Blog
How Flexible Automation Increases Productivity
The automation solution seemed clear to Scott Fetzer Electrical Group (SFEG), but the dilemma was just as evident. Bring in robots to automate the plant and boost productivity. Some product lines had down times, though, because the company produced a high mix of items at a low volume. Those aren't good conditions for traditional fixed robots, but a solution emerged that pushed doubts aside.
Choosing the Right Robots
Global markets weren't out of reach for SFEG, the company just needed to retool. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, SFEG knew it could get more competitive in domestic and foreign markets with the right automation. In addition to the problem faced with its manufacturing mix, worker safety was another issue.
The company’s approach it took to automate is featured in an installment of Why I Automate – Scott Fetzer Electrical Group. The director of operations, Matt Bush, described the idea of using a mobile robotic force but wondering how to make that happen with the issue of safety enclosures.
Certified Motion Control Professional Program
Strengthen Your Skills and Enhance Your Career
Become a Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP) and join the elite group of system integrators, machine builders, manufacturers, end-users and others recognized in the industry for their professional knowledge and expertise.
"I came across this idea of collaborative robots," says Bush, "something that can work with humans and you didn't have to be afraid of being around."
Choosing a Safe Solution
Bush and the team chose mobile Universal Robots
SFEG's workers always did the monotonous and tough tasks like cutting up to 16,000 wires a day and faced the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Now the robots are easily wheeled from one station to another as the need develops and, as Bush says in the video, "let the robots develop carpal tunnel." Which, of course, is impossible for a six-axis robot.
The video also shows how the team handled programming of the robots and data flow. A payoff for SFEG is that they achieved a 20% increase in productivity on the lines with robots and enhanced their ability to compete for new business on a global scale.
Recent Posts