Robots

10

good reasons to invest in robots

reasons

10 ways that robots can make you more competitive

Robots have been proven to deliver a host of benefits in a wide variety of applications. End users introducing robots to their production processes have typically seen a significant transformation in their productivity and efficiency, with higher levels of output, product quality andflexibility amongst the many improvements reported.

The International Federation of Robotics recently revealed the second highest result ever for the number of newly supplied industrial robots across the world, at 112,203. With 1.2 million industrial robots expected to be working in factories by 2010, we have outlined a number of key reasons, plus evidence showing why it’s worth investing in roboticautomation.

To help you decide whether adding a robot to your process could help boost your competitive edge, ABB gives you ten of the most common benefits enjoyed by robot users. The following pages demonstrate 10 companies world-wide from a range of industries which are enjoying the benefits of robotic technology.

Find out more: Visit www.abb.com/robotics

reasons

1

Reduceoperating costs
Using robots enables you to reduce both your direct and overhead costs, making a dramatic difference to your competitiveness. Take energy, for example. With no requirement for minimum lighting or heating levels, robots offer a great opportunity to cut your energy bills. Current estimates point to a potential saving of 8% for every 1°C reduction in heating levels, while savings of up to20% can be achieved by turning off unnecessary lighting. Robots can also eliminate the costs associated with manual workers, not only in terms of wages, but also additional costs associated with training, health and safety and employee administration. Robots help UK badge-maker enjoy automatic success over Far East rivals Leading manufacturer of custom moulded plastic novelties,CharacteristixLimited, has boosted its manufacturing performance by over 100 per cent with the installation of an ABB-robot based manufacturing cell at its factory in Wadebridge, Cornwall. Click here to find out more

2

Improve product quality and consistency
With robots you can produce a consistently high quality finishing of materials, as the machine will not suffer from tiredness, distraction or the effectsof repetitive and tedious tasks. Their inherent accuracy and repeatability also means that you can count on a high quality finish for every product produced. ABB robots enable Farame to aim higher for global competition Farame, a Portuguese producer of components for steel trolleys and automobile plants, introduced its first ABB robot back in 1992. The introduction of the automated productionprocess enabled Farame to expand its product line and freed the company from dependence on subcontractors and vulnerability to poor quality and late delivery times. The ability to differentiate products and tailor services to the customer have helped the company rise to the global challenge and compete with low-cost providers in China, Turkey and Eastern Europe. Click here to find out more

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Improve quality of work for employees
With robots you can improve working conditions for your staff. They’ll no longer have to work in dusty, hot or hazardous environments. In addition, by teaching them how to use robots they can learn valuable programming skills and do work that is more stimulating. ABB Robots increase productivity at U.S based Franklin Bronze and Alloy Inc. U.S basedFranklin Bronze produces ceramic shells for a multitude of industries ranging from automobiles to door hardware and industrial values. The company uses ABB’s IRB 6600 robot to improve productivity and has already seen positive results as mould protection has increased from 140 to 200 per day. Staff at the foundry appreciate the impact the shelling system has had on improving their quality of life...