Realtime Robotics, a company specializing in autonomous motion planning for industrial robots, has announced the launch of its Optimization-as-a-Service solution. This new service is designed to enhance productivity in manufacturing by optimizing robot paths and interlocks.
Recently, Realtime Robotics’ service was applied in a proof-of-concept project with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, Germany. The project aimed to improve the cycle time in a robot cell involved in welding car doors for the electric vehicle, ID. Buzz. By analyzing Volkswagen’s existing digital twin, Realtime Robotics identified bottleneck areas and recommended improvements without halting or disrupting ongoing production. Their solution reportedly resulted in a reduction of cycle time by several seconds for the automotive manufacturer.
The CEO of Realtime Robotics, Peter Howard, stated that their service offers a solution for manufacturers looking to improve productivity without the lengthy process of reconfiguring automation cells. The service is said to be capable of rapidly generating and testing numerous potential robot paths and determining optimal motion sequences based on various parameters, including robot reach and target assignment.
Realtime Robotics’ process involves customers sending their simulation CAD files of the bottlenecked cells to the company. Their engineers then apply proprietary algorithms and expertise to optimize the workcell, with a claim of reducing cycle times through improved paths and sequences. The results, once validated, can be immediately implemented on the production floor.
This service is positioned as a solution for manufacturers seeking to enhance efficiency in their automation processes without the need for significant interruptions to existing operations.
