In the manufacturing industry, efficiency, precision, and safety are paramount. Advances in robotic technology have paved the way for more innovative approaches to production processes, especially in the field of welding. One significant development is the use of dual-robot systems, where one robot performs welding while another handles the manipulation and positioning of parts. This method significantly enhances the assembly of welded products across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. This detailed article explores the multifaceted benefits and operational ..read more

The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements that seek to improve efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness. In the realm of metal fabrication, particularly when dealing with thin sheet metal, the debate often centers on the choice between traditional Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding and the more modern robotic laser welding. Understanding the benefits of each method, especially from a cost perspective, is crucial for manufacturers aiming to enhance their production lines. Robotic laser welding offers unparalleled precision compared to TIG weldin ..read more

In the rapidly evolving world of robotics, each additional axis can significantly expand a robot's capabilities and the complexity of tasks it can handle. While 6-axis robots are versatile and effective for a wide range of applications, there are specific scenarios where they might not suffice, and a 7-axis robot becomes essential. This article explores those scenarios, shedding light on when an extra axis translates into necessary functionality. Limitations of 6-Axis Robots A 6-axis robot offers considerable flexibility with its ability to rotate around its base and maneuver its arm in vario ..read more

Cobots make your CNC machines and other operations more efficient. That means more profitable productivity while boosting cost savings. Buying a new piece of manufacturing equipment is a big capital expenditure. What about a collaborative robot for tending CNC machines and other simple manufacturing tasks? If you haven’t considered all the operational efficiencies a collaborative robot (cobot) imparts, it might seem like merely an expensive “extra” that’s out of reach or impractical. But in reality, many manufacturers and CNC machine shops, even small and medium-sized, are turning to cobots f ..read more

By Zac Bogart, President of Productive Robotics All across the country in factories large and small, collaborative robots (cobots) are sitting in unopened boxes, collecting dust instead of doing what they do best: enhancing productivity. I see this time and time again when I visit manufacturers that ask us for advice on cobot automation. Here’s the problem: Automation engineers are busy. They’re either too short on time to set up a cobot or they quickly realize integration is more complex than anticipated. Successful integration requires more than the marketing pitch that cobots are “easy to p ..read more

Lights-out manufacturing is within reach for CNC machine shops with the help of cobots for machine tending. Our blog explains how to get started. You've probably heard or read about lights-out manufacturing. Often, the term is accompanied by a picture of a bustling factory floor with row upon row of large robots and assembly line conveyor belts without a human being in sight. But is this fully-automated set up realistic for small to medium-size CNC machine shops? In this blog, we’ll answer some common questions about lights-out manufacturing so you can make an informed choice. What is Lights ..read more

Compact, affordable cobots are a user-friendly way to get more out of your CNC machines. Learn how cobots impact manufacturing. Collaborative robots, also known as cobots, are becoming more and more common in small to medium manufacturing settings. That’s because unlike traditional industrial robots, cobots are easy to install and implement, capable of working side by side with people safely, and can take on the most repetitive and error-prone tasks. If manufacturing automation has always seemed out of reach for your company, keep reading. You just might change your outlook! Implementing Cobo ..read more

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/45775f_8e03c77f686645ca97c22d71ae5d7256/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Excitement and electricity ignited IMTS, the largest manufacturing event in the western hemisphere! Productive Robotics was excited to participate and showcase next generation collaborative robot automation for addressing workforce shortages, increasing productivity, and optimizing efficiency. With the launch of our two new robotic welding systems and demonstrations of over 20 automated tasks, we offered small jobs and larger manufacturers cobot solutions to propel their businesses forward. Showcasing ..read more

What is a cobot and why should CNC machine shops consider them? Learn about the benefits and applications of cobots for CNC machining. Click the video to listen to the information in this blog. Or, you can read the same information below the video. https://productiverobotics-1.wistia.com/medias/y0b51udqhvWhat is a Cobot? Collaborative robots, or “cobots”, are growing in popularity in manufacturing and industrial settings, particularly in machine shops. Unlike traditional robots, cobots work safely around people and do not need to be enclosed behind a barrier or safety fencing. Due to their bui ..read more

Manufacturing is facing a workforce shortage that impacts productivity and profitability. Here’s how automation can help turn things around. Like many industries in the US at this time, manufacturing is facing a workforce shortage. There are multiple causes, ranging from hesitation to return to work due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to aging Baby Boomers retiring. Recent statistics illustrate the problem: According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) third quarter (2021) survey, one of the biggest challenges is “the inability to attract and retain a quality workforce.” And ..read more