12 JUNE 2023
Maximizing Efficiency: Choosing the Right Robotic Integrator for Your Production Processes
When considering the implementation of robots in your production processes, it becomes essential to partner with a reputable integrator. This integrator will play a pivotal role in selecting the appropriate equipment, managing its procurement and delivery, and facilitating its setup and training for your employees. In other words, choosing the right integrator is crucial for successful manufacturing automation.
Robot Integrators
With a staggering 1187 robot and automation companies operating in the US, including 822 dedicated integrators, the task of choosing the right robot system integrator becomes increasingly daunting. With such a vast array of options available, how can you determine which robot integrator is best suited to meet your unique requirements? In this article, we will explore key considerations to help you navigate the selection process and find the ideal robot integrator for your needs.
Integrator Specialization: Welding, Painting, Grinding, etc
When it comes to choosing an integrator, it's essential to consider their specialization in specific manufacturing operations. For instance, if you're planning to automate welding processes, it's crucial to seek out an integrator with extensive experience and expertise in this specific area. Welding, including arc welding and spot welding, requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. By partnering with an integrator well-versed in welding automation, you can ensure that your project benefits from their in-depth understanding and proven track record in delivering successful welding solutions.
In addition to welding, integrators may specialize in other critical operations such as cutting, painting, grinding, material handling, assembly, and palletizing. By focusing on a particular area, these specialized integrators can bring valuable insights, tailored solutions, and refined expertise to meet your automation needs effectively.
In addition to welding, integrators may specialize in other critical operations such as cutting, painting, grinding, material handling, assembly, and palletizing. By focusing on a particular area, these specialized integrators can bring valuable insights, tailored solutions, and refined expertise to meet your automation needs effectively.
Authorized Robot System Integrators: Choosing the Robot Brand
It's common for integrators to specialize in a specific brand of robots. This specialization is a result of the close collaboration between robot manufacturers and robot system integrators. By becoming authorized robot integrators, these professionals gain access to special conditions for purchasing and delivering robots to their customers. This collaborative relationship benefits not only the robot manufacturers and integrators but also the end customers. To find the right robot integrator, it's helpful to consult the Authorized System Integrator lists provided by vendors.
Among the popular robot brands in the market, notable names include Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Yaskawa, Kawasaki, and Panasonic. To guide you through the process of choosing welding robots, we have some practical advice to offer:
Among the popular robot brands in the market, notable names include Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Yaskawa, Kawasaki, and Panasonic. To guide you through the process of choosing welding robots, we have some practical advice to offer:
- Consider your specific needs such as the size and weight of the parts and evaluate the robot's capabilities in key areas, such as the robot's reach, accuracy, speed, etc.
- Check for compatibility with other equipment, for example welding machines that you've already used.
- Consider the current lead time to delivery, sourcing of spare parts, and how the vendor will provide technical support.
Customer Testimonials: A Key Consideration
Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting a robot integrator is the company's experience in the market. It's essential to assess whether the integrator can provide you with testimonials from satisfied customers and showcase their completed projects. This gives you the opportunity to learn about the integrator's track record and the success stories of their other clients. Additionally, if possible, try to arrange a visit to a production facility where robots have already been installed and are operating seamlessly. This firsthand experience will give you valuable insights into the integrator's capabilities and the effectiveness of their robotic solutions.
Robot System Integration: Simplified by ABAGY
To better understand the process of robot integration, let's delve into the example of welding. At ABAGY, we specialize in welding and have extensive experience in this field.
When it comes to integrating your robotic weld cell, ABAGY offers several options tailored to your specific needs:
When it comes to integrating your robotic weld cell, ABAGY offers several options tailored to your specific needs:
1. Choose ABAGY for Robotic Weld Cell Integration:
Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting a robot integrator is the company's experience in the market. It's essential to assess whether the integrator can provide you with testimonials from satisfied customers and showcase their completed projects. This gives you the opportunity to learn about the integrator's track record and the success stories of their other clients. Additionally, if possible, try to arrange a visit to a production facility where robots have already been installed and are operating seamlessly. This firsthand experience will give you valuable insights into the integrator's capabilities and the effectiveness of their robotic solutions.2. Recommendations from ABAGY:
We can provide you with recommendations based on our trusted partnerships. This way, you can have the confidence of working with an robotic welding integrator who is familiar with our technology and processes.
We can provide you with recommendations based on our trusted partnerships. This way, you can have the confidence of working with an robotic welding integrator who is familiar with our technology and processes.
3. Integration with Your Chosen Integrator:
Alternatively, you have the freedom to select an robotic welding integrator of your choice. Whether you have an existing relationship with an integrator or wish to explore new options, we can collaborate with the integrator of your choosing to ensure a smooth integration process.
Alternatively, you have the freedom to select an robotic welding integrator of your choice. Whether you have an existing relationship with an integrator or wish to explore new options, we can collaborate with the integrator of your choosing to ensure a smooth integration process.
One noteworthy aspect is how ABAGY revolutionizes the integration experience by streamlining it. This is made possible through our proprietary software, which sets us apart. Previously, robots were mainly applied in serial production, such as automotive and electronics, due to the complexity of programming. ABAGY brings the efficiency of a conveyor line to non-serial, high-mix production. With ABAGY software, even custom projects and unique parts become seamlessly compatible with welding robots. There's no longer a need for complex robot programming. Instead, you can simply click and weld, making the entire process effortless and efficient.
ABAGY does not charge for this service. Click here to request a consultation
The integrator will consult with the customer to understand their welding needs and determine the best robotic solution.
Consultation
This service is included in the price. We create a digital twin of your future robotic cell to simulate and verify its performance. ABAGY is compatible with nearly any robotic cell configuration (any number of axes dual robot arms, gantry systems, positioners, etc.)
The integrator will design a solution based on the customer's needs, taking into account factors such as part complexity, weld requirements, and cost.
design
ABAGY is compatible with major robotic and welding equipment (Fanuc, Kuka, Yaskawa, Kawasaki, Panasonic, Fronius, Esab, Lincoln, Miller, Lorch, etc.)
Most often, integrators cooperate with one brand of robots.
Robotic and welding equipment
ABAGY can install the robotic system too, either independently or with a partner integrator. This is a win-win outcome for all sides (for us, our partners, and our customers) by allowing us to install our solution faster and with less risk.
The integrator will install the robotic welding system, including all necessary components such as robots, controllers, and safety equipment.
Installation
With ABAGY, robotic programming is not required. We will get you up and running very quickly.
The integrator will program the robot using the teach pendant or offline systems. It’s time-consuming and expensive, and you may be reliant on their programming in the future.
Programming
Since there is no programming with ABAGY, the testing period is significantly reduced and the robotic weld cell can be put into operation much sooner.
The integrator will test the robotic welding system to ensure it is working properly and meets the customer's requirements.
Testing and Commissioning
Since there is no programming with ABAGY, the training period is significantly reduced. Any knowledgeable worker can easily control robots. You don't need programmers on staff.
The integrator will provide training on how to use and maintain the robotic welding system. Often companies have to hire and keep robot programmers on staff.
Training
Traditional approach
Abagy
ABAGY does not charge for this service. Click here to request a consultation
The integrator will consult with the customer to understand their welding needs and determine the best robotic solution.
Consultation
Traditional approach
Abagy
This service is included in the price. We create a digital twin of your future robotic cell to simulate and verify its performance. ABAGY is compatible with nearly any robotic cell configuration (any number of axes dual robot arms, gantry systems, positioners, etc.)
The integrator will design a solution based on the customer's needs, taking into account factors such as part complexity, weld requirements, and cost.
Design
Traditional approach
Abagy
ABAGY is compatible with major robotic and welding equipment (Fanuc, Kuka, Yaskawa, Kawasaki, Panasonic, Fronius, Esab, Lincoln, Miller, Lorch, etc.)
Most often, integrators cooperate with one brand of robots.
Robotic and welding equipment
Traditional approach
Abagy
With ABAGY, robotic programming is not required. We will get you up and running very quickly.
The integrator will program the robot using the teach pendant or offline systems. It’s time-consuming and expensive, and you may be reliant on their programming in the future.
Programming
Traditional approach
Abagy
ABAGY can install the robotic system too, either independently or with a partner integrator. This is a win-win outcome for all sides (for us, our partners, and our customers) by allowing us to install our solution faster and with less risk.
The integrator will install the robotic welding system, including all necessary components such as robots, controllers, and safety equipment.
Installation
Traditional approach
Abagy
Since there is no programming with ABAGY, the testing period is significantly reduced and the robotic weld cell can be put into operation much sooner.
The integrator will test the robotic welding system to ensure it is working properly and meets the customer's requirements.
Testing and Commissioning
Traditional approach
Abagy
Since there is no programming with ABAGY, the training period is significantly reduced. Any knowledgeable worker can easily control robots. You don't need programmers on staff.
The integrator will provide training on how to use and maintain the robotic welding system. Often companies have to hire and keep robot programmers on staff.
Training
Traditional approach
Abagy
ABAGY provides you with an additional option to enhance your operations: retrofitting your existing robot cell to improve its performance. If you're looking to boost productivity and flexibility without investing in a completely new system, this option is worth considering.
In the case of a retrofit, our team will thoroughly analyze your current equipment. Then we'll install machine vision technology and integrate our advanced software, unlocking new capabilities for your cell. This integration empowers you to seamlessly switch between different products, which is particularly valuable for high-mix production
In the case of a retrofit, our team will thoroughly analyze your current equipment. Then we'll install machine vision technology and integrate our advanced software, unlocking new capabilities for your cell. This integration empowers you to seamlessly switch between different products, which is particularly valuable for high-mix production
FAQ
Robotics system integration involves the seamless incorporation of robots and automation technology into various industrial processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and flexibility, including welding, cutting, painting, grinding, material handling, assembly, palletizing, etc.
When selecting an integrator, consider their specialization, experience in the specific application (e.g., welding), the robot manufacturers they collaborate with, and customer testimonials.
The services typically include initial consultation, project planning and design, equipment selection and procurement, installation and setup, programming and testing, employee training, and ongoing support and maintenance.
ABAGY stands for unique software solutions that simplify the integration process. They offer new robot cells and retrofit existing cells for improved performance.
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