Panorama antennas automates dull, repetitive screwdriving task with raruk automation and vikaso

British company Panorama Antennas has automated one of its assembly tasks with a collaborative robot (cobot) solution. The company develops and manufactures innovative and fit-for-purpose antenna solutions and wireless communication products. Using a Universal Robots cobot paired with the Robotiq Screwdriving Solution, Panorama Antennas has automated a dull, repetitive assembly task. The solution was provided by leading robotics and automation distributor RARUK Automation and integrated by Universal Robots Certified Systems Integrator (CSI) VIKASO.

The Application

Panorama Antennas wanted to automate a monotonous screwdriving process which involved securing screws onto a cover panel of a network antenna.

“The primary reason for integrating a robotic arm into the assembly process was to increase quality through a uniform, repetitive assembly process, whilst at the same time enabling the company to redeploy the assembly operators to higher skilled tasks such as soldering, connector assembly or RF testing.” Explains Mark Jesman, Operations and Supply Director at Panorama Antennas.

For the application, Panorama Antennas chose the UR5e cobot arm from Universal Robots, combined with the Robotiq Screwdriving Solution. VIKASO also provided its V-CAP URCap software plug-in and V-EYE remote access and monitoring solution, which includes a camera module.

The UR5e is the second smallest cobot model in Universal Robots’ range of 6-axis robotic arms. With a payload capacity of 5 kg, the UR5e is the ideal choice for low-weight collaborative processes such as pick-and-place or screwdriving. The robot’s small footprint makes it easy to integrate into existing production set-ups.

“Universal Robots is the market-leading manufacturer of cobot arms, and they have a solution that fit our requirements.” Says Jesman. “The Robotiq screwdriver was chosen because it is easy to deploy.”

“We used the Robotiq Screwdriving Solution for our project. The equipment is very easy to use, and our integration process was quite straightforward.” Concurs Vaibhav Boricha, Director at VIKASO.

Robotiq offers out-of-the-box solutions for a range of applications including palletising, machine tending and screwdriving. The Screwdriving Solution includes a screwdriver end-effector for the robot, as well as a screw feeder. Utilising vacuum technology, the robust solution can pick screws of almost any material.

The Automation Process

As Universal Robots’ Top Global Distributor, RARUK Automation provides robots in three ways: just the robot, an out-of-the-box solution or by referring the customer to an integrator for additional support. VIKASO is a Universal Robots Certified Systems Integrator (CSI) and frequent integration partner of RARUK Automation. Panorama Antennas and VIKASO met in the middle for this application, explains Boricha:

“VIKASO has taken a very different approach with this project. Our core business is providing turnkey solutions. However, this collaboration with Panorama Antennas only required us to develop the application whilst they did the programming and testing.”

“RARUK Automation put us in touch with VIKASO.” Says Jesman, describing the process. “VIKASO has a supportive team that were able to help us build the solution we required and carry out the training so that we were able to programme and operate the equipment with minimum support.”

The Outcome

The result has been positive for Panorama Antennas, as the company has successfully deployed a robotic screwdriving cell at its London facility. The efficient, reliable solution ensures consistent product quality. Despite initial hesitation, Panorama Antenna’s staff have embraced the change.

Jesman says: “Initially the assembly operators were anxious and apprehensive because they felt the robotic arm was going to take away their jobs, but after training and understanding the vision for this equipment they have embraced it as an asset to their process.”  

Automating the screwdriving station has enabled Panorama Antenna’s skilled workers to focus on more complex, rewarding assembly tasks. After the successful deployment of the screwdriving cell, Panorama Antennas is looking to implement more robotic solutions.

“We are looking to replicate this process at our subsidiary sites, and we also have various other processes that we are looking to automate.” Concludes Jesman.