Robotics and Automation Case Study
For the past 20 years the Inspec team, ranging from Chartered to post graduate engineers, have demonstrated a wide range of systems integration capabilities.
As more of an amalgamation of various projects, this case study outlines our successes over the years.
Automation
Notable projects over the years have included:
- Effluent treatment
- Bulk liquids storage
- Pharmaceuticals production
- High speed, high volume, bakery machinery
Quality: All our automation projects follow a prescribed quality model, generally covering:
- Specification
- Module Development
- Module Testing
- FAT
- SAT
- Commissioning
Systems and Platforms: Our experience with programming covers a wide range of manufacturers, including:
- Siemens
- Mitsubishi
- Allen Bradley
- Festo
- Omron
Communications: Exchanging data between systems requires multiple protocols especially when bridging between manufacturers:
- Profibus
- Profinet
- Modbus (TCP and RTU)
- AsiBus
Languages: Whilst the majority of Clients specify ladder logic for ease of maintenance, we are versant in more complex languages such as:
- STL and SCL
- Visual Basic and Java
Robotics
Integrating a robot into an existing work stream can payback huge dividends especially when taking on dull, dirty, dangerous, or repetitive, tasks. This can free up key personnel to be able to tackle more complex problems and add more value to a business.
Cobots are collaborative robots, intended to work alongside people (through risk assessment) in a shared workspace. As a demonstration, learning, and deployment tool we have invested in our own cobot which we have already developed to deliver a range of potential solutions, such as:
- Palletising
- Pick and place
- Visual recognition and sorting including text identification
- Conveyor systems and conveyor tracking
Through integrating the cobot with a PLC and HMI based control system we have been able to significantly increase the range of solutions that can be delivered through cobots. The possibilities are endless and include:
- Milling of materials
- Welding and soldering
- 3D printing
- Sanding and finishing
Of course, each project is unique requiring a bespoke solution, with off the shelf products unlikely to tick all the boxes; this is where we can step in and help you realise your vision.
Robots and cobots can be implemented into any work stream, from SME manufacturing workshops, to blue chip multimillion pound production factories, not to mention laboratories and test facilities.
With a typical payback of 1 to 2 years the investment is soon returned.
Conclusion
Achieving a solution incorporating automation and robotics is not always straightforward, but utilising technical knowledge and understanding, alongside the application of previous experience, we can achieve the desired outcome as we have regularly demonstrated.
What Next?
From specification and detailed design to installation and commissioning, Inspec Systems can deliver your projects to specification, on time, and within budget.
Why not give us a call and speak to our team, to see how we can help you on your journey to realising your projects.
