Modular Automation

Modular Automation

Who can benefit?

Manufacturers


  • Most automation on the market today is either tailored around a single, or very limited variation process. Whether that process is a single part family running on an automated CNC cell, welding cell, deburring stations, etc. Even if solutions feature multi tooling and work holding for part variations, these are directly integrated and embedded into the controls most of the time. Our solutions expand opportunities to automate, even very simple processes with extreme variability. Manufacturers have flexability with respect to both the deviation in plug and play modules for different tasks, but as well splitting automation efforts into multiple phases.

Automation Integrators



  • We understand there are extensive automation integrators on the market with their area of expertise and specialization in specific processes. Our goal is to provide organizations the opportunity to automate due to the previous inability from lack of configurability. To better achieve this, we seek to work with integrators who have their experience in building specific automation solutions. We focus on building the communication and connectivity infrastructure for automation, and allow  integrators to focus on building, modular, automation solutions.

Research & Development


  • Organizations testing and developing new systems and technology, pertaining to any automation or manufacturing setting, need flexibility in getting systems connected and running quickly. For example projects like developing a new inspection cell requiring testing of many different vision systems, testing different spindle for deburring units, etc. should not compromise project time for integration of different units. With the ability to plug and play such equipment, valuable time will not have to be wasted, allowing for efficient project timelines.


How does it work?

Deployment


The key to our modular automation solution is a core connectivity system which handles all messaging traffic and storage, along with edge drivers for any device that needs to operate as an automation module controller. With everything deployed, you're equipment is ready to operate as an interconnected system of self-contained, independent components.


Configuration


We designed the internal messaging system with a standardized message structure, with translation to equipment specific messaging structure directly at the edge device driver level. This means that at the equipment side, whether it be a PLC, Robot, CNC, CMM, or custom controller, you would program your incoming inputs and outputs as normal. On the connectivity platform side, it is as simple as defining a new data point message, and mapping it to the equipment specific signal/ address.


Scalability


With the concept of independently operating automation components, quick additions or removal of functionality and systems is in the foundation. Unlike traditional automation cells needing to be torn down and redesigned or retrofitted, with our system it is as simple as designing new automation modules, plugging in an ethernet cable, defining your signals, then continuing production. No tear down, no downtime, no headache.


Example use case

    • CNC and Robot cell with 10 part numbers needing full automation capability. 3 different deburring modules for varying parts, 5 part numbers requiring a media tumbler, and 8 part numbers requiring pin stamping. All these modules can be plugged and unplugged, as needed for each part number batch.

    • Shop floor with 6 different CNC and Robot cells, all requiring the same style of deburring module. 1, or more of the same module can be kept in inventory and be plugged into each cell for operation as needed.

    • Small scale manufacturing company looking to fully automate a manufacturing process, lets say a deburr and coating process. Issue is, said company does not have the capital, available downtime, nor looking to take the risk of entire process changover. The automation effort can be phased out - first implement just a robotic arm module for tending and pick and place. Then, when ready,  design a deburring module. Finally, the last phase is the coating - design a module with a custom robot EOT for spraying, and spray booth. Implementation is as easy as simply just adding an additional program to the robot, then plug in the module through ethernet and it is operational.
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