cost reduction Archives - Used Robots

UPDATE AND MODERNISATION OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS: WHEN IS IT BETTER TO REFURBISH RATHER THAN BUY NEW?

admin — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:00:46 +0000

In many workshops, the dilemma arises over whether to purchase a new robot or upgrade the one already installed. Thanks to advancements in controllers, sensors, software, and mechatronics, older components can be brought back to life effectively. The key is knowing when refurbishment makes sense and when it’s time to invest in new equipment. Why consider modernising? A well-maintained robot can last for decades. For example, one publication notes that industrial robots, “when properly maintained, can operate for more than 100,000 hours.” Additionally, manufacturers such as KUKA offer modernisation services (“upgrade & refurbish”) to give collaborative robots or industrial robots “a second life,” extending their useful lifespan and reducing costs. Reviewing and upgrading also helps minimise downtime, makes spare parts more easily available, improves IoT/MES integration, and presents a more sustainable option. So, when does it make sense to modernise rather than buy new? There are several technical and business criteria that can help guide the decision. If the controller or software is obsolete, no longer supported, or spare parts are hard to find or upgrades aren’t possible, modernisation might be the right choice. Kawasaki, for instance, recommends checking the age of the controller as a first step. In terms of investment, ABB says a refurbished robot can cost up to about 25% less than a new one. If the robot arm is structurally sound—its reduction gears, bearings, and axes are in good condition—then modernising by updating electronics, sensors, and software can make the most of your asset. Modernisation can also offer faster lead times and commissioning compared to acquiring a new robot. From a sustainability and ROI perspective, refurbishment involves less initial depreciation and can deliver a quicker return on investment, especially if the cell is already installed and operating well. There are documented cases supporting this approach. An article by KUKA describes their modernisation programme: “Instead of purchasing new equipment, it is better to rely on the machines and robots you already have… A well-timed, customised upgrade or overhaul will ensure your robot systems can continue to be used over the long term.” The text explains that modernisation can lead to greater availability, less effort, improved performance, and extended system life. Another article from ABB tells of a plant with old robots that chose to modernise them because new robots were more expensive, and they valued quicker delivery and the ability to reuse the existing environment. These examples demonstrate that modernisation isn’t just a secondary option—it’s a strategically viable choice for companies seeking flexibility, speed, and ROI. Modernising an industrial robot can be much more than a technical stop—it can become a competitive advantage. When the arm is in good working order but the electronics, software, or integration are outdated, refurbishment allows you to make the most of your existing investment and adapt to today’s automation landscape. Buying new is still necessary when the equipment is structurally worn, the remaining life cycle is low, or a major technological leap is required. But for many factories, a “second life” for a well-modernised robot can deliver nearly equivalent results at a lower cost, with shorter lead times and reduced environmental impact. The key lies in thorough analysis, precise technical execution, and a robust service ecosystem. With these in place, a refurbished and modern robot can lead the production line as effectively as a new one.

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OPCIONES INTELIGENTES PARA FINANCIAR UN ROBOT COLABORATIVO

admin — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:43:39 +0000

Industrial automation has evolved significantly in recent years, with collaborative robots (cobots) playing a key role in improving efficiency and reducing costs. However, the initial investment to acquire a robot can be a challenge for many companies. Fortunately, there are various financing options that allow these technologies to be integrated without compromising the company's liquidity.

Leasing: Flexibility and Tax Benefits Leasing is a popular option that allows financing up to 100% of the cobot's cost without a high initial payment. It works through periodic payments, and at the end of the contract, the company can choose to buy the equipment, renew it, or return it. Additionally, this method offers tax advantages, as payments can be deducted as operating expenses.

Installment Financing: Investment without Large Outlays Another alternative is installment financing, which allows the robot to be acquired through monthly payments. This option is ideal for companies that want to own the equipment at the end of the contract without making a significant initial payment. Moreover, many financial institutions offer agile approval processes and quick delivery.

Renting: Use without Ownership Renting is an attractive option for companies looking to avoid equipment depreciation and associated maintenance costs. In this model, a monthly fee is paid for the use of the robot, which includes services such as maintenance and updates. This alternative does not impact the balance sheet as an asset, improving the company's financial capacity.

Pay-per-Use: Automation without Financial Risks For companies seeking maximum flexibility, pay-per-use allows access to collaborative robots without an initial investment. In this model, payment is made only for the time or number of operations performed with the robot, reducing risks and allowing automation to be adjusted according to production demand.

Choosing the best financing option depends on each company's needs and financial capabilities. While leasing and installment financing are ideal for those looking to acquire the equipment, renting and pay-per-use offer greater flexibility without assuming ownership. With these alternatives, automation with collaborative robots is accessible for all types of businesses, from SMEs to large industries.

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FACILITATING ROBOT PROGRAMMING IN MEDIUM SIZED COMPANIES WITH SRCI

admin — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 08:47:35 +0000

In an industrial environment where automation is a growing necessity, robot programming has become a challenge for many companies. The shortage of skilled professionals in this area has led to the search for innovative solutions. One such solution is the Standard Robot Control Interface (SRCI), which allows easy programming directly on the programmable logic controller (PLC), eliminating the need for specialized knowledge in robot systems.

A Breakthrough in Industrial Automation Robert Bürkle GmbH, specializing in pressing and coating technologies for the wood industry, has adopted SRCI to facilitate the programming of its Yaskawa robots. The handling of heavy parts in its production process has made the use of industrial robots indispensable, and with the SRCI interface, programming can be done directly on the PLC without relying on expert robot programmers.

SRCI provides a series of predefined function modules, known as libraries, that simplify the programming of robotic tasks. This initiative, driven by Siemens in collaboration with Profibus & Profinet International (PI), has allowed companies like Robert Bürkle to optimize their processes without significant investments in specialized training.

Key Benefits for Medium-Sized Companies One of the major benefits of SRCI is its accessibility for medium and small companies, which can integrate robots into their processes without the complexity of learning specialized programming languages. In the case of Robert Bürkle, the use of SRCI has facilitated the commissioning of new robotic systems, allowing its PLC programmers to work in a familiar environment and optimize operations without relying on external specialists.

The integration of digital twins has been another key factor in the implementation of SRCI. Thanks to this technology, the company can simulate processes and correct potential errors before launching the systems, reducing costs and adjustment times.

A Promising Future for Robot Programming As automation continues to expand in the industry, the demand for tools like SRCI will increase. Although there are other solutions like MotoLogix, mainly used by large manufacturers, SRCI offers an accessible and efficient alternative for companies looking to incorporate robots without making significant investments in specialized training.

The case of Robert Bürkle demonstrates that the combination of innovation and collaboration with technology providers can be key to staying competitive in a constantly evolving industrial environment. With the advancement of automation, tools like SRCI will continue to play a fundamental role in optimizing robotic programming.

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REVOLUTION IN INDUSTRIAL LAUNDRY WITH FANUC AND VELUM, THE SMART ROBOT THAT CHANGES THE GAME

admin — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:35:12 +0000

In the era of automation, more and more sectors are adopting technological solutions to improve their efficiency. Industrial laundry, a traditionally manual labor-dependent area, has experienced a radical change with the arrival of smart robots. A notable example is the VELUM system from the start-up Sewts, which has transformed one of the most tedious and repetitive tasks: folding textiles.
Until recently, although automation in the laundry sector allowed for the processing of large volumes of textiles, tasks such as loading towels or sheets into folding machines were still performed by humans. Manual intervention was inevitable due to the delicacy and dimensions of the textiles. However, with the integration of VELUM, this phase of the process has been completely automated, offering an efficient and precise solution that does not cause wrinkles in the fabrics.
The VELUM system has been designed to revolutionize the industry, with a direct impact on productivity and cost reduction. According to Till Rickert, co-founder of Sewts, the market potential is enormous. Globally, there are approximately 25,000 commercial laundries that could benefit from this technology. Currently, it has already been implemented at Greif Textile Mietsysteme, a company located in Wolfratshausen, Bavaria, since November 2022. There, the VELUM system processes between 500 and 600 textiles per hour, performing what was previously manual work, with efficiency comparable to that of a human operator.
The impact of this technology goes beyond task automation. The VELUM system is not only fast but also adaptable, as its software is continuously updated via wireless updates, constantly expanding its range of functions and improving its performance. Over time, VELUM is expected to become even more efficient, achieving system amortization within a period of between 18 months and two and a half years, depending on the workload.
One of the biggest challenges Sewts faced during the development of the system was optimizing the space and speed of the robots' movements. To address this challenge, the company used advanced simulation tools, such as FANUC ROBOGUIDE software, which allowed them to analyze the robots' movements and spatial requirements. Additionally, a material simulation software allowed them to predict the behavior of different types of textiles, a key aspect to ensure that the robot could handle the fabrics precisely without damaging them.
The key to VELUM's success lies in its intelligent software, which combines computer vision and advanced algorithms to detect specific characteristics of each fabric. Thanks to a 3D camera system and a FANUC M-10𝑖D robot, the system can identify textures, seams, and edges of each piece of clothing, locate them in space, and coordinate their grip at the most suitable point. This process occurs in real-time, allowing the robot to perform tasks with surprising precision.
Sewts' long-term vision goes beyond laundry. Rickert and his team are working on new applications, such as automating the processing of textile returns in online commerce, an area that has grown enormously in recent years. Product returns, especially in the fashion sector, are often a logistical challenge. Many of these processes are carried out in distant countries, resulting in long transport routes and high waste of goods. With the implementation of smart robots like VELUM, Sewts hopes that in the future these returns can be managed close to the customer, reducing costs and improving the sustainability of the process.
The advancement of industrial robotics and artificial intelligence is redefining the limits of what is possible in automation. The VELUM system from Sewts, in collaboration with FANUC robots, is a clear example of how technology can transform traditional sectors, such as laundry, and open new possibilities in logistics and manufacturing. With each update and new implementation, this technology not only improves the efficiency of companies but also shapes the future of industrial work, becoming increasingly automated, sustainable, and accessible.

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THE NEW ERA OF INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS: MBODI AND T-ROBOTICS, VISIONARIES FOR IA IN PRODUCTION PROCESSES

admin — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:05:08 +0000

The 2024 ABB Robotics Artificial Intelligence Startup Challenge marked a milestone by highlighting the disruptive potential of Mbodi and T-Robotics. These startups, selected from over 100 global proposals, present solutions that not only simplify human-robot interaction but also promise to transform production lines across various industries.Who are Mbodi and T-Robotics?Mbodi: Redefining Human-Robot InteractionMbodi was born with a clear mission: to eliminate the technical barrier that often accompanies the programming and operation of industrial robots. This American startup, founded in 2021, specializes in developing systems that allow robots to be trained using intuitive methods such as voice commands, human movements, and physical demonstrations.Main Technology:Mbodi employs a continuous machine learning model that processes observations and commands in real-time. Its platform allows even workers without technical experience to teach new tasks to robots quickly and effectively.Industrial Advantages:• Cost and time reduction: By eliminating the need for expert programmers, companies can train robots directly on production lines, speeding up the implementation of new tasks.• Greater flexibility: Real-time learning capability allows robots to adapt to process variations without requiring extensive reprogramming.• Optimization of human resources: Mbodi frees workers from repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on higher value-added activities.Application Example:In electronic product assembly factories, Mbodi has enabled robots to learn quality inspection processes with 30% less training time, improving accuracy and reducing human errors.T-Robotics: Conversational Programming at the Service of IndustryFounded in South Korea in 2020, T-Robotics has focused on simplifying human-robot interaction through physical AI models and natural language processing. Its system allows operators to program industrial robots through conversational commands, making the technology accessible to any worker.Main Technology:T-Robotics' solution is based on the development of a conversational interface that understands and translates commands in multiple languages, adjusting instructions to the robot's capabilities and the productive environment in which it operates.Industrial Advantages:• Integration speed: Conversational programming reduces initial setup and update times for robots on production lines.• Universal compatibility: T-Robotics systems are compatible with a wide range of robot brands, from ABB to KUKA, facilitating their adoption in factories with heterogeneous equipment.• Operational efficiency: Thanks to its self-diagnostic capability, robots can foresee technical problems, reducing downtime.Application Example:In automotive plants, T-Robotics has implemented its system for welding robots, allowing supervisors to adjust welding parameters in real-time through voice commands. This has increased productivity by 25% and reduced defects in metal joints.Global Impact and Projects in Production LinesThese startups stand out for their focus on solving real problems within the manufacturing industry:• Adaptation to mass customization: In a market that demands increasingly personalized products, Mbodi and T-Robotics facilitate the reconfiguration of robots for quick changes on production lines.• Efficiency in industrial projects: Their solutions allow for a higher return on investment by reducing implementation costs and increasing productive capacity without the need for prolonged interruptions.• Democratized access to robotics: By making robotic systems easier to use, these startups are opening doors to small and medium-sized enterprises that previously could not afford advanced automation.The victory of Mbodi and T-Robotics in the ABB Robotics challenge not only recognizes their innovations but also highlights the crucial role of artificial intelligence in the evolution of industrial robotics. Their solutions not only promise to transform current production lines but also make automation an inclusive and accessible tool for any industry.By supporting these startups, ABB reinforces its commitment to developing technologies that enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability in globalmanufacturing.

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