Newsletter

	Why should you PM your robots?
	Case Study: Hi-Lo Manufacturing Co.
	PRI Mentors F.I.R.S.T. Students

Why should you PM your robots?

Preventative Maintenance (PM) can help prevent future maintenance problems. With time and use, just like your vehicle, your robots experience wear and tear. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward increasing your robot's life span.

Batteries - not changing your robot's batteries can have catastrophic results. Checking and changing batteries eliminates costly down time due to memory loss and/or loss of programs. Scheduled backups can save a lot of time.

Grease - over time, the viscosity of grease in the axis can degrade. Changing it regularly reduces the chance of burning out a harmonic, drive or motor. Using the proper grease is extremely critical.

PM Schedule - so how do you know how often you should PM your robots? As a general guideline, your robot should be serviced by a qualified service person yearly and a complete PM performed for optimum performance and longevity. We can help you set up a maintenance schedule based on your particular needs.

Call PRI Robotics at 763-559-2115 or email our service department at service@prirobotics.com to schedule your robot PM. You'll be glad you did!

Case Study: Hi-Lo Manufacturing Co.

Client: Hi-Lo Manufacturing Co.
Location: Brooklyn Center, MN

Problem: Hi-Lo has been utilizing robots for over 10 years in CNC machine load/unload applications processing a few different parts. Their product mix changed and they needed help to redeploy some of their robots for new part requirements.

Solution: Hi-Lo contacted PRI to assess their needs to help meet their schedule requirements. PRI's design team designed end-of-arm tooling for the new part and Hi-Lo manufactured the components per PRI's design in order to save time and money. Then, PRI assembled the new gripper, integrated it into their existing robotic cell and reprogrammed the robot and the camera vision system.

Outcome: The robot is back into production working 20 hours a day or more as needed without taking any breaks or time off.

PRI Mentors F.I.R.S.T. Students

The FIRST Program is a nonprofit organization with a vision to encourage participation in science and technology.

Justin Garski, a Senior Robotics Engineer at PRI Robotics, was excited when he was asked to be a part of the program this year. "The kids get to have hands-on experience and get their hands dirty - not just run a computer."

The FIRST Robotics Competition introduces high school age students to the exciting world of engineering. Teams of 15-20 students, along with their mentors work through a series of classes and team-based activities. Then, it's time for the game.

Each team is given a kit of parts, and they have six weeks to take that kit of parts and solve a problem. They employ both offensive and defensive tactics to knock out their competition. In the end, one team wins by out-engineering the others.

FIRST Robotics Competition depends on volunteers who are passionate about engineering, like Garski, who says, "it's always fun to give back to the community, especially when it benefits the industry down the road."

For more information, visit www.usfirst.org.