Top 3 Modern Innovations in Industrial Automation
Industrial automation is constantly changing and adapting to our needs with landmark innovations.
Comparing early industrial robots to automation of today is a direct representation of how quickly technology has developed in the past few decades.
As a result, manufacturing has changed drastically across all industries. Advanced automation and software have made success available to more manufacturers around the globe.
Learn more about the history of industrial automation and some of the top modern innovations today.
Top 3 modern innovations in industrial automation
How long has industrial automation been around?
Forms of industrial automation have been around for centuries. For example, in 1856, the two-horse straddle row cultivator was patented, a device that made the back-breaking work of turning soil much easier for farmers.
Industrial automation has a long history of helping humans make work simpler and more efficient.
In the 1960s, an invention was brought to the market that would change the face of manufacturing forever.
Unimate, the first industrial robot, was patented in 1961 by the late George Devol. With a simple arm and controller design, hundreds of Unimate models performed diecasting applications on General Motors production lines.
Modern day industrial automation
One invention led to another, and now we have several top name robot brands, such as KUKA, ABB, and FANUC.
These companies are consistently producing new models with cutting-edge technology. Changes include software, end of arm tooling material, robotic vision, artificial intelligence, design, and more.
While each industrial robotics company is unique, they all have the common goal of making manufacturing as lean, efficient, and safe as possible.
Plus, robotic work cells make it even easier for manufacturers to automate without having to piece together the parts.
NRTC Automation can design, build, and engineer a custom work cell to suit your production needs. Learn more about our Automation Services here, and check out our YouTube video below!
Top 3 modern innovations
There is a plethora of fascinating developments in robotics today. NRTC Automation lists three of them below.
1. COBOTS
Collaborative robots, or cobots for short, are named for their collaboration with human workers.
Industrial robots can be dangerous to work with due to their heavy weights and movements, but cobots are specifically designed to safely work with humans on repetitive and monotonous tasks.
Cobots achieve this with advanced software that make them highly sensitive to humans working nearby.
2. BUILD-YOUR-OWN ROBOT
Now, you can build your own fully functional robot with a kit produced by Professor Neil Gershenfeld and researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Inspired by the 20 amino acids that make up all living beings, Gershenfeld created a kit composed of only five parts: rigid and flexible components, a coil, electromagnetic parts, and a magnet.
Gershenfeld and his team are now working on developing a manufacturing robot kit that technicians and other production staff can assemble and disassemble with ease.
3. ADVANCED GRIPPING SENSORS
Watching a robot handle an egg with gentle care is a sight to behold.
With soft “fingers” and advancing gripping technology, these robots can pick up and place a raw egg without cracking the shell.
The food manufacturing industry benefits from these sensors since breaking certain foods like pretzels, chips, and other fragile foods can severely affect production output.
Meet your production goals with NRTC Automation
NRTC Automation can help you create a fully customized work cell for your unique production line. We use refurbished robots and equipment so manufacturers of any size can afford to automate their facilities.
Learn more by visiting our website or give us a call at (888) 990-7606.
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From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.
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