Hanover has invested in the latest collaborative robot – or ‘cobot’ – systems to deliver significant benefits for customers that purchase its destination display technology.
It recently completed its second installation of ‘cobots’ to support its approach to bringing market leading innovation across manufacturing and quality control throughout the Hanover business.
Hanover introduced its first ‘cobot’ in 2018. It was used to enhance the supplier’s testing capability in partnership with Absolute Robotics. Since then, the technology has proved its worth. It has delivered pinpoint accuracy in the testing of processor and power supply boards, which are produced by the supplier as part of destination display systems.
Collaborative robots work alongside teams, interacting with humans in a shared space. They differ from traditional robots, which are designed to operate without human interaction and contact.
The ‘cobot’ installation process has been led by Hanover Operations Manager Sean Winter. He says: “’Cobots’ are transforming the way we deliver out testing service. Hanover has always been proud of its ability to provide reliable solutions to the passenger transport sector. That is reflected by the fact that we offer a 10-year warranty as standard.
“However, the introduction of ‘cobots’ has taken that to a new level, enabling us to further enhance our testing capability. They work to 50 microns repeatability and produce a report giving full traceability. It details when the product was tested and its test results.”
Adds Production Test Engineer Gaurav Bijlani: “The ‘cobots’ have improved our efficiency and processes, thereby creating a continuous improvement culture in collaboration with the quality assurance department to deliver a solution that takes us into the 21st century.
“The end result for our clients is even greater reliability, a faster turnaround for orders and the ability to draw on the positive benefits that the ‘cobots’ have delivered for our staff, who have been freed to operate in roles that bring even more innovation and support to the business.”
