

#LIGHTS OUT MANUFACTURING OFFLINE#
Offline programming allows operators to create and adjust programs outside of the production environment without the robot, further limiting human interaction. Robot transfer units enable robots to automate a whole sequence of applications with the ability to move about production floors. Industrial robots can be integrated with track systems or RTUS, which allow them to travel between workstations or transfer parts from one side of the factory to the other. This allows the M710ic/50 to operate without supervision. Vision allows the FANUC M-710ic/50 to make adjustments on its own during operation, avoiding the need to have an operator reprogram it when changes occur. Robotic technologies such as vision systems and force sensors provide robots with sensory feedback for greater autonomy. While the FANUC R-2000ib can take over assembly and material tasks from workers. The Yaskawa Motoman MA1900 can automate arc welding and plasma cutting. Making Lights-Out Manufacturing Possible with RobotsĪs mentioned above, six axis robots are the most common automation method for lights-out manufacturing since they can be used for just about any manufacturing application.

Lights-out manufacturing facilities feature production floors with articulated robots such as the FANUC Arcmate 120ic or the Motoman MA1400 instead of workers. Robotic automation is the most common way to convert to lights-out manufacturing as industrial robots can perform many of the same production tasks as humans. Fully automated factories can be made possible through the use of industrial robots, machines such as CNC machines, or a combination of both. The term “lights-out” was coined as these facilities can actually run with the lights off, twenty-four hours a day, since they solely rely on automated equipment for productions. It involves fully automating productions to eliminate or severely limit the need for human involvement.

Lights-out manufacturing is a newer methodology, but it is piquing the interest of many companies especially as automation continues to improve. In fact, many companies are looking to move towards lights-out manufacturing. Limiting human interaction with manufacturing processes has been the trend for quite some time and now many factories consist of more automated equipment than humans. Manufacturing has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of automation. The continuing advancement of technology has led to the expansion of automation.
