MES Inc. Advises Robotics OEMs to Secure Manufacturing Strategies Amidst Record Robot Demand
In the face of unprecedented growth in the robotics industry, MES Inc. is stepping up to emphasize the significance of early-stage manufacturing decisions. As robotics companies transition from prototype development to mass production, the Ohio-based sourcing and supply chain firm underscores the need for emphasis on structural aluminum components. With over 500,000 industrial robots installed annually for the fourth consecutive year, the demand for thoughtful production strategies is pressing.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, industrial robot installations hit approximately 542,000 units in 2024, showcasing a remarkable increase compared to a decade ago. The total operational fleet surged to about 4.66 million units, reflecting a steady 9% growth year-over-year. This rapid expansion indicates that the robotics market is not just a trend, but a massive, enduring segment of the global economy.
A crucial aspect often overlooked in robotics design discussions is the importance of mechanical components. MES Inc. states that regardless of advancements in artificial intelligence software, these systems rely extensively on high-quality mechanical parts. Each robotic platform typically encompasses 20 to 40 specific aluminum parts, which include not just joint and actuator housings, but also motor encasings, gearbox casings, structural frameworks, and enclosures for both batteries and electronic systems.
Hiten Shah, the founder of MES Inc., draws a parallel with the electric vehicle (EV) industry, where initial focus was heavily placed on battery technology to the neglect of manufacturing logistics. Companies that prioritized structural components early in their design processes were able to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase production consistency. Shah warns current robotics players that a similar fate awaits those who delay attention to their physical manufacturing needs. By making proactive choices regarding structural components now, developers can avoid costly retrofits and streamline production processes down the line.
At lower production volumes, robotics teams typically employ machining methods to rapidly create parts, but as the production scales to tens of thousands, the strategy must evolve. Robotics manufacturers must switch to methods such as die casting, extrusion, and forging. Each of these methods introduces unique engineering challenges, and MES Inc. has identified five critical pitfalls facing developers as they attempt to scale:
1. Porosity Control: Ensuring components can withstand years of cyclic loading without failure.
2. Thin-Wall Geometries: Reducing weight while maintaining robust structural integrity.
3. Tolerance Stack-Up: Managing the complexity of multi-axis assemblies where parts meet and connect.
4. Alloy Selection: Balancing the desired performance characteristics with ease of manufacturing.
5. Tooling Lead Time: Risks of production schedules being outrun by tooling costs and timelines.
Brad Layne, MES's Engineering Manager, emphasizes that the sequence of process selections significantly influences cost and risk. Depending on the component's requirements, methods like high-pressure die casting, extrusions for linear members, and forging for fatigue-resistant joints may be more appropriate. Subsequently, CNC machining is often leveraged to meet final tolerances.
Success in these areas depends greatly on making the right decisions before final design approval. Identifying problems early can translate to significant time savings and smoother production ramp-up.
MES Inc. supports agencies in the robotics business through its comprehensive offerings, including aluminum die casting, extrusion, forging, and precision CNC machining. A globally distributed supplier network and early design review for manufacturability further bolster its value proposition to clients.
The team at MES regards the ongoing surge in robot demand as a watershed moment, asserting that now is the time for robotics companies to adopt a forward-thinking approach towards manufacturing. Their insightful analysis titled "Robotics Is the New EV" further elaborates on these concepts, highlighting the urgent need for sound manufacturing strategies in the evolving robotics sector.
For more detailed insights, MES Inc. invites you to explore their comprehensive report available at www.mesinc.net/robotics-is-the-new-ev.
The Current Landscape of Robotics
According to the International Federation of Robotics, industrial robot installations hit approximately 542,000 units in 2024, showcasing a remarkable increase compared to a decade ago. The total operational fleet surged to about 4.66 million units, reflecting a steady 9% growth year-over-year. This rapid expansion indicates that the robotics market is not just a trend, but a massive, enduring segment of the global economy.
The Role of Aluminum Components
A crucial aspect often overlooked in robotics design discussions is the importance of mechanical components. MES Inc. states that regardless of advancements in artificial intelligence software, these systems rely extensively on high-quality mechanical parts. Each robotic platform typically encompasses 20 to 40 specific aluminum parts, which include not just joint and actuator housings, but also motor encasings, gearbox casings, structural frameworks, and enclosures for both batteries and electronic systems.
Hiten Shah, the founder of MES Inc., draws a parallel with the electric vehicle (EV) industry, where initial focus was heavily placed on battery technology to the neglect of manufacturing logistics. Companies that prioritized structural components early in their design processes were able to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase production consistency. Shah warns current robotics players that a similar fate awaits those who delay attention to their physical manufacturing needs. By making proactive choices regarding structural components now, developers can avoid costly retrofits and streamline production processes down the line.
Transitioning from Prototype to Production
At lower production volumes, robotics teams typically employ machining methods to rapidly create parts, but as the production scales to tens of thousands, the strategy must evolve. Robotics manufacturers must switch to methods such as die casting, extrusion, and forging. Each of these methods introduces unique engineering challenges, and MES Inc. has identified five critical pitfalls facing developers as they attempt to scale:
1. Porosity Control: Ensuring components can withstand years of cyclic loading without failure.
2. Thin-Wall Geometries: Reducing weight while maintaining robust structural integrity.
3. Tolerance Stack-Up: Managing the complexity of multi-axis assemblies where parts meet and connect.
4. Alloy Selection: Balancing the desired performance characteristics with ease of manufacturing.
5. Tooling Lead Time: Risks of production schedules being outrun by tooling costs and timelines.
Brad Layne, MES's Engineering Manager, emphasizes that the sequence of process selections significantly influences cost and risk. Depending on the component's requirements, methods like high-pressure die casting, extrusions for linear members, and forging for fatigue-resistant joints may be more appropriate. Subsequently, CNC machining is often leveraged to meet final tolerances.
Success in these areas depends greatly on making the right decisions before final design approval. Identifying problems early can translate to significant time savings and smoother production ramp-up.
A Partner in Manufacturing
MES Inc. supports agencies in the robotics business through its comprehensive offerings, including aluminum die casting, extrusion, forging, and precision CNC machining. A globally distributed supplier network and early design review for manufacturability further bolster its value proposition to clients.
The team at MES regards the ongoing surge in robot demand as a watershed moment, asserting that now is the time for robotics companies to adopt a forward-thinking approach towards manufacturing. Their insightful analysis titled "Robotics Is the New EV" further elaborates on these concepts, highlighting the urgent need for sound manufacturing strategies in the evolving robotics sector.
For more detailed insights, MES Inc. invites you to explore their comprehensive report available at www.mesinc.net/robotics-is-the-new-ev.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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