Impact Robotics introduces new-generation robots to Australia

Globally, as a result of the significant impact by disruptive technologies, manufacturing is changing, and Australia is no exception. Flexible automation has become a priority in plants around the world as companies seek new and cost-effective ways of responding to dynamic customer requirements.

The latest generation of collaborative robots (‘cobots’) is now available in Australia and New Zealand following the release of Rethink Robotics’ Sawyer robot by Impact Robotics, the exclusive ANZ distributor of the revolutionary ‘Sawyer’ and ‘Baxter’ robots.

While Impact Robotics has already delivered and installed Baxter cobots into some of Australia’s leading warehousing companies, Sawyer has just been launched, following months of global anticipation from buyers domestically and internationally, supported by strong local pre-orders.

Sawyer’s release coincides with the federal government’s recent innovation statement in which it gives a commitment to spend almost $1.1 billion over the next four years to promote development and innovation.

Unlike traditional manufacturing robots, cobots are designed to work side by side and interact with humans with a reduced need for protective infrastructure. Baxter and Sawyer were built from the ground up to work safely next to people in production environments, without caging. This means Sawyer and Baxter can much more easily be moved and repurposed to whatever section of the facility they’re needed in at any time.

A further benefit is that the robots can be quickly set up and trained by staff who don’t have coding knowledge or a computer programming background. Rethink’s groundbreaking Intera platform is an intuitive software platform that allows non-technical staff to train the robots.

While many owners elect to set up their cobots using easy-to-follow features, Impact Robotics’ Application Engineers can also assist if required — Sawyer and Baxter can be unpacked, set up and carry out simple tasks within just a couple of hours.

Impact Robotics General Manager David Birnbaum said that collaborative robots such as Sawyer and Baxter could potentially deliver a great many benefits to small, medium and large companies as he talks about on-shoring and the many production industries that Australia can and should support.

“These cobots are designed to drive cost efficiencies and improve productivity and safety. Sawyer and Baxter offer a cost-effective technology solution for repetitive or dangerous process tasks, freeing up valuable human resources for more value-added and complex tasks,” said Birnbaum.

“The technology can be integrated with other automation processes. Other suitable applications include case packing, kitting and line loading and unloading to name but a few.”

According to Birnbaum, feedback from Australian customers using Baxter has been extremely encouraging, with Sawyer expected to deliver similar benefits.

“Our Australian experience thus far has been overwhelmingly positive with customers reporting notable efficiency gains and short equipment payback times,” he said.

“Even at a conservative measure of a single shift per day, payback is extremely attractive, but the benefits are compounded when the cobots are operated over double or triple shifts.”

Birnbaum said the technology had the potential to assist Australian manufacturers remain competitive on global markets.