San Francisco-based Bright Machines, which develops software and robotic cells to automate product assembly and inspection in factories, has launched a new Microfactory-as-a-Service model.
Designed to made it easier for manufacturers to procure and deploy next-generation factory automation, the model, called Bright Machines Select, reportedly “brings the benefits of software-defined manufacturing to manufacturers without the upfront costs associated with traditional automation equipment purchasing”.
According to the company, the model’s “simplified financial evaluation, budgeting and contracts also removes friction and streamlines the purchasing process for manufacturers looking to deploy intelligent automation to improve their lines”.
Bright Machines’ software-defined microfactories, introduced in June 2019, combine adaptive robots, machine learning and computer vision to provide “a modern, software-defined approach” to assembly automation.
Bright Machines said the economics of Bright Machines Select helps enable companies challenged by labour constraints to meet production demands using “market-leading automation” at a cost comparable to using human operators.
“At Bright Machines, our goal is to democratise how products get manufactured so that eventually, anyone, anywhere can get something made efficiently and cost effectively,” said Amar Hanspal, CEO, Bright Machines.
“While some manufacturers prefer the traditional model of buying expensive hardware, Bright Machines Select offers a more inclusive service, which combines hardware and intelligent software without high capital costs, putting factory automation within the reach of even more manufacturers.”
In addition to simplifying the automation procurement process, assembly lines can be managed and reconfigured to meet new business or market demands, while manufacturers can choose to renew, redeploy or return their microfactory after its initial term is complete.
Furthermore, Bright Machines Select comes with standard components of a Bright Machines microfactory including Brightware for configuration and data monitoring, one or more robotic cells, standard material feeding and transport systems, and support.
Want to learn more about how automation is transforming factory operations? Robotics and Automation – the UK’s largest dedicated robotics and automation exhibition – takes place on the 3rd and 4th November 2020 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. Register your interest now at www.roboticsandautomation.co.uk
