Problem
In partnership with the Manufacturing Growth Alliance, the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan (EGI) first conducted indepth analysis by visiting Lyons Industries. There, it was discovered that Lyons Industries currently relies on workers to package, label and transport 50lb packaged product from the end of the manufacturing line to the appropriate location on the shipping floor. The process is currently highly reliant on a strong individual who needs to label and carry the 50lb part every 60 seconds. Furthermore, Lyons Industries was in need of an easy-to-use, worker independent material transportation system.
Solution
After evaluating multiple solutions, EGI and Lyons Industries determined floor robots would be the best long-term solution. These robots are key to reducing the human workload and improving the safety of the human operator. Additionally, floor robots can integrate with the existing production software and coordinate with a fully automated storage rack.
Implementation
The total project expense was projected to be over $600,000 over multiple years. MGA provided a grant of $10,000 to help Lyons Industries fund their project, and the manufacturing company implemented their first floor robot in 2022.
Outcome
This grant is a successful first step for Lyons Industries to reach their goal of automating a transport system that alleviates the need for individuals to carry a heavy load, and has inspired them to continue expanding this project well into the future.
Read the original case study here.