Page 44 - EDM Today Winter 2025

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EXPERT’S
CORNER

Automation’s Future…

The handwriting is on the wall, the use of automation is here to stay and will continue to grow out of necessity to
overcome workforce shortfalls. The implementation of smaller and more cost-effective cobot style robots will remain
on an upward trend, but automation itself is also going through a digital revolution, and this includes both software
and hardware elements.

In the not-so-distant future, the use of autonomous wheeled robots will become mainstream, as these systems are
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starting to emerge now. These future systems will utilize the familiar 5- & 6-axis robot arms, but the key revolutionary
factor is that the robot arms are mounted to an unrestricted and unguided wheeled mobile base. This change signi-
fi es a less obstructive and more friendly human-robot work environment, as these new systems eliminate the extra
costs of linear rail or overhead track infrastructure along with their restrictive safety guarding.

Autonomous wheeled robots will have the ability to move about the shop freely, enabling them to potentially service
any equipment in the shop – see Figure 10. Our machines still require specifi c robot interface hardware that estab-
lishes communications with the robot cell control system, but special robot access doors might not be necessary.
Safety remains a top priority, and these new autonomous robot vehicles will integrate multiple sensors that will halt
its movement when in close proximity to a person or obstruction.
With the introduction of new automation technologies, the
cell control software that drives and monitors the system
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will also require enhancement. Technology is progressing
forward to make the Smart Factory dream a reality, which
includes more data collection, more tracking and reporting,
and enhanced process monitoring. Cell control software
today is the “brains” and operating command post of running
automated systems, so their use and capabilities will only
expand to become an even greater integral part of our future
manufacturing process.

In Conclusion
Figure 10
The turtle and the rabbit…does extensive optimization with an experienced and highly skilled operator yield the
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required output without automation, or does implementing automation with a standard-level process that maximizes
unattended operation yield the needed output? Every shop’s situation and skill sets are different, but which form do
you believe will produce the most consistent productivity for your operations? Such as the turtle…sometimes the
dependable slow and steady method does fi nish the race!
Even with a complex or fi nely tuned automation system, companies still require a proper dose of Vitamin O…for
Operator. Robot automation systems are again just tools in our manufacturing arsenal that are only effective when
a proper plan is prepared and executed. It is a necessary and continual exercise to evaluate and address your shop’s
bottleneck area. The answer might not always be to add robots with automation, as sizeable gains can be achieved
by improving program and process methods, work holding, and scheduling.

We must ultimately determine a way to maximize machine utilization to yield greater productivity…working
smarter - not harder, but stated differently, we must fi gure out how to get more work done with less direct
manpower! Automation technologies is most defi nitely part of the answer, but a competent and capable operator
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EDM Today Magazine • Cell Control Software – EROWA and System 3R
Images Courtesy of EROWA Technologies EDM Today Magazine
is still the primary element for success that drive the core process!
Sources:

Images Courtesy of GF Machining Solutions - System 3R
iStock Photo #1367967285
• Automation Matrix
• Linear Rail Robots – EROWA and System 3R
iStock Photo #1337186557
• Single-Sided Robot – System 3R
• Autonomous Factory Robot

• Cell Control Software – EROWA and System 3R • Robot (x2) Machines – System 3R
• Cobot - Belmont
• Double-Sided Robot – EROWA
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• Linear Rail Robots – EROWA and System 3R
• Safety Zones - EROWA
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