ARM Institute seeks manufacturers for next Robotics Manufacturing Hub cohort

The ARM (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) Institute is ready to work with its next cohort of manufacturers through the institute’s free Robotics Manufacturing Hub program. Funded through the New Economy Collaborative, the Pittsburgh region’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant, the ARM Institute’s Robotics Manufacturing Hub is a federally funded service that helps manufacturers assess, evaluate, prototype, and test robotics solutions at no cost. The ARM Institute has ten spots open for its second cohort; manufacturers should apply by November 22, 2024.

Through its first Robotics Manufacturing Hub cohort, the ARM Institute successfully helped manufacturers in the Pittsburgh region find automation and robotics solutions to improve their global competitiveness. The ARM Institute does this by performing a free automation assessment of the manufacturer’s operations, identifying where robotics can strengthen their operations or address a challenge, providing free testing and prototyping services for robotics solutions, and helping the manufacturer’s team get hands-on experience with the recommended solution so that their workforce is prepared to operate the system. If robotics is a fit, the ARM Institute provides a complete engineering package to the manufacturer and connects the manufacturer to the best-suited integrator to install the recommended system in their facility.

“Our Robotics Manufacturing Hub program is unique in that it provides a free resource to objectively evaluate whether a robotic solution makes sense for a particular manufacturing process,” notes Jay Douglass, ARM Institute COO, “We aren’t selling services, but instead acting as a neutral subject matter expert to ensure that manufacturers who do decide to invest in robotics receive the highest possible return after purchasing a robot.”

The first Robotics Manufacturing Hub cohort included Penna Flame, a third generation, family-owned and operated manufacturer that performs flame and induction hardening of steel parts, to determine if they could automate their packaging process. Prior to working with the ARM Institute, Penna Flame workers were manually lifting and packing cast parts that weighed thirty or more pounds. Penna Flame had an existing robot, but it was underutilized and needed further customization to take on the packaging task. The size and shape of the parts, the limitations of their current robot, and the need to coat parts with oil without impeding robot vision sensors created challenges to automating this process.

The ARM Institute’s Robotics Manufacturing Hub team identified and tested robotic end effectors that could withstand oil exposure, successfully maneuver the parts, and fit the static and dynamic load capacity of the existing robot. Ultimately, the Robotics Manufacturing Hub team selected an off-the-shelf air controlled magnetic end effector and modified it slightly to meet the manufacturer’s requirements. The Robotics Manufacturing Hub team also completed an engineering analysis to identify successful part pick up techniques and safe operating parameters for Penna Flame’s existing robot. The team then completed a proof-of-concept of a robotic oil dipping process vs. spray gun application to make the process a better fit for optimal robotic performance.

Following a successful demonstration at the ARM Institute’s Pittsburgh headquarters, the engineering solution (program code, bill of material, and calculations) was handed off to CapSen Robotics, a local ARM Institute Member company, so that the solution could be combined with CapSen’s AI software for automated picking and placing. Penna Flame is now actively working on installing the system.

“It’s been incredible to see how rapidly we went from not knowing if this was ever going to work to having them produce a proof-of-concept and a real, solid plan,” says Andrew Orr, vice president of Penna Flame.

By doing a proof-of-concept, this manufacturer was able to identify an issue with their current robot’s capabilities that would have significantly degraded expected performance and obtain a proven solution before ever purchasing additional equipment or software.

Read the full use case here.

Who qualifies and how to get started
Manufacturers qualify for these free engineering services, if they fit into the small and medium-sized range, defined as having 500 or fewer employees and less than $100M in annual revenue. Manufacturers must also be located in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, defined as the following Pennsylvania counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, or Westmoreland.

The ARM Institute completes these services at no cost for qualifying manufacturers without requiring a commitment to install any system. In addition to the institute’s in-house robotics engineering expertise, the ARM Institute also leverages the expertise of its 400+ national member organization consortium, which spans industry, government, and academia.

Manufacturers can get started by completing our form found on this page or by emailing RMHub@arminstitute.org. The ARM Institute accepts applications on a rolling basis, however, organizations that wish to be prioritized through participation in this second cohort should submit their interest by November 22, 2024. The ARM Institute has 10 spots open for its second cohort. When the ARM Institute opened applications for its first cohort, its pipeline of interested manufacturers filled within weeks of opening.

Even if a manufacturer doesn’t have a specific application in mind, they are encouraged to apply and take advantage of the free on-site consultation that will help identify opportunities to advance manufacturing with automation and robotics.

More about the process
Upon completing the interest form found on our website, the ARM Institute’s Robotics Manufacturing Hub team will work individually with the manufacturer. The process begins with a site visit to the manufacturer, which lasts 1 to 3 hours depending on the complexity and size. Following this visit, the Robotics Manufacturing Hub engineering team prepares a report that outlines potential applications for automation or an in-depth analysis of a manufacturing process and its compatibility for automation. As part of this assessment, the Robotics Manufacturing Hub team generates a technical and business requirements document that is provided to the manufacturer. This document also outlines the technical risks (if any) associated.

If the solution being sought is straightforward and available off-the-shelf, the ARM Institute will conduct a request for proposal to robotic system integrators working with the manufacturer.

If the solution is more complex or requires more customization, the ARM Institute will work with the manufacturer to perform a proof-of-concept through modeling and simulation leveraging equipment in the Robotics Manufacturing Hub. When working with the ARM Institute on a proof-of-concept, manufacturers will need to provide some parts and roughly 10 to 20 hours of their time working with the Robotics Manufacturing Hub team. Projects typically take 1 to 4 months depending on specific manufacturer’s needs and complexity. The ARM Institute also has many partners that provide support and training for workforce integration.