In a significant development for the industrial automation sector, Kawasaki Robotics Inc. has partnered with Olis Robotics to integrate state-of-the-art remote monitoring and error recovery technology into their robotic systems. This collaboration marks a pivotal shift in how industrial robots are managed and maintained, promising to drastically reduce downtime and enhance efficiency across various industries.

Pioneering Remote Robot Monitoring and Recovery

Kawasaki Robotics, known for its robust and versatile industrial robots, has joined forces with Olis Robotics, a leader in remote error recovery technology. This partnership is set to transform the operational dynamics of robotic systems by enabling faster production restarts, slashing troubleshooting and downtime costs by up to 90%, and facilitating swift access to expert support.

Olis Robotics’ innovative technology allows users to connect directly to their Kawasaki robots via an on-premises device, ensuring a secure and reliable connection. This system is designed to prioritize physical safety by adhering strictly to the robot controller’s safety restrictions, thus maintaining a secure environment for both the machinery and the operators.

Live Demonstration at MODEX 2024

The practical applications and benefits of this partnership were vividly displayed at MODEX 2024 in Atlanta, where Kawasaki and Olis Robotics showcased their integrated technologies. Attendees witnessed a cutting-edge robotic corner board system, which included a mixed palletizing and depalletizing cell equipped with a Kawasaki RS007L robot. This setup demonstrated the robot’s capability to stabilize pallets efficiently, a critical function in logistics and warehousing operations.

The system featured Olis Robotics’ software, which alerted users to any operational disruptions, such as unexpected stops or failures in picking or placing items. In the event of a system failure, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the technology, using Olis to perform remote error recovery. This hands-on demonstration highlighted how quickly and effectively the system could return to full operational status, minimizing downtime.

Strategic Benefits and Industry Impact

Paul Marcovecchio, Director of the GI Business Unit at Kawasaki Robotics, emphasized the transformative impact of adding Olis’s remote monitoring capabilities to their robots. “This is a game-changer for the market,” Marcovecchio noted, explaining that the technology caters to a broad spectrum of industrial applications, from small end-users to complex, AI-driven operations in large plants. The partnership addresses critical user concerns such as cybersecurity and the ease of retrofitting existing machines, making advanced robotics more accessible and manageable.

Fredrik Ryden, CEO of Olis Robotics, pointed out that the durability of Kawasaki robots, combined with the advanced capabilities of Olis’s remote support, offers significant value to end-users and integrators alike. The technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also enables integrators to expand their service offerings more rapidly, potentially increasing their business growth by up to 25%.

Enhancing Cybersecurity in Robotics

A critical component of this partnership is the enhanced cybersecurity measures integrated into the remote monitoring systems. As industries increasingly rely on digital technologies, protecting sensitive data and operational integrity becomes paramount. Olis Robotics has developed advanced encryption and secure communication protocols to ensure that all interactions with the robotic systems are protected from unauthorized access, thereby safeguarding industrial operations against cyber threats.

Future Prospects and Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Olis and Kawasaki plan to extend their technological advancements to a broader range of robotic applications. The versatility of Kawasaki’s robotics combined with Olis’s remote capabilities is expected to open new opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and even healthcare. These developments are poised to further automate complex processes, reduce human error, and increase production efficiencies.

The Olis remote monitoring and error recovery solution will be available across all Kawasaki robot models starting in the second quarter of 2024. This rollout will likely set a new standard in robotics automation, with both companies poised to lead the way in innovation and efficiency.

About Olis Robotics

Olis Robotics has been a frontrunner in automation technology since its inception as a spinout from the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Lab in 2013. Building on decades of telerobotics research in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and NASA, Olis has established a robust platform for the remote operation of industrial robots, enhancing the capabilities and reach of automation technology across industries.

About Kawasaki Robotics

Kawasaki Robotics brings over half a century of expertise in automation and robotics solutions. With a commitment to quality and customer support, Kawasaki offers a diverse array of robot models designed for high performance and flexibility across different applications.

This partnership between Kawasaki Robotics and Olis Robotics not only reflects the evolving landscape of industrial automation but also underscores a shared commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence. As industries continue to embrace automation, the collaboration between these two leaders is set to redefine the standards of robotic operations, making them more efficient, secure, and adaptable to the needs of modern manufacturing and logistics.