How to Design Your Own Custom Robotic Work Cell

Robotic work cells are a great addition to any manufacturing line that has a specialized job. Learn more about work cells and how you can design one to increase productivity and reduce costs at your manufacturing facility. 

What is a robotic work cell? 

A robotic work cell is a complete system composed of one or more robots and a controller. A work cell may also include other equipment depending on the purpose and production method of the cell. 

How will a work cell benefit you? 

Work cells are an excellent way to improve speed and efficiency in your production line. Not only that, but increased production also means increased profit.  

If you have a job that standalone robots are unable to complete, then a work cell may be the solution. Customized work cells are pre-engineered to produce according to your specific manufacturing needs, allowing you to increase productivity and get the job done right. 

How to design your own custom work cell: 

STEP 1: DETERMINE WHAT JOB THE WORK CELL WILL BE DOING. 

The first step is finding out exactly what the work cell needs to do. Is your work cell going to be assembling a standing desk for home offices, or building doors for a sports car? Each job is unique in the programming required for a robot to complete the job. Be as specific as possible. 

STEP 2: DEVELOP AN OUTLINE OF THE TASKS. 

Like step one, you should be detailed in mapping out the tasks required to complete the job. Each task will need to be accounted for in the work cell so that the product is manufactured correctly. You’ll also need to establish the inputs and outputs for the job. 

STEP 3: CHOOSE ROBOTS WITH THE RIGHT APPLICATIONS TO DO THE JOB. 

When choosing robots for your work cell, consider the robot’s reachability, payload, precision, and EOAT. You will also want to know the cycle time of the robot. These factors will determine if you need one robot or multiple robots within your work cell. 

STEP 4: SELECT A POSITIONER TO MOVE THE PRODUCT DOWN THE LINE. 

The positioner will contain your product while the robots are manufacturing. The positioner should either be fixed or mobile, and the weight capacity of the positioner should be examined as well. You can also decide if the height of the positioner will be fixed or adjustable. 

STEP 5: CREATE A LAYOUT TO EFFICIENTLY (AND SAFELY) COMPLETE THE TASK. 

The layout is the most important aspect of the work cell and will be the key to its success. For maximum efficiency, you want to find the best placement for your robots and positioner. Some work cells complete a task in a linear fashion, some may keep the product in one place, and others may require the robots to swivel and change direction. 

Make sure you consider spacing for human workers, if necessary, and leave ample room for the robot’s base and motions. Larger work cells may have a greater cost, but ensuring the safety of your employees and protecting robots from damage is worth the expense. 

Increase productivity with a custom-designed robotic work cell. 

With the steps above, you can design a customized work cell that will improve your production line’s speed and efficiency. 

DO YOU WANT TO ADD A WORK CELL TO YOUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY? 

NRTC Automation creates turnkey flexible robotic work cells to fit your unique production line. We have over a decade of experience in providing solutions to automation and manufacturing needs for all manufacturing companies, including top automobile manufacturers across the globe. 

Contact NRTC Automation today for a quote on your customized robotic work cell. 

Robots are Friends, Not Foes

Since industrial robots entered the workplace in the 20th century, there has been concern that robots will take over valuable human jobs. 

Movies and books like The Matrix and The Terminator only feed these fears. What if robots take over the world? Will AI become so smart that they will outwit their creators? 

Thankfully, science fiction isn’t reality. Industrial robots are created to assist humans in the workplace and provide a safer, more productive environment. Read on to learn more about why robots should be considered friends, not foes, in the workplace. 

3 reasons why robots make our lives better: 

ROBOTS PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR UNSANITARY AND DANGEROUS JOBS. 

Labor during the Industrial Revolution, which transformed our world into what we know today, was dirty, difficult, and dangerous. The factory air was polluted with smoke and soot, regulations for labor was nonexistent, and worker safety was not considered important, leading to life-endangering accidents. Government regulations fixed many of the problems caused by the Industrial Revolution.  

The development of robots in the workplace further enhanced working conditions for people by taking over heavy labor and dangerous jobs that put humans at risk. Jobs like waste management and bridge inspections are being performed by robots, protecting humans from disease, injury, and death. 

ROBOTS CREATE JOBS, RATHER THAN TAKING THEM AWAY. 

It is a common belief that robots will take human jobs away. Total automation isn’t possible, or at least it won’t be possible for many years. Dull, repetitive tasks such as packaging food can be automated, but more complex tasks require far more programming than most robots are capable of (or most companies can afford). 

Stanford Business gives the example of a gardener’s daily tasks: mowing is easy to automate, but other chores like weeding, pruning, and watering would be too complex for one robot to manage. 

Because robots have provided humans with more leisure and expendable income, industries like video games, dating applications, and gyms are thriving. This creates jobs for designers, writers, personal trainers, management, customer support, and more. These jobs cannot be automated due to the nature of the work, and they are possible because of the relief robots provide from grueling, time-consuming labor. 

ROBOTS ENHANCE WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY AND BRING CONSISTENT, RELIABLE RESULTS. 

By taking over the repetitive and boring work, robots allow humans to focus on the important tasks. Not only that, but robots are highly consistent and perform their jobs reliably. This allows humans to know that the job is done correctly and saves time checking for quality assurance. 

Robots are here to support human labor. 

We don’t need to fear robots. They were created to make the world a cleaner, safer, and more productive place. With the ability to take on the boring, laborious, and potentially dangerous tasks, robots give humans the freedom to work on the more interesting, safer, and better-paying jobs. 

DO YOU HAVE ROBOTS IN YOUR MANUFACTURING FACILITY?  

NRTC Automation provides services for your industrial and automation needs. From robotic training services to custom-designed work cells, NRTC Automation has the solution for you. Contact us today for more information on how we can personalize our services to suit your company. 

NRTC Automation: Delivering Automation Services Worldwide

At NRTC Automation, we take pride in our specialized solutions for industrial automation and manufacturing equipment. With over a decade of experience, NRTC Automation has become a worldwide partner for companies spanning multiple industries, including the top automobile manufacturers. Our extensive services will provide your company with the solutions you need for your industrial and manufacturing company. To learn more about what we offer, read about our services below. 

Who We Are 

NRTC Automation was founded in Tilbury, Ontario. Our mission is to deliver a comprehensive package of industrial automation and manufacturing solutions for companies across the globe. As shown by our partnerships with manufacturers like BMW and Magna, our company can be trusted with your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment. 

What We Do 

Industrial Tear Out Services 

NRTC Automation offers thorough decommissioning services. If you need to remove outdated equipment or completely clear out your facility, NRTC Automation is the solution. We work with time-sensitive requirements and provide a project manager to give you details on your tear out progress. 

Auto Parts Manufacturing 

With years of experience, we can engineer, build, and ship manufactured parts to you according to your design specifications. We can create work cells that are specific to your company’s production needs, saving you space and manufacturing resources. 

Flexible Robotic Cells 

NRTC Automation’s custom-designed flexible work cells are made uniquely for every one of our customers. Our technicians will work with you to create a work cell that produces according to your specific manufacturing needs. Not only are our robotic work cells affordable, but they also offer maximum compatibility between components and increase production efficiency. 

Industrial Robot Refurbishing 

If you want to extend the life of your robot and return it to like-new conditions, then NRTC Automation’s industrial robot refurbishing service is for you. We offer three levels of reparation for you to choose from according to your needs.  

In the Bronze Tier service, we perform a detailed inspection and a basic testing process, and then you get to decide what level of reparation you want based on our in-depth report. 

Our Silver Tier service offers more comprehensive testing, internal cleaning, and replacing broken parts as necessary in addition to the Bronze Tier service.

Finally, our Gold Tier service includes both Bronze and Silver Tier services, as well as fully stripping and restoring robots to factory conditions, including a brand-new paint job. 

Industrial Tool & Fixture Storage 

If you have underutilized robots and equipment but lack the space to store them, our storage service may be the solution for you. Our warehouses in Alabama and Tilbury, Ontario are available to you to house your equipment in safe and neat conditions. Once you are ready to take your equipment back, we will ship it back to you promptly. 

Robotic Engineering Services 

NRTC Automation offers programming and troubleshooting support in our robotic engineering services. With trained technicians specialized in all major robot manufacturers, our engineering services can reduce downtime on your production floor and restore your robots to normal working conditions. 

Robotic Training Services 

Educate and empower your team with current industrial robotics knowledge. NRTC Automation’s robotic training services will provide a personalized training program based on your company’s needs. We offer basic programming classes to advanced troubleshooting to allow your team to solve technical issues independently, saving you time and money while strengthening your company’s internal systems. 

INTERESTED IN HOW WE CAN TAILOR OUR SERVICES TO YOU? 

NRTC Automation is the solution to your robotic and industrial automation needs. If you would like to learn more about our services, contact us today.