Robot Cell Established at Filter Manufacturer in Just 14 Days
Sigma
SIGMA Research & Development Institute is a leading research, development and production institute based in Lutín, Czech Republic. Among the institute’s core products is particle filters for the effective protection of life and health. The SIGMA brand is at the forefront of respiratory protection and reliably prevents threats to human life and health in various sectors. Its particle and anti-gas filters offer high filtration efficiency for capturing dust and liquid particles, bacteria, viruses, industrial gases, and aerosols.
Filtering Out Inefficiency
“ACAM Solution has been in the field of industrial automation for many years, but never during all the time of our operation had I experienced such an urgent need for automation than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” states Pavel Bortlik, CEO of ACAM Solution, Czech Republic. “It brought me joy to know that I could count on my team and our business partners, and that our joint efforts could help.”
Central among those business partners on this critical project was FANUC, which was also keen to offer its expertise and technologies in the fight against the virus.
Petr Duchoslav of FANUC Czech says: “When the COVID-19 pandemic came to the Czech Republic, our thoughts, just like those of everyone else, went in one direction: how can we help?”
Lukáš Zavadil
Director - SIGMA Research & Development Institute
When the SIGMA Research & Development Institute reached out, via FANUC’s integration partner ACAM Solution, with a request to help it accelerate the production of particle filters, there was no hesitation.
“We decided to provide assistance by lending FANUC robots, including the necessary support,” says Duchoslav. “At the same time, we conceived this project as an opportunity to show Czech companies that, whatever the challenging circumstances or conditions, it’s possible to produce competitively thanks to automation and robotisation.”
In total, five FANUC robots took up residence at the SIGMA Research & Development Institute, among which is the popular LR Mate 200𝑖D/7L industrial robot. Two of the five robots are collaborative models, including the FANUC CR-7𝑖A/L. With joined-up thinking and a synergistic, co-operative approach, realisation of the automated cell took just 14 days.
“A unique robotic workplace arose thanks to cross-company co-operation,” confirms Lukáš Zavadil, “The FANUC robots reduced the risk of spreading the virus among personnel, while at the same time increasing our production of protective filters in difficult times.”
In fact, with the help of FANUC robots, production throughput at the SIGMA Research & Development Institute climbed by two-thirds (66%).
“As a result, it was possible to maintain a supply of protective equipment for the Czech Republic’s integrated rescue network, including hospitals, workplaces and other institutions,” says Zavadil. “I was utterly satisfied with the approach of ACAM Solution and I’m particularly grateful to the technology partners on this important project.”
Bortlik concludes: “The distinctive essence of this project was that a team of great technicians from ACAM Solution and top-quality suppliers managed to join together in record time for a good cause.”
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