The whole team from Mechtech Automation Group is thrilled to announce that we won the ‘Best Use Of Robotics’ award at the IMR Manufacturing and Supply Chain Awards 2022 for a recent machine tending project installed in one of the world top medical device manufacturing companies based in Ireland.

John Walshe, Business Develpment Manager for Mechtech Automation Group Ireland, attended the event, and recieved the award from Adrian Gubbins, Business Unit Manager at Mistubishi Electric.

The ‘Best Use of Robotics’ highlights the company that has demonstrated how a robotics solution can maximise the competitive advantage of a manufacturing facility across Ireland.

John Walshe stated “I am incredibly proud of the whole team at Mechtech Automation Group, and this award signifies our dedication to providing the very best in Lights Out Manufacturing to the Irish audience.”

Tony Parker-Watkins, Sales Director at Mechtech Automation Group comments “winning the ‘Best use of Robotics’ award is a huge privilege, and positions Mechtech Automation Group as a Smart Manufacturing supplier of choice for the Irish market and beyond.”

Tendapod XL was designed to be a smart factory, flexible manufacturing, machine tending solution, capable of tending multiple machines (dual tending) within a line process.

The product incorporates a feature rich HTML5 and CSS3 application HMI display with embedded documents and video, putting training videos and manuals at the operators’ fingertips. The control system allows for full connectivity for to customers ERP and data management systems and can be viewed remotely via any PC, laptop table or phone. Ease of use was most important to us.

Fanuc provided simulation support to ensure the reach and robot movement was not hampered by the compact footprint and the simulations resulted in a 7th axis design to maximises reach.

The configurable tote stacking system allows continuous loading/unloading of totes without machine cycle interruption to maximise run time, and an optional ‘pod slide system’ provides an innovative solution to the issue of access with side loading machine tending applications. The system allows for batch prioritisation and fully control of product flow through the system.

Finally, the machine is designed to be AMR ready, supporting the original design intent of making this a truly smart factory solution. A digital twin was created to simulate the production environment and ensure our customers’ requirements were achieved before any metal was cut.

If your business is ready for a Smart Factory transformation, Mechtech Automation Group can help. With over 30 years’ experience, Mechtech Automation Group is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading providers of standard and bespoke automated robotic solutions.