Benefits of using the Meca500 in the automotive industry

While automotive robotics is often associated with large robots, small and easy-to-integrate robots like Mecademic’s are increasingly popular in the production, inspection, and testing of automotive parts. Such robots have become the answer to the increasing need for quality, capacity, and flexibility in automotive manufacturing processes. Mecademic’s reconfigurable robots accommodate today’s demand for product diversity, facilitate installation and operation of automation systems, and guarantee product consistency. Although there are many benefits to choosing Mecademic robots for manufacturing in the automotive industry, these are a few of the key ones:

Reduced infotainment testing downtime and footprint

Infotainment systems require rigorous testing and inspection to ensure end-user safety. However, accomplishing this with minimal downtime can be a challenge. Meca500 robots are easy to integrate, require no maintenance, and can be quickly and easily swapped. They are also small, affordable, and can be mounted in multiple orientations, making them ideal for use in multiple work cells. Commission the robots to perform hardware and software test cycles for touch-screen test radio networks, Bluetooth-smartphone connectivity, seat controls, and more. Simply integrate them with any high-resolution cameras of your choice as well as end-effectors that simulate multi-touch gestures.

Improved production output and part-to-part repeatability

Since many automotive applications run 24/7, inconsistency in an automation system’s performance or human error can lower throughput. Meca500 robots minimize such issues by creating consistent cycle times and processes. They have a 5-micrometer repeatability that reduces part-to-part variability, delivering flawless results with each cycle. Pair them with a vision system to detect variations in materials and adapt their motions accordingly. Meca500 robots can run 24 hours a day with zero maintenance, securing additional production output.

Automating low volume and changing tasks with minimal financial risk

 The automotive industry requires automation solutions that are reconfigurable to frequently changing tasks, life cycles, and new part programs. Unlike other solutions that need to be scrapped or redesigned each time production changes, Meca500 robots are easily re-deployable at little to no cost. They are simple to integrate with existing automation platforms, infrastructure, equipment, and MES systems. Pair the robots with flexible tool changers to facilitate switching from task to task, as well as vision systems to process a variety of parts.

Common applications of the Meca500 in the automotive industry

pick and place

 Mecademic robots often perform high-speed pick and place tasks for assembly applications at Tier 1 / Tier 2 automotive suppliers.

testing and inspection

Their compact form factor, ease of integration, and flexibility make Mecademic robots an ideal and cost-effective automation solution for testing and inspection. The robots are an especially good fit for applications featuring frequent product changeovers.

functional testing in environmental chambers

 Switches and push buttons meant to be used in automotive are subjected to intense functional testing, often featuring millions of cycles at temperatures ranging from -40℃ to +85℃. Such repeatable testing requires highly flexible automation solutions.

The Meca500 six-axis robotic arm offers significant benefits for the automotive industry, including reduced infotainment testing downtime and footprint, improved production output and part-to-part repeatability, and automating low-volume and changing tasks with minimal financial risk. With their compact form factor, ease of integration, and flexibility, Meca500 robots are an ideal solution for a variety of applications in industries that must meet high quality and consistency standards, like the automotive industry, but also the medical and aerospace industry too.

Learn more about Mecademic’s Meca500