What is Robotic Machine Tending?

Flexxbotics | AI Explainer Podcast

Check out the latest episode of our Flexxbotics | AI Explainer Podcast:

In this series we’re using AI to provide simple explanations to complicated topics in advanced manufacturing. These audio shorts are AI generated from thousands of pages of materials to help manufacturing executives, managers and anyone interested understand Smart Factory automation using robotics and industrial digitalization.

In this Flexxbotics | AI Explainer podcast, we step onto the floor of the smart factory, where robots are revolutionizing manufacturing.

This audio summary breaks down the concept of robotic machine tending — an automation technology that’s transforming how companies produce products. It explores how production robotics benefit businesses by increasing capacity, improving unattended operation, and ensuring consistent product quality.

It dives into the real-world benefits for manufacturing executives and staff, including improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased agility. Discover the different types of robots—from collaborative robots (cobots) that work safely alongside humans to industrial robots designed for heavy-duty applications and learn how companies are achieving a return on investment in under 12 months.

Whether you’re a manufacturing leader or just curious about the future of automation, this AI generated summary gives you a clear understanding of why leading manufacturers use robotic machine tending. Plus, it references additional resources to help you stay ahead of the curve. Check out this insightful summary on the future of manufacturing and the limitless potential of production robotics.

You can also get and listen to this recording directly on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Youtube.

0:03

Hey, everyone.

0:03

Welcome back.

0:04

Ready for another deep dive.

0:06

Today, we’re stepping onto the factory floor of the future where robots aren’t just science fiction, they’re the key to unlocking a whole new level of manufacturing, mastery.

0:16

And let’s be real who doesn’t love the idea of robots doing the heavy lifting, right?

0:21

But we’re not just talking about cool tech here, we’re talking about real tangible benefits that can transform your manufacturing business.

0:30

So if you’re a manufacturing executive or really anyone who wants to stay ahead of the curve, this deep dive is for you, we’re going to break down exactly what robotic machine tending is.

0:40

Why it’s such a game changer for manufacturers and why now is the time to get on board?

0:46

It’s a really exciting time to be in manufacturing, that’s for sure.

0:49

It really is now robotic machine tending.

0:51

It sounds a bit, I don’t know, futuristic, maybe even a little intimidating, right?

0:56

You can sound that way.

0:57

Yeah, but it’s really not as complex as it sounds.

0:59

Basically we’re talking about using robots to automate those repetitive tasks that are typically done by human workers.

1:05

Exactly.

1:06

Things like loading and unloading parts, inspecting finished products, even tasks like deburring, which can be pretty tedious and even dangerous for humans.

1:15

Ok.

1:15

So robots are taking over those tasks.

1:17

That makes sense.

1:19

But help our listeners understand what’s the big deal for a manufacturing executive?

1:24

Why should they care?

1:25

Well, for starters, it’s all about efficiency

1:28

When you can automate those repetitive tasks, you free up your human workers to focus on higher value work things that require creativity, problem solving those uniquely human skills, right?

1:40

It’s not about replacing jobs, it’s about using technology to make everyone more effective.

1:44

Exactly.

1:45

And when you have that kind of efficiency, it translates directly to the bottom line.

1:49

Talking increase output, reduce costs, higher profits

1:52

Absolutely.

1:53

But it goes even deeper than that.

1:55

Think about the agility that robotic machine tending brings to the table, you can quickly adapt your production lines to meet changing customer demands, introduce new products faster and stay ahead of the competition.

2:06

And that agility is more important than ever in today’s fast paced manufacturing landscape.

2:13

Now, I know some manufacturers might be thinking, ok, this all sounds great.

2:16

But what about the cost?

2:17

Automating a factory floor can’t be cheap, right?

2:20

You’re right.

2:21

There is an investment involved.

2:22

But what we’re seeing is that the return on investment for robotic machine tending is incredibly fast.

2:28

How fast are we talking?

2:30

In many cases, manufacturers are seeing a full roi in 12 months or less.

2:35

Wow, 12 months.

2:36

That’s practically overnight in the manufacturing world.

2:38

It really is.

2:39

And when you factor in the long term benefits, the increased productivity, improved quality, the reduced labor costs.

2:45

It’s a no brainer for many companies

2:47

Now, we’ve talked a lot about the benefits, but I want to get a little more specific what types of machines are we actually talking about here?

2:53

Give our listeners some real world examples.

2:55

Sure.

2:56

So robotic machine tending can be implemented with a wide range of machines.

3:00

We’re talking C N C machines, mills, lathes, presses, injection molding machines.

3:05

Really?

3:06

Anything that requires repetitive loading and unloading of parts.

3:09

And what about the robots themselves?

3:11

What kinds of robots are we talking about?

3:13

Well, there are two main categories, there are collaborative robots or co bots as they’re often called, which are designed to work safely alongside humans.

3:22

They’re typically smaller, more agile and equipped with advanced sensors to and accidents.

3:28

So you could have a cobo working right next to a human worker on the factory floor.

3:31

Exactly.

3:32

And then there are industrial robots which are larger, more powerful and designed for higher volume applications.

3:38

They’re typically used in more heavy duty manufacturing environments

3:42

OK.

3:42

So we’ve got a range of robots and machines that can be used for robotic machine tending.

3:48

It’s not a one size fits all solution.

3:50

It’s really about finding the right combination for your specific manufacturing needs precisely.

3:56

And that’s where it’s so important to partner with an experienced integrator who can help you assess your needs, design the right system and ensure a smooth implementation.

4:05

Now, for our listeners who are ready to dive even deeper into this topic and I know there are many of you out there.

4:11

I highly recommend checking out the Machine Design Webcast called transform production with robotic machine tending.

4:18

They go into even more detail about the technology, the benefits and the implementation process.

4:23

It’s a fantastic resource.

4:24

So to wrap things up, I think it’s safe to say that robotic machine tending is not just some futuristic fantasy, not at all.

4:32

It’s here.

4:32

Now, it’s transforming the manufacturing landscape and for those who are willing to embrace it, the potential is limitless.

4:38

Absolutely.

4:39

Now, as you consider the future of your own manufacturing operations, I want to leave you with this question in a world where agility, efficiency and innovation are paramount.

4:50

Can you afford to ignore the transformative power of robotic machine tending?

4:54

That’s something for everyone listening to think about it.

4:57

Sure is.

4:58

Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into the future of manufacturing until next time.

5:02

Thanks for having me.