Automation and robotics
Cells, lines and equipment that keep up with the cycle every day.
What it's about
A cell always works at acceptance testing. The real test comes later: at the thousandth cycle, when the gripper loses a tenth of repeatability, when a limit switch gets fouled with coolant, when the operator removes a guard because it's awkward to refit and nobody notices for six months.
We design with that moment in mind: access for maintenance, gripper repeatability, quick format changeover and guards that go back on without cursing. These are details you don't see in a quote, and they decide the plant's output for the next ten years.
We have designed handling systems and line equipment for automotive plants, special machines for machining aerostructure components and process equipment for the environmental sector: structures, mechanisms, grippers, pneumatic actuation and complete manufacturing drawings.
What it includes
Sizing, not catalogue picking
The difference between a cell that keeps the cycle and one that goes into alarm almost always lies in sizing done on real data rather than on the size recommended by the supplier.
Machine safety
Safety isn't added at the end: it changes the layout, distances, access points and often the cycle time. It must be set up together with the concept, because redoing a fence after installation costs ten times more.
We produce the risk assessment, the guard layout, the distances and the mechanical part of the safety functions, and we work with those in charge of the control panel and software to verify the performance level. We do not carry out electrical commissioning or robot programming.
Interfaces: who does what
Automation is a team effort and most delays arise at the interfaces, not in the individual parts. That's why the scope is written down before starting.
| Activity | The studio | Integrator | Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell layout and 3D model | Responsible | ||
| Manufacturing drawings and component list | Responsible | ||
| Pneumatic diagrams, envelopes and connection points | Responsible | ||
| Risk assessment and safety file | Responsible | Support | |
| Sensor position and type | Responsible | Responsible | |
| Handshake signals, sequence and alarm handling | Responsible | Responsible | |
| Control panel and wiring | Responsible | ||
| PLC and robot programming | Responsible | ||
| Construction and mechanical assembly | Support | Responsible | |
| Start-up and fine-tuning | Support | Responsible | Responsible |
Retrofit and revamping
Working on a running plant is different from designing from scratch: the survey is worth more than the archive drawing, which almost never matches what was built. We start by measuring what's there.
- On-site surveyDirect measurement of envelopes, interfaces and critical dimensions, with photographs and a check on the actual condition of components.
- Analysis of the modificationWhat changes compared with the original configuration and whether the modification affects the machine's conformity.
- Design of the interventionNew parts designed to fit onto the existing ones, with minimal plant downtime and assembly possible within the available hours.
- Documentation updateRevision of drawings, bill of materials, risk assessment and manual, because the modified machine must remain documented.
How we work
- Needs analysisPart, rate, positioning tolerances, available space, constraints of the existing plant and indicative budget.
- Concept and layoutOne or more concept solutions with envelopes, working area, cycle time estimate and main commercial components, to choose before modelling.
- Detailed designComplete 3D model, checks on travel, collisions and interferences, component sizing, pneumatic diagrams and manufacturing drawings.
- Safety and documentationRisk assessment, guards, distances, technical file and operating and maintenance manual.
- Start-upSupport during assembly and fine-tuning, handling of changes arising on site and updating of revisions.
What you receive
Images
FAQ
Do you also do the control panel and programming?
No. We design the mechanics and pneumatics, define the interfaces and signals, and coordinate with your integrator or electrical department. This keeps responsibilities clear and leaves you free to choose your electrical partner.
Can you work on a machine that is in production?
Yes, and it's an important part of the work. We start from an on-site survey because archive drawings almost never match what was built, and the intervention is designed to fit within your downtime window.
How do you estimate the cycle time before building?
From the elementary movements and the characteristics of the chosen actuators, with an openly stated margin. If the rate is critical to your business case, we move to a dedicated kinematic simulation before committing the budget.
Who signs the cell's declaration of conformity?
The machine manufacturer or whoever assembles the whole. We produce the risk assessment, technical file and manual that support it, but the signature and responsibility remain with whoever places it on the market.
Do you work with a particular robot brand?
No, and we have no agreements with any manufacturer. The robot and components are chosen on the application's requirements and on what you are already equipped to maintain, not on a commission.
How much does a cell cost?
It varies too much to give a figure here: it depends on the part, the rate, the degree of automation and how much already exists. With a twenty-minute call and a few photos of the area we can give you an order of magnitude and tell you whether the project makes economic sense.
How we work together
This service is activated with one of the three collaboration options: a closed per-project job, a monthly bank of hours as an external technical office, or a one-off job with a narrow scope. The option is chosen together at the offer stage, depending on how well defined the work is.
We start from what you already have
A drawing, a photo, a specification or even just the problem described in words: that's enough for a first concrete answer.