IEN: What are the major concerns facing automation, and how can they be addressed?
Zywiol: Cost has become one of the chief obstacles to automation solutions. In spite of dramatic cost reductions in robotic systems, ROI targets have been based upon beating offshore labor costs, an extremely difficult target. Innovations described below have provided increased value, and lowered manufacturer costs.
IEN: What innovations are in store in software, systems, intelligent field devices, digital manufacturing, customization, optimization, and other areas?
Zywiol: Major investments are being made in Robotic Intelligence. Specifically, 3D vision and force-sensing applications are becoming more prevalent in robotic applications. These technologies have become enablers to lower manufacturing costs by reducing fixturing, and solving difficult assembly tasks, which require advanced manual dexterity.
IEN: How much progress has been made in preventing software and hardware debugging issues? Installation challenges?
Zywiol: Simulation and optimization software tools have been developed to reduce installation time and increase the success rate of automation projects. Entire robotic systems can be simulated, including offline programming of robot paths, cycle times, interferences, and floor space requirements, prior to the installation of any hardware.
IEN: What advances do you see in open standards and data sharing?
Zywiol: Automation controls components have taken advantage of Internet technologies to provide more open access to critical real-time data. For example, FANUC Robotics offers a browser-based teach pendant, which can connect to a network of robots, and other PC devices in a plant environment. Operators can retrieve production, operations, or diagnostic information directly at the teach pendant. Individual robot controllers act as Internet servers in this innovative architecture.