3 TASC Topics That Touch on Automation Considerations for Job Shops

Automation is reshaping manufacturing, and amid an ongoing labor shortage, it is essential for machine shops to understand the possible benefits of automating machining processes to expand capacities and apply this knowledge to their situations.

At The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) in Novi, Michigan, on October 10 and 11, job shop personnel will have the opportunity to join a lineup of industry experts to discuss these topics and learn more about where automation can fit into their processes. Here are a few automation-related topics machine shops should learn more about, each of which will be covered in-depth:

1. Getting Your People Onboard

Automation can be a polarizing topic. The negative perception is that it could eliminate human jobs, which can cause some uneasiness when the idea is discussed. The other side of the argument is that automating certain tasks allows employees to specialize in more value-added work. Several presentations from TASC speakers will cover not only how to prepare staff for automation and get machinists comfortable working alongside automation, but also how robots can play a key role in employee retention.

2. You Have to Start Somewhere

Automation in a job shop can look different on a case-by-case basis. It could simply mean having an automatic pallet changer that swaps out one pallet for another as jobs are completed. It could also take the form of machine-tending robots that load and unload parts or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) used for material handling. In his presentation on the second day, FANUC’s Larry Marino will discuss why collaborative robots (cobots) are the first choice for many small and medium-sized companies.

3. Is Automation Worth the Investment?

No matter where a shop decides to start its automation journey, it needs to know if the investment is paying off. Calculating ROI for automation will be discussed in-depth during TASC, with presenters covering how lights-out manufacturing can make you money, as well as hidden factors in calculating the ROI of robots.

Visit the TASC website to register or learn more about the presentation agenda.