Project Details
[Return to Previous Page]Evaluate the feasibility of automating portions of our manufacturing process through robotic automation.
Company: Cardinal Systems, Inc.
Major(s):
Primary: IE
Secondary: ME
Optional: CMPSC
Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO
Intellectual Property: NO
Company Background Cardinal Systems Inc., celebrating their 50th year in business, is a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of steel wall, vinyl-lined swimming pools. Our manufacturing operations include heavy gauge sheet metal forming and fabrication, extruded plastic products, thermoforming, packaging, and assembly. As we continue to improve efficiency and remain competitive, we are exploring opportunities to incorporate advanced robotics into our manufacturing operations. Summary Cardinal Systems Inc. respectfully requests Penn State's consideration of a collaborative project to evaluate the feasibility of automating portions of our manufacturing process through robotic automation. Our company currently owns four (4) Yaskawa GP180 industrial robots that were purchased for a previous automation project. Unfortunately, that project was never completed due to the vendors’ unexpected closure, leaving the robots unused but fully available for future applications. Rather than investing immediately in system integration, Cardinal Systems seeks Penn State's assistance to conduct a comprehensive simulation, manufacturing assessment, and return-on-investment (ROI) analysis. The results of this study would provide the technical and financial information needed to determine whether a phased automation project is justified and to establish a roadmap for future implementation. Project Objective The purpose of this project is not to implement robotic automation immediately. Instead, we seek Penn State's engineering students’ assistance in evaluating how our existing robotic assets could be effectively integrated into our manufacturing processes. Specifically, we are requesting a comprehensive engineering study that includes; Evaluation of current manufacturing operations, identification of processes suitable for robotic automation, digital simulation of proposed robotic work cells, process flow analysis, cycle-time modeling, throughput analysis, preliminary robotic cell layouts, identification of required tooling and peripheral equipment, capital cost estimates for implementation, return-on-investment (ROI) analysis, and phased implementation recommendations. The completed study would provide Cardinal Systems with the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding future automation investments. Conclusion Cardinal Systems Inc. believes this project presents an excellent opportunity to combine Penn State's expertise in advanced manufacturing and industrial engineering with a practical application. By evaluating the deployment of four existing Yaskawa GP180 robots through simulation and engineering analysis, Penn State can help us determine the technical and financial feasibility of robotic automation before implementation. The resulting study will provide a roadmap for modernization while minimizing investment risk and maximizing the value of existing assets. We appreciate your consideration and welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal further. We look forward to exploring how Penn State and Cardinal Systems can work together to advance manufacturing innovation in Pennsylvania.
