastly, they can be equipped with various tools such as pallet lifts or robot arms to perform an array of tasks efficiently. The����ranging from 220 pounds to 2,200 pounds.

3. OnRobot Robotics

For automated end-of-arm tooling solutions, consider OnRobot. OnRobot offers state-of-the-art��. Convenient to program and install, OnRobot boosts efficiency whether you need automated assembly, surface finishing, machine tending or other collaborative applications. At Ģ����Ƶ, you’ll find the following OnRobot models:

• Ģ����Ƶ2 and Ģ����Ƶ6 Collaborative Grippers:��The Ģ����Ƶ2 and Ģ����Ƶ6 Collaborative Grippers do not need external cables and feature dual grippers and customizable fingertips. These end-of-arm tools offer lightning-speed installation and easy programming to��. You can apply OnRobot grippers in machine tending, packaging and palletizing, assembly, pick and place and more.
• Hex Force/Torque (F/T) Sensor:��The Hex F/T Sensor adds��the sense of touch to your robot. Featuring an intuitive user interface, OnRobot sensors do not require programming skills, and can be quickly attached to most industrial robot arms. Use the Hex F/T Sensor to assist with tasks such as assembly, surface finishing, quality testing and inspections.
• Ģ����Ƶ2-FT Gripper:��The Ģ����Ƶ2-FT Gripper features force and torque sensors at the fingertips. These intelligent grippers detect the risk of slipping before it happens and enable precise machine tending, assembly jobs and more. The Ģ����Ƶ2-FT Gripper is your go-to end-of-arm tool if you wish to automate high-precision assembly tasks.
• Gecko Gripper:��The Gecko Gripper��attaches to flat solid or porous objects and picks them up without an air system. Featuring instantaneous and precise gripping, the Gecko Gripper is ideal for pick and place applications.
• VG10 Vacuum Gripper:��The VG10 Vacuum Gripper doesn’t need external cables or an air supply to handle a variety of objects. Featuring a dual grip with individual vacuum channels, you can have the VG10 working in your production line straight out of the box in less than 30 minutes.
• Quick Changer:��The Quick Changer is an��easy-to-use locking mechanism that enables fast and simple change of tools. Featuring the lowest weight and height in its class, the OnRobot Quick Changer is the perfect accessory for cobots.

4. FANUC Robotics

FANUC is an����that specializes in creating innovative robotic arms for manufacturers. With over 100 models of robots, FANUC has just about every kind of robotic technology, including cobots, needed to complete any manufacturing task. The����is FANUC’s collaborative robot designed to work safely next to humans in a shared workspace. The CR-35iA stops what it’s doing if it comes into contact with its human operator, and is designed to be as precise and reliable as all of FANUC’s industrial robots. Consider incorporating the CR-35iA to automate your assembly line.

What Is the Future of Cobots in Manufacturing?

Cobots have a bright future in the world of manufacturing. Cobots are lightweight, flexible, mobile and can work next to humans safely. For these reasons, and because the global economy is becoming more competitive, we can assume cobots are here to stay. Also, considering how affordable cobots are compared to larger robots and the numerous benefits they offer, we can expect to see them continue to grow in popularity.

Companies are willing to invest in robotics that increase productivity and quality while cutting operating costs. In 2018, for example, the Robotic Industries Association reported record levels of robots, or��, shipped to North America. Globally, robot sales are����over the next decade into the billions.

Why Choose Ģ����Ƶ for Industrial Robots and Cobots?

If you work in manufacturing and are looking to increase your ROI, consider incorporating industrial robots into your workforce. No matter what industry you work in, you face tough competition across the globe. Industrial robots and cobots speed up production without sacrificing quality or accuracy –– all while reducing the need to hire more workers. What more could a company ask for?

Nevertheless, purchasing cobots for your business is still a big investment. You need a company you can trust to supply you with state-of-the-art technology and exceptional customer support. We’re here to help you get business rolling.

At��, we’ve been experts in the motion control and fluid handling industries for more than half a century. As a designer, manufacturer, seller and servicer of motion control solutions, we understand what it takes to integrate advanced robots into your facility successfully. We are solution-driven innovators with a passion for applying the latest technologies to help our customers succeed. We distribute products from names like Doosan and MIR, and we can also create robotics to meet your needs. Our in-house engineers are ready to provide custom cost-saving solutions and work with you through projects from beginning to end. No matter what type of automation you need, we’ll help you bring your business into the future and give you a sharp competitive edge. For more information,��!