Olis Robotics is set to unveil its most advanced remote diagnostics solution for industrial automation at IMTS 2024 in Chicago, from September 9-14. The latest update to the Olis system introduces robust new PLC capabilities, enhancing its ability to offer comprehensive diagnostics for entire industrial cells. This new functionality allows for detailed video and telemetry-based diagnostics, enabling technicians to swiftly and remotely identify and address issues such as robot failures, thus significantly reducing downtime and allowing integrators to handle more projects.
Expanded Monitoring and Diagnostics
Olis’ upgraded features now cover the full range of industrial cells, from PLC to robotic grippers, including associated conveyors and hardware. The enhanced Olis software allows users to monitor and set alerts for various runtime parameters through the PLC, including I/Os, registers, and custom tags. This expansion supports functions such as measuring Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), monitoring cycle times, and detecting faults.
Fredrik Ryden, CEO of Olis Robotics, notes, “The PLC often holds critical diagnostic data needed to understand unplanned downtime causes. Our new PLC capabilities provide real-time access to this data, effectively completing the diagnostic loop for industrial automation systems.”
Live Demonstrations at IMTS
At IMTS, attendees can experience the new PLC features live by remotely accessing a machine tending cell in Seattle via a tablet PC at Universal Robots’ booth #N 236131. The new PLC capabilities are tailored for Rockwell Automation’s Allen Bradley PLCs and are compatible with robotic arms from Universal Robots, Kawasaki, and FANUC, with plans to support additional brands in the near future.
Empowering Integrators
The PLC manages all robot operations and logic for the cell, and its ability to detect and diagnose failures is crucial. Bill Ordakowski, Sales Engineer at Olis Robotics, remarks that early users of the new PLC functionality feel “unstoppable” due to the reduced downtime and enhanced control it offers. Integrators appreciate the extended breadth of remote monitoring and diagnostics provided by PLC access.
Addressing Complex Challenges
Steve Solack, Controls Engineering Manager at Mission Design & Automation, highlights the challenge of diagnosing failures in complex automation cells. Access to crucial diagnostic data via Olis’ interface streamlines problem-solving, reduces required expertise, and lowers downtime costs.
Supporting Future Growth
Kilen Multop, IT Director at Kaitech Automation, views Olis as pivotal for the company’s expansion. With plans to deploy numerous robot cells, including for a major retailer, Olis helps Kaitech manage rapid growth, track cell performance, and ensure smooth automation deployment and management.
For end users, Olis’ new PLC capabilities not only cut downtime costs but also help maintain and enhance production throughput. For instance, users can set alerts for low feeder levels in applications like robot-assisted bolt insertion, enabling timely refills and preventing production disruptions.
