Why OnRobot is not betting on turnkey robotic methods

A robotic palletizer using the D:PLOY platform is an example of an off-the-shelf system that is pre-configured and available now. | Source: OnRobot

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing landscape, automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, with various approaches available, choosing the right one can be daunting. The Robot Report spoke with James Taylor, chief commercial officer at end effector provider OnRobot, to discuss the benefits of “off-the-shelf automation.”

How off-the-shelf automation is different

What exactly is off-the-shelf automation, and how does it differ from turnkey systems?

Taylor: Off-the-shelf automation refers to complete, pre-built, and pre-configured robotic systems designed for specific applications. These systems offer same-day installation and transparent pricing, are ready to deploy with minimal setup, and, most importantly, they allow manufacturers to re-deploy or changeover their production piece quickly without expert assistance.

Turnkey systems, on the other hand, are often partially pre-engineered but still require customization, programming, and on-site integration. If you need to make any changes, they require expertise and engineering skills.

So, while turnkey solutions sound convenient, they still involve a degree of complexity?

Taylor: Exactly. Turnkey systems often require integrators to customize and program the application, increasing costs and lead time, as well as leading to potential downtime for any changes that need to be made after initial setup.

This means turnkey can be a very good choice for traditional automation with very specific requirements and high production volume, but turnkey is not an effective solution to address the larger need of applications with high mix production.

What are the primary advantages of off-the-shelf automation for manufacturers?

Taylor: The benefits are numerous. By leveraging economies of scale, off-the-shelf systems have lower upfront costs and transparent pricing. These systems are pre-built and require minimal on-site modifications, ensuring same-day installation and minimal downtime.

Additionally, off-the-shelf solutions are designed for fast and easy in-house workpiece changeovers, eliminating the need for specialized programming skills or external integrators. Furthermore, standard robotic-system products for specific applications are based on a proven automation software engine to reduce risks of custom systems.

Can you provide a real-world example of a company benefiting from off-the-shelf automation?

Taylor: Certainly. WEMAS Absperrtechnik GmbH, a German provider of road safety products, implemented an off-the-shelf robotic palletizing solution powered by OnRobot’s D:PLOY platform.

It replaced a manual task and achieved same-day installation, resulting in $31,000 in annual cost savings.

D:LOY a platform for creating standardized systems

Off-the-shelf automation offers an alternative to ‘turnkey’ systems that still must be customized, programmed, integrated, and deployed onsite. | Source: OnRobot

How does D:PLOY fit into the off-the-shelf automation landscape?

Taylor: D:PLOY is a no-programming, automatic software development platform that enables the creation of complete, off-the-shelf robotic systems. It empowers OEMs and integrators to develop standardized robotic systems for specific applications like palletizing, CNC machine tending, and packaging.

Because there is no programming involved, D:PLOY allows end-users to easily deploy and redeploy systems for new workpieces in minutes, without requiring programming expertise.

So D:PLOY is not just a product; it’s also a platform for creating off-the-shelf systems?

Taylor: Correct. It’s a development platform that allows integrators and machine builders to quickly create complete, off-the-shelf robotic systems. This allows them to develop competitive offerings for a segment of customers who are not served today with traditional automation technology or turnkey applications.

By standardizing the offering, they can leverage economies of scale to lower costs, reduce lead times, and lower the project risk that can come with customized systems.

Are there other examples of companies using D:PLOY to create off-the-shelf automation?

Taylor: Yes, Just Automate, a Dutch integrator, utilizes D:PLOY to create its off-the-shelf robotic palletizer, MoveComponents.

Schrobbelèr B.V., a beverage producer, also benefited from MoveComponents for palletizing heavy bottles. The company experienced a clear, straightforward process with detailed technical specs and a simple, no-surprises price. The system was up and running in one day, and product changeovers are easily managed in-house without technical expertise.

Looking to the future of off-the-shelf automation

What does the future hold for off-the-shelf automation?

Taylor: We’re on the cusp of a new generation of off-the-shelf robotics, and the economies of scale of this change will make those products more affordable and accessible.

In addition, by removing programming completely and drastically reducing the complexity of installing and re-deploying robots, it’s only logical to assume that the adoption of robotics in automation will increase dramatically. This is exactly what happened with the adoption of personal computing, which was also once an application only for the experienced professional.

Any final thoughts for manufacturers considering automation?

Taylor: Don’t settle for just a robotic arm and ask yourself if you are looking for turnkey or off-the-shelf, especially if you need a solution that offers transparency, ease of use, and the flexibility to adapt to changing production needs. Off-the-shelf automation is not just a trend; it’s the future of manufacturing.