Powering Automation: Meet Your Plant's Silent Superheroes
How Classic Tech Remains Relevant in Today's Automation
By Sandia Harrison, Director of Marketing, FPE Automation
Automation controls, vision systems, robotics, artificial intelligence and collaborative devices are revolutionizing manufacturing. Behind the scenes, time-honored innovations and legacy products still drive progress alongside their high-tech counterparts.
It's understandable. Automation's game-changing impact has made it a captivating and dominant topic, fueled by its transformative and exciting potential. It seems like automation is the talk of industrial engineers, managers, and business owners everywhere.
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| Stock photo: A manager and operations professional discuss automation during some downtime at work. |
Automation commands attention, yet it's only part of the larger narrative.
Modernization and tech breakthroughs shine, for good reason. Yet tried-and-true innovations are still essential in smart manufacturing.
Unsung Heroes of Plant Design
To reach your smart manufacturing goals, it's important to stay up-to-date on both and not be distracted by all the hype. Automation is, without doubt, the future. However, keep in mind that those timeless innovations persistently propel progress as well.
For example, most vision systems use conveyors. Many rely on actuators as well. Both are areas where there are new innovations you can check out.
On the robotic side, high-speed industrial robots, and the popular 6-axis collaborative robot arms are effectively useless without end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT).On the robotic side, high-speed industrial robots, and the popular 6-axis collaborative robot arms are ineffective without end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT). EOAT functionality varies widely and while some do incorporate emerging technology, the majority of EOAT makes use of time-honored innovations to do their job.
Robot cells are another prime example of a perfect blend of modern tech and timeless classics. These top-notch cells, using robots of all types, seamlessly interact with end-of-arm-tooling (EOAT) that often taps into age-old tricks. Also, in the production mix, sensors and actuators, renowned for their reliability, maintain pivotal roles within robot cells. It's all about the lasting impact of classic moves in the dynamic world of smart manufacturing.
Downstream, in the manufacturing process, you'll typically find even more of these proven icons of success:
- Sensors and actuators
- Electro-hydraulic systems
- Stepper motors
- Valves and other pneumatic controls
- Cups and vacuum products
Many more examples exist of time-honored innovations contributing to intelligent goods production in new ways. These examples are just a few of the various technologies that were foundational in the development of motion control systems for automation. They're still just as relevant today. Modern systems either work with (or build upon) these principles with advanced technologies and digital control mechanisms.
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| This low-cost PneuConnect gripper from PHD is able to handle precise tasks, such as inserting multi-threaded parts (shown above) into CNC fixturing. It relies on pneumatic technology, which has been around since the late 1800s. Courtesy of Universal Robots and PHD, Inc. |
Tying it all together: the synergy between cutting-edge technologies and timeless icons of success.
In the dynamic landscape of manufacturing, where automation takes center stage, it's crucial to recognize the profound impact of classic tech. Automation, with its controls, vision systems, and robotics, has indisputably revolutionized the industry. Yet, behind the scenes, the unsung heroes, the legacy products, continue to drive progress.
The captivating buzz surrounding automation is justified, given its game-changing potential and transformative allure. However, as we navigate the future, it's essential not to overlook the enduring significance of tried-and-true innovations. In the realm of smart manufacturing, the synergy between cutting-edge technologies and timeless icons of success defines the narrative. From high-speed industrial robots to sensors, actuators, and pneumatic controls, these proven elements remain integral to the intelligent production of goods. As we embrace the future of automation, let's not forget that its success is intricately woven with the enduring threads of time-honored innovations.
