Better robotic manufacturing predictability

The enhancements add strength for PLM integration and introduce a next generation process planning and simulation capability. “With the addition of a number of capabilities, including robotic and controls simulation tools,” said Dick Slansky, senior analyst for PLM, ARC Advisory Group, “manufacturers can shorten product launch cycles while providing production systems for shop floor to enterprise integration. The result for manufacturers will be their ability to accelerate their product time to market while implementing agile and flexible production systems.” Said Ziyon Amram, vice president, Digital Manufacturing Solutions, UGS. “Organizations can quickly identify the best strategies and make the necessary adjustments to boost productivity, lower costs and improve quality with more predictable processes. Companies performing typical general assembly tasks — such as authoring, sequencing, simulation and validation of assembly operations — then producing shop floor documentation, will see an immediate benefit.”

Manufacturers need a way to achieve smooth, rapid production ramp-up through better design and implementation of robotic and automation processes. Often times this needs to take place before the factory or lines have been built. This requirement is the driving force behind Process Simulate Robotics, the next generation robotic and automation process planning and simulation tool introduced with Tecnomatix 8. “Process Simulate Robotics has given us the ability to examine the impact of material handling alternatives in the overall line throughput,” said Michael Jarosevits, of Reis Robotics, a leading worldwide provider of Robotic solutions headquartered in Obernburg, Germany. “Being able to predict what our line cycle time would be in a complex production environment provides us with significant competitive advantage.”