At Suburban, we're always striving to enhance both our products and processes to ensure a top-notch experience for our customers. We aim to consistently surpass their expectations, and a significant part of achieving this involves ongoing improvements in our automation processes. Our Automation Engineer, Zach Schmitz, recently shared insights into how a new robotic addition is helping us meet our goals! --- **What role does automation play at Suburban?** Automation is a vast field, and at Suburban, we employ it in various ways. For instance, we use automation systems to improve testing processes for quality control, monitor pressure and speed settings on sewing machines, and handle the loading and unloading of parts into our CNC machines. These systems not only boost efficiency but also ensure precision and consistency. --- **How is automation integral to our core values?** *Craftsmanship:* Great automation leads to exceptional quality assurance. Built-in inspections during production, such as machine probing within the CNC, vision checks, and weight measurements, guarantee that only the best parts move forward. Any part failing automatic inspection is flagged for further quality testing. *Can-Do Attitude:* Automation is driven by imagination. If it can be envisioned, it can be built. My favorite mantra is, “I can make it do anything you want—it just needs clear instructions.” *Collaboration:* Automation demands teamwork among everyone involved in a machine’s workflow. By automating repetitive tasks, skilled individuals can focus on enhancing processes and creating innovative solutions. *Curiosity:* Suburban thrives on pushing boundaries. Investing in automation reflects our commitment to exploring new horizons and optimizing current practices. --- **Tell us about the new robot.** The newest member of our team is a Fanuc CRX20iA / L collaborative robot, fondly named "Romeo." This cobot can lift and move objects weighing up to 20 kg (approximately 44 lbs), ensuring safety alongside human workers. We chose Fanuc because of its robust payload capacity, allowing us to automate tasks involving heavier components. --- **What excites you most about the new robot and why was it selected for this application?** As an automation engineer, I picked Fanuc cobots due to their user-friendly programming interface, even for non-programmers. Given our small team and limited staffing, it was crucial to select a system that’s easy to learn and teach. This ensures seamless operations without constant supervision. Machinists love features like the "spinny wheel" for precise movement along the X, Y, and Z axes. Since my primary goal is training operators to program robots, choosing a system familiar to them was essential. Fanuc fit the bill perfectly. Moreover, as someone who started as an operator, my mission is to ease the workload of those on the shop floor. By identifying opportunities for process optimization, I aim to improve their daily experiences. --- **How will the new robot impact day-to-day processes?** Once "Romeo" proves itself on its initial task, it will eliminate the need for skilled machinists to manually load and unload parts into the CNC. This shift will free up valuable resources to focus on refining other processes, designing new programs, and addressing labor shortages. Unlike human workers, "Romeo" doesn’t require breaks or distractions. It operates efficiently around the clock, adding over five hours of productive runtime daily. Additionally, when its vision system is integrated, it will transition between machines to handle diverse parts seamlessly. --- **How will this new addition benefit our customers?** By reducing downtime and increasing in-process quality checks, customers will enjoy shorter lead times and enhanced product reliability. Lower labor costs and higher output may translate into cost savings passed onto clients. --- **Where do you see innovation and automation heading at Suburban?** In light of global labor shortages, automating tasks has become increasingly vital. Collecting data from machinery across the factory floor will help identify areas for improvement. Fewer operators will be needed, enabling greater productivity. Increased automation empowers employees to focus on skill development, fostering growth both professionally and personally. It helps uncover hidden talent and drives innovation. If you’re ready to transform your ideas into reality, reach out today to discover how Suburban can bring your vision to life!

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