The combination of optimization software and engineering insights reduces cycle time
Boston-based software and hardware developer Realtime Robotics has launched an Optimization-as-a-Service (OaaS) program to help manufacturers increase productivity. Ther service pairs optimization software with evaluations regarding robotics and application engineering to analyze a customer’s simulation CAD file or digital twin. Realtime then identifies areas of concern and slowdowns and suggests paths for a customer to improve their manufacturing process.
Realtime’s OaaS removes the need for the engineers to engage in manual programming that may not reduce cycle time. In addition, users will quickly learn if a programming change will achieve the desired goal, without impacting existing processes or incurring extra costs.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, Germany is currently utilizing Realtime’s OaaS to improve the cycle time in a two-robot cell that welds car doors for the ID. Buzz, an electric minibus that will arrive at dealers in 2024. The interaction between Realtime and Volkswagen began with the auto manufacturer sending Realtime its simulation CAD file for bottlenecked cells. This step did not require Volkswagen to slow or stop production.
Realtime then analyzed Volkswagen’s simulation file and determined that optimization was possible. Next, Realtime rapidly generated, tested and validated potential robot paths to determine the best motion sequences. This process took weeks, but Volkswagen was then able to perform a single shutdown and incorporate the improvements. The result was a reduction of cycle time by several seconds, which ultimately led to 15 percent productivity improvement overall.
“Our Optimization-as-a-Service offering delivers results when you cannot spend months squeezing more productivity out of your automation cells. It has the potential to forever change how manufacturing operations are conducted, optimizing for improved speed and efficiency, without interrupting existing processes,” said Peter Howard, CEO of Realtime Robotics, in a press release.
Realtime was founded to change the movement of robots and autonomous vehicles. It is currently assisting customers with improving risk-aware driving, high-productivity multi-robot workcells, and automated robot vision that continuously calibrates itself. Realtime partners with HLS Engineering Group, a Gersthofen, Germany-based engineering firm that develops sustainable production solutions in plant construction and engineering. HLS focuses on the bodywork sector of the automobile industry. It also offers solutions to the rail vehicle and aerospace industries, the field of assembly technology, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs), and robot-based automation solutions.
