May 2019

| FEATURES | www.smartmachinesandfactories.com May 2019 | 17 | solutions that include robots, special purpose automation and a diverse range of proprietary technologies, including machine vision and laser systems. We alone have 400 technically focussed staff across our UK organisation, working with customers in a multitude of different industry sectors and applications, so the knowledge and resource is there.” Clearly if technical risk is seen as the barrier to automation, then this needs to be highlighted at the earliest stage and there are several ways in which this can be addressed. One option is ATG’s “Virtual Commissioning” software, where the complete cell or production line is developed in a virtual environment, enabling the customer and their engineers to see exactly how the system will function. This allows specific events, such as error messages and recovery procedures to be tested as it utilises the actual Robot, PLC and HMI codes and is integrated to the 3D CAD of the entire system. In addition to addressing technical risk, virtual commissioning can save significant time getting products to market, especially on larger scale projects, when compared to the traditional build, develop and commissioning route. This “Digital Twin” approach, provides other benefits such as Operator and Maintenance training, without interfering with production, and the validation of the software and hardware design within regulated industries. The production of a “Proof of Principle” system is a more traditional “Hands-On” approach to evaluating automation concepts and provides the opportunity to trial grippers, parts feeders, fixture design and robot movements etc. Tim Bednall explains: “A typical example of this approach, which ultimately provided the confidence for the customer to proceed with a fully automated system, was the request for the development of an automated process to tie a knot in a twisted-pair of wires. The justification criteria for this particular application were to improve both consistency and quality. Whilst tying a knot is straightforward and intuitive for a human, it is not easy to automate, and especially at speed. The first step in determining the final solution was to run a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation. Once the right solution had been designed virtually, a PoP rig was then assembled to further develop the hardware and process, and to demonstrate what was later to become the final, delivered solution.” Developing tomorrow’s automation talent pool As for every sector, an aging workforce, and in certain areas a current skills shortage, means that apprenticeships and ongoing training are essential if, as a country, we are to retain the skills needed to design, develop, install and maintain the automation systems which will provide the competitive advantage that the UK needs. Recent initiatives that focus on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) will definitely help encourage more young people to embark on a career in engineering, but this needs to be bolstered by both manufacturers and robotics and automation specialists ensuring that they bring on their own home grown talent. of which need to operate in a complex sequence using a wide range of different technologies, and perform these tasks with high overall efficiency levels on a 24/7 basis. Outside of the automotive sector, there will be few applications that will require such high levels of mechanical automation combined with sophisticated control software and robot programming. The resources, skills and tools used to achieve these world-class manufacturing lines are all readily available to other UK companies considering robots and automation as part of their manufacturing process. Tim Bednall commented: “ It’s unfortunate that some manufacturers still shy away from automation and robotics through either a lack of understanding and / or a perception of unacceptable technical risk. There is an immense pool of automation talent that prospective users can draw upon. For example, Wood Automation & Control’s Systems Division has been at the heart of many multi-robot installations within automotive facilities, and we are also regularly involved in delivering innovative manufacturing