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