Posted to News on 18th Jun 2008, 20:51
Kuka to show robots for aerospace applications at Farnborough
More aero component makers need to invest in automation if they want to maintain their competitiveness by achieving higher levels of productivity and quality while lowering costs. And, according to Kuka Automation + Robotics, there has never been a better time to invest in robotic production systems, as they are not only more flexible and reliable, but also more affordable.
Visitors to the Farnborough International Air Show (14-20 July 2008) will be able to learn more about the advantages of automation at Kuka's stand A4 in Hall 4. The Robocoaster, the world's first passenger-carrying robot, will make its show debut at stand OE19, near Hall 1.
Kuka states that, currently, the UK has one of the lowest ratios of robots per employees in the world with only 40 robots for every 10,000 staff, whereas Japan and Germany have 320 and 150 robots, respectively.
Gary Taylor, Kuka's aerospace sales manager, explains: "There are no barriers to automation, especially as improved software, vision systems and mobility mean the latest generation of robots and systems is even more flexible. The trend towards shorter product life cycles has dictated better flexibility for equipment. In response, manufacturers such as Kuka have developed robots that can be reprogrammed and redeployed any number of times.
"Emerging technologies such as adaptive control also make it possible to use six-axis robots for drilling and machining processes that were previously the domain of CNC machines."
Relative costs reduced
With the price of robots falling and their relative performance increasing, Kuka estimates that a robot purchased today costs less than a quarter of a similar model bought 20 years ago. At the same time, the price of hardware relative to labour costs has also declined and today's compact robots with smaller installation footprints now take up less valuable floor space.
Taylor continues: "Automation offers a raft of value-added benefits including higher productivity rates, rapid payback, better quality, fewer wasted consumables and the removal of downstream corrective rework or rejects. Robots also improve working environments by undertaking routine or repetitive tasks, removing employees from the presence of heavy machinery, hand tools and the risk of handling heavy weights.
"All these factors add up to important opportunities to improve competitiveness in the market place. Robots can efficiently and reliably automate a vast array of processes at a time when aero component makers are under growing pressure to find alternative solutions to stay one step ahead of their competitors."
