Robotics for SME:s

Small and medium sized manufacturing companies require more flexibility and easy-to-use robot automation to strengthen their competitiveness. In the project Robotics for SMEs we spread knowledge about robotics, help with investment analysis and the development of flexible robotics solutions.

The project encompasses everything from training and prestudies to conceptual projects. Everything is focused on the development of industrial robotics for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

- Robotics for SMEs is our flagship, says Ingemar Reyier, head of Robotdalens core area Industrial robotics. This project has been underway since our start in 2003. Over the years, we have built up a stable foundation of expertise, business contacts and resources.

The model for the project is based on among other things, getting out and helping businesses by showing them what can be done in robotics today. This is conducted with the help of students and researchers. Of the more than 200 pre-studies carried out, approximately 50 percent have resulted in ideas being implemented in companies. Input from the remaining 50 percent constitutes a wide base of needs and ideas for Robotdalen to address on the short or long term.

- When it comes to conceptual studies we usually start out with companies that either
have a technology or a specific need that requires development, says Ingemar Reyier.
”If we see that it has potential and is a good area in which to invest, we proceed to come up with new conceptual solutions. Sometimes more research is needed to go further, which results in new research projects.

Flexible solutions for increased competitiveness

The purpose of the Robotics for SMEs project is to help small and medium-sized enterprises in various ways, to apply robotics in their production. By means of pre-studies and training, Robotdalen conveys basic knowledge and support to help the companies see their possibilities when it comes to investing in robotics and automation.

- The courses we offer are important in this context and have a large number of participants, says Ingemar Reyier. We approach enterprises within the manufacturing industry interested in bolstering their expertise in robotics automation. The courses may cover for example, how to order a robot, basic knowledge on robot automation as well as robot servicing and maintenance.

In conceptual projects, new flexible robotics solutions are developed, adapted to meet
the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. One example of a conceptual project is IBC Robotics’ product IBA, used to clean containers by ice blasting.

- In our projects, we cooperate with companies such as ABB and Prevas AB, and in
collaboration with Mälardalen University, Örebro University and Linköping University,
says Ingemar Reyier. “Together, we clear the path for businesses striving to gain greater competitiveness and more flexible solutions. All is done so that small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to make the most effective use of robotics.