Developing the skills required to maximise the potential from robotics

Robots are commonplace in today's manufacturing environment. They can be found in almost every sector, performing a wide range of tasks ranging from simple pick and place operations through to highly sophisticated multi-process assembly tasks.

There is no doubt that robot technology has advanced significantly over recent decades, allowing them to perform ever more complex operations, often with the aid of sophisticated peripheral technologies such as machine vision, automatic robot tool changers, laser systems, AGVs and much more.

Whilst robot technology continues to advance at pace, the essential technical and engineering support needed to deploy and support these systems in the field is currently at a premium.

We are all too familiar with the mantra of using robotics and automation to mitigate labour shortages in many of our industry sectors. However, in addition to manufacturing companies struggling to find the manual operators they need, they are also finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the skilled robot technicians required to implement the automation which will alleviate the original labour shortages.

One solution to this dilemma, being adopted by an increasing number of businesses, is to upskill existing employees, enabling them to acquire the programming and application specific knowledge and skills necessary to implement and support the robot technology which will deliver much improved productivity and quality levels.

Providing existing personnel with the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to operate, programme, and maintain robot systems is beneficial to both the individual and the business. By leveraging the existing product, and perhaps process knowledge, which the manual operator will already have and combining this with new robot programming skills, helps to speed up the introduction of the technology whilst taking into account any idiosyncrasies which may be associated with the application.

Investing in a comprehensive training programme builds and enhances the skill base within the business and provides the platform for ongoing expansion of robotics and automation technologies where required.

Having an in-house team of professionally trained individuals not only ensures that the systems will operate efficiently and effectively, but in the event that there are any operational or maintenance issues, the ability to communicate clearly with external support teams enables prompt resolution of problems. Leveraging the support available from the robot supplier provides a clear and structured approach to acquiring the training and skills needed to support robot installations.

Staubli has compiled a series of training courses and support packages which will help users at all skill levels. For example, Staubli engineers can assist in the creation of robot programmes to individual specifications and applications. This includes guidance on defining the optimum programming approach and the development of efficient cycle management for start, stop and end sequences together with mapping out I/O communications with any system PLC to maximise performance and ensure safe operation.

Beyond the initial programme development, support is also available to further optimise each application. This includes defining opportunities to reduce cycle times, improve robot path trajectory and precision and of course assistance with the specific processes involved. Topics covered may include a review and study of any end effectors, payload analysis, optimising the cell layout and any software options or upgrades which will enhance performance overall.

End users, and even system integrators, can benefit greatly from the experience and expertise amassed over years of integrating Staubli robots across many different industry sectors. In addition to the reassurance that the robot system is installed correctly and operating to the highest levels of efficiency, the transfer of knowledge and adoption of new skills by production personnel means that not only does the business have the skills needed to support their automated manufacturing processes, but employee retention levels are likely to increase significantly as they see the investment in them personally.