Robotic System Design
Robotic Simulation
Robotics Integration
Robotic Optimization
Digital Twins
Collaborative Robot Integration
Robotic Safety Assessment and Design
Robotic Vision System Integration
Experts in the design and integration of robotic cells to increase productivity, efficiency, safety, consistency, and quality.
Keeping your facility running amidst skilled labor gaps, supply chain deficiencies, and any unforeseen economic changes will require smart solutions and cutting-edge technology. Robotics has the potential to positively transform nearly every work process by raising efficiency and safety levels, increasing production throughput and providing enhanced quality control.
Patti Engineering has a substantial history with robotics, as FANUC Robotics was our first client, and we have been expanding our range of robotics technology and application expertise ever since. From programming with only a teaching pendant to now utilizing offline simulation and the latest in AI and vision technologies, we are always aiming to deliver the best solution to our clients.
Our relationship with FANUC still continues to this day, as we announced our FANUC Exclusive Authorized System Integrator in 2022.
“The history of Patti Engineering is closely linked to FANUC America, and it’s exciting for us to become an exclusive system integrator,” says Sam Hoff, CEO of Patti Engineering. “FANUC’s quality, service, and technology are second to none and we look forward to working more closely with the FANUC America team in the coming years.”
There has arguably never been a better time to implement robotic solutions in your facility. With the ongoing labor shortages, even if you can find enough staff to fill every job, workers do not want to do repetitive, physically-demanding tasks. Start by identifying the most dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks in the plant for potential automation. Next, look for areas with quality concerns or where experienced operators are required to run finicky equipment: these are places where robotics can offer huge improvements in quality and throughput.
It is no secret that some clients are facing the retirement of nearly half their workforce in the next decade. With this skilled generation entering retirement, the manufacturing industry forecasts labor shortage to increase substantially. By the year 2025, it’s estimated there will be 2 million to 3.5 million unoccupied manufacturing positions. Keeping your facility running will require the smart solutions robotics can offer.
Operators moving at odd angles and repeatedly straining to complete tasks creates a bottleneck in production and imposes an ergonomic risk of injury. Utilizing robots on these cumbersome tasks can decrease employee turnover rates, increase morale, and simultaneously increase production. Maintaining employee health and safety by creating a culture of care helps earn your company a positive reputation.
Monotonous tasks, such as palletizing and pick-and-place stations can have high turnover rates. With the advancements in AI and vision technologies, robotic solutions have grown to include complex pick-and-place operations. And by utilizing high-speed robots, you may improve your cycle time as well.
In certain instances, quality is of the utmost importance. Whether it is small scale assembly or a final inspection check, taking the guesswork out of the equation increases the precision and decreases the scrap. The reliability of robotics can be a great solution to ensure that your standards are upheld and quality is met in every operation.
Working in certain production areas can be hazardous to humans, like handling materials from hot ovens or operating near powerful presses. In these situations, it is best to keep humans out of harm’s way to avoid serious injury. The precision and repeatability of robots can ensure that your tasks are completed and your employees are kept safe.
Learn more about the essential considerations for integrating robotics into your manufacturing processes from the experts at Patti Engineering.
“We’re excited about this next phase in the relationship between Patti Engineering and FANUC America,” says Dick Motley, a director at FANUC America Corporation. “With Patti’s recent commitment to integrate FANUC robots exclusively going forward, they’re following a proven playbook of increased engagement with FANUC America’s industry-leading technology and resources. This complements their strong custom engineering and system execution capabilities, and we look forward to supporting the continued success of their robotic automation business.”
What are Articulated Robots?
Articulated robots are the most common type of industrial robot. Typically configured to have between four and six axes of rotation, they have a great range of motion that can be used in a variety of applications. Many brands have extensive catalogs of articulated robots, making it easy to select the right payload and speed for the job.
When to use Articulated Robots?
The go-to for applications with heavy payloads, articulated robots are especially used when faster speeds are required. They are the ideal choice for material handling, paint, welding, and palletizing stations.
Benefits of Articulated Robots
With the long history of articulated robots, it is easy to find people who have experience programming, working with, and maintaining them. They are very versatile, which is why so many of our clients have at least one model spec’d in their hardware standards.
What are Collaborative Robots?
Collaborative robots, or Cobots, have the ability to work directly next to human counterparts. Extensive safety measures and programming mean that the robot can run without a fence between it and an operator. While some collaborative robots have all safety measures designed into the robot itself, other collaborative applications take regular articulated robots and integrate external safety devices, like laser scanners and vision systems, to control the robot’s speed.
When to use Collaborative Robots?
Working well in solutions that require both humans and automation to complete a task, collaborative robots can be a great solution when traditional fencing cannot be placed.
Benefits of Collaborative Robots
When using collaborative robots, both the robot and any operators can occupy the same space and continue simultaneous production. Some collaborative robots can even be programmed by the programmer physically moving them to the desired position, called Hand Guiding. Here are 4 types of collaborative robots that increase productivity!
What are SCARA Robots
Selective compliance articulated robot arm, or SCARA, robots are known for their high-speed and small footprint. Typically configured with three to four axes of rotation, they are usually mounted on a tabletop and work in tight spaces.
When to use SCARA Robots?
SCARA robot’s compact design means they can fit in those smaller fenced areas. Either working standalone or in conjunction with other SCARA robots, they are a great solution for pick-and-place applications.
Benefits of SCARA Robots
While they can have a limited range of motion, SCARA robots are very fast units. Depending on the model, some SCARA robots are designed with brake releases to allow for easier recovery.
What are Delta Robots?
Delta robots are unique three-armed robots that connect to a single EOAT (end-of-arm tooling). Mounted from an overhead position, they are typically configured to have between three to six axes of rotation.
When to use Delta Robots?
Delta robots are great for applications that require high acceleration with low payloads and moderately sized work envelopes. Therefore, pick-and-place stations are the best use case.
Benefits of Delta Robots
When paired with AI and vision systems, delta robots can become a very powerful and fast tool. Since many are used in the food/beverage and pharmaceutical industries, many options can meet the rigorous cleanliness standards.
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