Robotics in Business

Meet Your Instructor

ARC Specialties President Dan Allford knows a thing or two about robots. He's got more than four decades of experience navigating the ever-shifting landscape of automation and manufacturing, and he's crafted a lengthy resume filled with successful projects that have elevated the way organizations do business. Now, he and his ARC Specialties team are ready to guide you into the future of automation and what Allford predicts will be a Renaissance in American manufacturing.

The History of Robots

The term "robot" was coined in a Czech play in the early 20th century. The three laws applied in theory shortly after still apply. 1. A robot may not injure a human being or allow a human being to come to harm. 2. A robot must obey human orders unless they conflict with law No. 1. 3. A robot must protect itself as long as it does not conflict with laws Nos. 1 and 2.

Different Types of Robots

Robots are differentiated by degrees of freedom, workspace and footprint, precision or accuracy, payload, speed and stiffness. There are several different types of robots, each with its own advantages. They include: - Cartesian, which deal in straight-line motion. - SCARA, an early style largely used in assembly. - Articulated, the "standard" industrial robot. - Delta, which bring great speed. - Collaborative, which work safely alongside humans. Where have you seen an example of one of these types?

The Basics of How We Build Robots

Designing the perfect robot begins with collaboration. Once goals and parameters are in place, mechanical design can begin. When it comes time for fabrication, precision is paramount. Finally, commissioning and software development help tie the entire process together. Every step of robot design and engineering revolves around solving the problem that you've set out to. What's an aspect of your operation a robot might be able to elevate?

Robots Handle the Dull, Dirty and Dangerous

Robots offer ways to tackle jobs that humans either aren't willing to do or can't do because of some physical limitation. Robots are tremendously patient and can reproduce the same action over and over for hours on end while achieving the same result. They're also much hardier than humans. They don't need to breathe, so they can work in harsh environments. What's a difficult or menial application a robot could take over in your operation?

Competing to Stay Alive with Efficiency

In a free market system, the most efficient producer thrives. However, that doesn't mean robots are out to take jobs away from humans. In fact, as we've discussed, robots can take on the menial and dangerous, allowing humans to excel with our own unique talents in creativity, innovation and more. Improvements in quality of living are directly related to improvements in efficiency, and robots can help create those advancements.

Optimize or Die

Mining and manufacturing are the only segments of the American economy that create wealth. All others simply distribute it. It's critical that the U.S. catch up to the rest of the world in automation. Robots will play a key role in helping close that efficiency gap. Start a discussion among those in your organization. Is the future of American manufacturing ready for an explosion, or is there work to be done?

Finding Opportunities to Improve Efficiency

Robots deliver quality through repeatable, accurate results, and it's often the menial jobs that benefit most from technological leaps forward. It's key to approach automation with the right mindset. A robot doesn't have to solve your organization's biggest problem to bring efficiency and results. What's one area of your organization where automation could start small, but deliver a big impact?

How Innovations Are Powering Progress

Innovation is great, but it's also important to avoid wasting resources on inventing new solutions that aren't economically justified. Some of the biggest innovations come from consumer goods, such as processor speed and memory upgrades that are playing key roles in bringing automation into the future. Coupled with onshoring, these advances could bring about a Renaissance in American manufacturing.

The Role of AI in the Future of Automation

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, isn't something to be apprehensive about. It's an exciting frontier. In fact, advanced solutions can allow robots to draw on the knowledge of humans who have been honing their skills for years. Consider a pipe welder with incredible precision and the ability to adjust to unexpected challenges on the fly. With AI and other machine learning, robots might also become more agile.

Conclusion