Baxter as a Product Testing Assistant

I was walking around our building the other day and went into an area where we are doing long-term testing of software that we have written for a custom machine. With this particular machine there are two mechanical features that have to be pushed in from time to time to simulate an operator’s interaction. The software engineer who had set up the test was busy working on other software and found it bothersome to stop what she was doing to keep tending the machine. When she would forget, the machine cycle would stop.

The software engineer brought one of our Baxter robots over to the machine and in a few minutes Baxter was taught the task. Now the long-term test can proceed, the software engineer is happy, and Baxter seems happy having a worthwhile task to perform!

This is one of the great features of the Baxter robot from Rethink Robotics: You think of an application where Baxter could be useful and in a few minutes have Baxter performing the task. Baxter is handy to have around!

ONExia, Inc.
Greg Selke
C.E.O.
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Rethink Robotics Introduces Intera 3

BOSTON (June 19, 2014) – Rethink Robotics today announced Intera 3, a major upgrade to its advanced software platform. With Intera 3, Rethink Robotics doubles the performance and expands the abilities of Baxter, one of the first human-safe robots. Rethink Robotics’ latest software makes Baxter work twice as fast, with twice the precision previously possible.          

Intera 3 demonstrates the power of software to deliver continuous innovation more quickly and frequently, adding ever-increasing value to Rethink Robotics’ inexpensive robot.  It represents a game-changing approach to automation in manufacturing—moving robotics from fixed to flexible—with software–driven robots that adapt and evolve.  As the software advances, Baxter’s capabilities will continue to expand, even as the physical robot remains the same—debunking the age-old idea that hardware improvements are required to enhance performance and ability.

“We’ve told our customers that our robots will get better and better through software,” said Scott Eckert, CEO at Rethink Robotics. “If you haven’t seen Baxter lately, you need to take another look, thanks to the innovation delivered by our software platform, Intera.” 

With Intera 3, Baxter’s skill set immediately expands to a broader range of applications, including:

• Tending to machines such as CNC lathes, ultrasonic welders and press brakes

• Packing and unpacking of parts and components

• Line loading and unloading

•  Kitting

The software will be available for all existing Baxters, and all new production beginning in mid-July.  

“We needed a more flexible automation solution that can quickly and easily be modified to meet the fluctuating demands of our customers,” said Scott Borthwick, production supervisor at California-based Kaiser-Permanente Optical Lab. “With Rethink Robotics, the software makes it possible for our team to train Baxter on new tasks as they arise, with no loss of productivity.” 

Rethink Robotics’ industry-leading combination of advanced software and robust hardware brings the future of interactive robotics to market now. For manufacturers and distributors, interactive robots which can work side-by-side with humans are a workforce multiplier, freeing up human labor to focus on work best performed by people. Industry leaders in automotive, plastics, electronics, consumer goods and other markets are already deploying Rethink Robotics’ Baxter, gaining new flexibility and productivity.  The resulting integrated workforce delivers lower costs, increased agility in responding to market and demand fluctuations and additional resources for fueling innovation – all contributing factors to competitive advantage.

“Automation is a critical part of our strategy to drive continuous innovation,” said Andy Hill, manufacturing manager at Missouri-based King Innovation. “Rethink Robotics’ software-driven Baxter supports our efforts in this mission, with ongoing advances in what the robot can do.”

ONExia is the Rethink Robotics Distributor for the Mid Atlantic region. For more information please visit onexia.com/baxter.  

Baxter Robot Gets New Software

Rethink releases Intera 2.1 Software for the Baxter Robot

Rethink Robotics announced today that they are releasing the latest version of software for the Baxter robot, which they are calling Intera 2.1.

See the release here:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rethink-robotics-launches-intera-21-for-manufacturing-innovation-256527201.html

As we previewed earlier in our “Wow!” blog post, this software up-grade significantly improves Baxter’s ability to meet human cadence rates and provides greater precision in handling parts and tasks.

In the news release, Scott Eckert, CEO at Rethink Robotics is quoted as saying, "Interactive robot technologies like Baxter are redefining the modern workforce so that safe, affordable robots can work side by side with people to make companies of all sizes more competitive.  Intera provides the platform to drive this innovation,"

Baxter is ready to go to work!

Contact us today to see how Baxter can improve your productivity and free up your employees for higher and greater tasks. We have a special introduction to the Integra 2.1 software scheduled on May 14^th at the Embassy Suites in Cockeysville, MD. Or, contact us for a private demonstration.

Greg Selke
CEO ONExia Inc
Linkedin

Wow!

ONExia represents some of the best manufacturers in the Motion Control and Industrial Control industry. Some products occasionally receive software up-dates as small improvements and bug fixes occur. Rethink Robotics, the manufacturer of Baxter, is an exception where a tremendous amount of work is going in to both improving the operation of Baxter and greatly adding to the tasks that this robot can perform.

Yesterday afternoon we had a “Wow!” moment at ONExia as we tested a Beta version of the next Baxter software release. We tested Baxter on a move that previously would have taken as much as 15 seconds to complete. The improvements in this new software revision have that same move down to 6 or 6-1/2 seconds, with improved accuracy! Baxter will now be able to work at a true human cadence, especially over sustained time. Applications that Baxter could not do in the past due to throughput will now be possible.

Please contact us if you would like to see Baxter in person, running this new software release. Also, ask about the special promotion valued at $7,000 being offered through the end of March.

Greg Selke
CEO ONExia Inc
Linkedin

Technology Review - Datalogic Vision Systems

Are you looking to add vision to you current machine automation process or looking to upgrade to a newer system? We offer the solutions to do both. Our feature machine vision partner Datalogic offers a complete selection of standalone smart cameras and vision processors designed to make integrating vision a simple and cost effective process.

Smart Cameras

Datalogic Smart Cameras

Smart cameras are stand-alone industrial digital cameras with built-in controls and software for processing images. Smart cameras are used for a wide variety of applications including inspection and quality control, position and orientation, robot guidance, and many others. Models are available with image resolutions and features to match any application.



Vision Processors

Datalogic Vision Processors

Vision processors  are general purpose, industrialized machine vision inspection systems that allow for incredible flexibility in programming. With a wide range of available high-resolution cameras, vision processors can deliver the right solution for general purpose machine vision needs or specific application inspection requirements. Models are available to control up to 4 digital cameras and a variety of processors up to the powerful Intel® Core™ i7 quad-core microprocessor.

For more information on machine vision solutions visit onexia.com/datalogic or contact one of our engineers to discuss your potential application.

Tim Pelesky

Marketing ONExia Inc

Linkedin

A Delta Robot with Open-Architecture Controls Capability

Codian D4-500 Robot

ONExia is representing an exciting new Delta Robot from Codian Robotics. Available in 2, 3, and 4 axis versions with over-all reaches up to 1.5 meters, the Codian Robots cover a wide range of very high performance applications. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Codian Robots is the open-architecture controls capability. Codian Delta Robots can be controlled by Allen Bradley PLCs,  Delta Tau servo controllers or other popular controls.

You can see a Codian Delta Robot in operation at ONExia's Robots in Motion Open House.

The Robots in Motion open house will be held on Wednesday, February 26th from 10 AM until 2 PM. Come anytime to enjoy some refreshments and interact with some of the latest Robotics technologies.

For more information go to onexia.com/robotics

Greg Selke
CEO ONExia Inc
Linkedin

ONExia Robotics In Motion - Open House 2/26/2014

As a follow up to our recent blog titled "Picking the Right Robot", we are going to have some interesting Robot technology on display next week at our Robots in Motion open house. At the high-performance end of the spectrum we will have a Delta-style Robot from Codian Robotics controlled by an Allen Bradley PLC, and an Articulated Arm Robot from Denso.

In the "no programming required" area we will have a ONExia ONEreach Cartesian Robot and the fantastic Baxter from Rethink Robotics.

Also on display we will have adaptive Grippers from Robotiq and Smart Cameras from Datalogic.
The Robots in Motion open house will be held on Wednesday, February 26th from 10 AM until 2 PM. Come in any time to enjoy some refreshments and interact with some of the latest Robotic technologies!

For more information visit: onexia.com/robotics

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

Buying Baxter from ONExia

Rethink Robotics Baxter

ONExia is going above and beyond the normal sale when it comes to purchasing a Baxter. We will review the potential application and make sure that Baxter will be capable of completing every task to the best of its ability.

Services offered by ONExia:

Presale

• ONExia will test application to make sure it is something that is best suited for Baxter.
• The application will be documented and recorded for further review of the engineers at ONExia.
• Results and feedback will be provided to customer to review.
• If application and results fit a quote will be delivered.

After Sale Support

• ONExia will be there on the day of to assist in intial setup.
• Full training will be provided for those purchacing a Baxter.
• ONExia will troubleshoot all issues and provide warranty repairs.

Additional Services

Custom End Effector

• Additional training.
• ONExia will troubleshoot and repairs that come up out of warranty.
• Facilitate Use of Baxter
• ONExia has the capabilities to build conveyors, grippers, and gripper modifications.
• Tooling to facilitate parts placement and other products and services is also available.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

Picking the Right Robot

Denso Robot

Robots can be used to automate manufacturing lines of all sizes and volumes. The main goals of using robots are to accelerate cycle times, increase throughput, and eliminate bottlenecks on a line. Each type of robot has its pros and cons so selecting one is based on what works best in the application with regards to time and budget.

An evaluation must be done of the application. The main things to consider are load, orientation, speed, travel, precision, environment, duty cycle and programming.

1.   Load.  This can limit which robotic solutions are available right away. Consult the manufacturer’s specs to each robot to see if it something the robot can handle. Heavy payloads can deflect a robotic arm making it harder to consistently position the load with accuracy.

2.   Orientation. This depends on how the robot is mounted and how it situates parts or products that are being moved. Space within the work envelope must also be considered. The main goal of this is to match the robot’s footprint to the work area.

Codian Delta Robot

3.   Speed and Travel. Similar to load robot-manufacturers also list speed ratings. If the application being considered is pick and place, the amount of time during part transfer must be given heavy consideration. Cartesian robots will typically best fit in this application when distance is a factor because they can be customized externally by length and internally by using faster actuator components (belt, linear, ball screw, etc.).

4.   Precision. Delta, SCARA and six axis robots have a predefined accuracy rating making it easy to determine their repeatability of movement. Although this is ideal for some applications it can lock the user into one level of accuracy. A Cartesian robot once again can be customized if necessary for better precision. Also consider deflection. Heavy payloads = tougher success with precision.

5.   Environment. Three main things need to be considered: space available in work envelope, hazards and environmental situations. Overhead mounting is a good option in limited space or pick and place applications. For environmental issues many robots are available in an IP65 model.

ONEreach Cartesian Robot

6.   Duty Cycle. This depends on the user’s intent. A robot running 40 hours a week will have a longer lifespan than a robot running 24/7. Robots have varying maintenance schedules so finding one that limits downtime but has a long run life is essential.

7.   Programming. The most suitable robot for an application also depends on the requirements for controls and programmability. Typically the most basic controls are available with a Cartesian robot because of the simplicity of the design. Articulated, Delta and SCARA robots require more advanced functions which results in more time implementing them into action. Another thing to consider is communication with external additions such as an end effector, tool or vision system.

Robots are becoming a necessity in any automation application and can show an impressive ROI within weeks of implementation. For more information visit onexia.com/robotics or contact one of our engineers to discuss your potential application.

Tim Pelesky

Marketing ONExia Inc

Linkedin

Is There a Robot in Your Distribution Future? - Article from Modern Materials Handling

The following is an excerpt from an article written by Bob Trebilcock, Executive Editor for mmh.com entitled  "Is There a Robot in Your Distribution Future?"

The article takes a look at the use of Rethink Robotics flagship robot Baxter being used in the Genco Distribution Facility in Ft. Worth, Texas.

"If a new process for handling consumer electronics continues to deliver results, the future of materials handling may include a striking red robot with big digital eyes, bushy digital eyebrows and a quizzical expression that makes you want to smile.

At Genco’s campus in Ft. Worth, Texas, Baxter, as the robot is known (Rethink Robotics), is working side by side with team members on a packaging line. The campus includes 1 million square feet of distribution space spread across three buildings and handles the return, repair and refurbishment of consumer electronics products such as cell phones and GPS navigation systems.

In this process, employees load four products—one at a time—into a form that goes into the sealer. When they come out the other side, Baxter picks and places four packages at a time on a takeaway conveyor that delivers them to the next step in the process.

Why the interest in piece-picking robots? “The cost and flexibility of the technology has lowered the barriers to entry for robotics,” says Jeremiah Miele, a Pittsburgh-based project engineer who is leading Genco’s robotics efforts. Read more about how Baxter works in this facility.

“There’s an ability to do things with robotics that didn’t exist five or 10 years ago,” adds Pete Rector, executive vice president of technology and lean solutions for Genco. “We think it’s just a matter of time before robotics are mainstream in materials handling. It’s going to happen faster than people think.”

Read the rest of the article at mmh.com (Modern Materials Handling) and see how Baxter is revolutionizing the Genco facility.

Link to full Article: http://www.mmh.com/article/is_there_a_robot_in_your_distribution_future

Tim Pelesky

Marketing ONExia Inc

Linkedin

ONExia is now partnered with Codian Robotics

Codian Robotics supplies high speed pick & place robots that do not run on a dedicated robot control system. The gearboxes and servo motors are mounted on the robot's frame and all other moving parts have a lightweight construction. This allows the robot to be dynamic and fast.

Codian robots use the control system of the customer, eliminating the need for a duplicate control system. Through this unique feature, they meet the needs of a growing demand from the market, to have one integral control system for the machine. In turn, purchase price, maintenance costs and physical space are saved. At the same time no communication is required between two control systems of different manufacturers.

Codian robots are supplied with planetary gearboxes. If required servo motors are included. Codian Robotics does not depend on working with a specific brand, but instead works with suppliers of servo motors and control systems worldwide.

Codian robots are specifically suited for the packaging industry as well as for the food and pharmaceutical industry. The Codian robots have existed since 2002 and were built by a manufacturer of robot lines. There are over 1000 robots world-wide in use.
On June 1, 2011, Codian Robotics was established as an independent company.

For more information on Codian Robotics visit onexia.com/codianrobotics

Tim Pelesky

Marketing ONExia Inc

Linkedin

Rethink Robotics Launches Baxter 2.0 Software

BOSTON, MA, – September 23, 2013 – Rethink Robotics today announced a game-changing update to the software of the company’s flagship interactive production robot, Baxter. The 2.0 software will introduce a new set of applications, making Baxter an even more effective productivity tool for American manufacturers. Existing customers will be able to easily download the new software and upgrade their Baxter robot.

Baxter is now able to pick and place parts at any axis, allowing the robot to perform a broad array of new tasks, such as picking objects off of a shelf, or loading machines in a horizontal motion. The 2.0 software also allows the customer to define waypoints with increased accuracy; users will be able to define the exact trajectory that they want Baxter’s arms to follow simply by moving them. For example, the robot can be taught where to move its arms in and out of a machine. In addition, the 2.0 software enables customers to train Baxter to hold its arms in space for a predetermined amount of time, or until a signal indicates they can begin moving again. This makes Baxter useful for holding parts in front of scanners, inspection cameras or painting stations, and for working more interactively with other machines (i.e., moving its hand out of a machine while it cycles).

In addition to its expanded task capabilities, Baxter with 2.0 software also features a number of overall performance improvements. Baxter can now operate at a significantly faster pace, pick and place objects with increased consistency and move more fluidly between points. With improvements to its integrated vision, Baxter now has the ability to detect and distinguish between a broader range of part geometries, further broadening its capacity for variably shaped objects.

“Over the past year, our customers have seen increased productivity and efficiency with the help of Baxter,” said Scott Eckert, president and CEO of Rethink Robotics. “While Baxter’s 2.0 software will greatly expand the possibilities for both new and existing customers, this release is just the beginning. Baxter is a unique, upgradable software platform, and the robot’s capabilities will continue to evolve to help manufacturers increase their overall efficiency, and help them realize an even greater return on their investment over time.”

“Baxter’s ability to expand its capabilities make it a unique and invaluable platform,” said Jeremiah Miele, Project Engineer for Genco, a leading third party logistics (3PL) provider. “We’ve been running Baxter for a while, and with the 2.0 software upgrade we’re able to unlock new applications for our Baxter robots throughout the facility that weren’t possible before.”

About Rethink Robotics

Rethink Robotics, Inc. develops intelligent, affordable, user-friendly robots that can operate safely next to people in a wide range of manufacturing, production and R&D environments.  Rethink Robotics’ Baxter is the world’s first interactive production robot, making manufacturers of all sizes more efficient, their workers more productive, and helping to keep jobs from migrating to low-cost regions. The Baxter Research Robot is a humanoid robot platform with integrated sensors and an open software development kit allowing academic and corporate researchers to create custom applications.  Based in the Innovation District of Boston, Massachusetts, the company is funded by Charles River Ventures, Highland Capital Partners, Sigma Partners, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Bezos Expeditions, the personal investment company of Jeff Bezos.

Are you in the Mid-Atlantic Region and want to see the 2.0 software for yourself? Sign up today for our Baxter Meet and Greet at our facility in West Chester PA this Ocboter

Sign up today!

Tim Pelesky

Marketing ONExia Inc

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ATX East 2013 in Philadelphia - The Vendors in Our Booth

We are really excited to be at ATX East in two weeks (June 18-20, 2013) at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Pennyslvania. In the past two years we have been fortunate to partner with the worlds best in robotics, machine vision, and motion control. All of which will be featured in our booth. Below is a quick rundown of what to expect when you stop by booth #1825.

Robotiq is a premier distributor of robotic grippers. ONExia will have their 2 Finger Adaptive Gripper-90 and 3 Finger Adaptive Gripper as a live demo as well as a stationary 2 Finger Adaptive Gripper-200 which is a larger version of the 90 capable of picking larger and heavier objects.

Delta Tau is our go to standard for motion control. To show their true power and capabilities we will be featuring two separate demo units. The first being a system that moves two rails in unison with and without a payload showing extreme precision. The second being the Delta Robot, a truly amazing demonstration of precision picking and re-stacking objects on a rotary table.

Datalogic specializes in machine vision (smart cameras, barcode scanners, etc.) and laser engraving and marking systems. As a demonstration of laser marking visitors will be able to engrave their names onto a ONExia pen and see the system work first hand.

We are proud to be the distributor Rethink Robotics in the Mid Atlantic Region. We will have the world's first Collaborative Robot,  Baxter at work in our booth. The revolutionary robot will be using our custom end effectors accessories that we have been developing. Piab vacuum cups, our latest partner, will be used in our demonstration showing that Baxter is more versatile then ever.

Want to see all this for yourself? Sign up for free through us and stop by!

We hope to see you there.

Sign up for ATX East for free through ONExia.

Tim Pelesky

Marketing ONExia Inc

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Disruptive Technology: Baxter

We were fortunate to be involved with motion control as it became practical for general automation in the mid-1980s. ONExia (called “Multitech” back then) was an early distributor for a California start-up named Compumotor, which sold stepping motor drives, controls and motors and then later, servo motors, controllers and drives.

Compumotor pioneered industrial applications for microstepping technology, which had been developed at Hewlett Packard for application in printers. Microstepping enabled stepping motors to rotate smoothly and precisely at all speeds and eliminated most problems with resonance. With easy-to-use-out-of-the-box drives and controllers, Compumotor was truly revolutionary. We had a great time presenting this new technology at seminars and applying this new product in a great variety of automation applications. Compumotor was acquired by Parker Hannifin Corporation which has continued to enhance and develop the products, as well as combine them with compatible technologies such as precision positioning systems and linear actuators.

Baxter is a new robot from Rethink Robotics that promises to be even more exciting and revolutionary than Compumotor. Baxter is the first commercially available robot that is designed to work side-by-side with humans. Baxter can be thought of and applied more as a “co-worker” than as a machine. It is not programed but, rather, can be “shown” what you want it to do, perhaps by a co-worker. By design it cannot hurt anyone and does not require a cage or other protection. At around $32,000 fully loaded with end effectors and extended warranty, it can be employed for under$4.50 per hour!

ONExia has two demonstration robots on order and will be scheduling seminars around our marketing area. Watch our website (www.onexia.com/Baxter) for information on a seminar near you.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

What is a “Collaborative Robot”?

This is an exciting new category of Robot. If you think back to the 1950’s when the term ‘robot’ was first created, robots were imagined as mechanical representations of humans. They looked like humans with a head, a torso, two arms, etc., and could perform human-like tasks. An example is ‘Rosie’, the robot maid on The Jetsons cartoon.

Our new product, the ‘Baxter’ robot from Rethink Robotics, is a collaborative robot that is designed to work side-by-side with humans, doing human-like tasks. The key to being collaborative is that the robot must be able to work safely with humans nearby. Baxter has three important levels of safety:

·         Passive Safety - Inherently safe mechanical design, with compliant joints, back-drivable motors, protective covers and no pinch points

·         Active Safety –

o   Each of the seven (7) joints in each of Baxter’s arms has active force sensing which will limit the force exerted and will detect obstructions

o   360° sonar-based detection of people and environment

·         External Safety – Ability to connect external Emergency Stop mechanisms such as push buttons and safety mats

Most industrial robots today have to work in cages, to protect workers. Because of its inherently safe operation, Baxter does not need a cage, making it even easier to move around and repurpose.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

Stepping Motors versus Servo Motors

In my view, stepping motors lead the revolution of the use of motion control for machine automation. Microstepping, which allowed stepping motors to be run smoothly and precisely, was developed by Hewlett Packard for use in computer printers. A start-up company in the early 1980’s named Compumotor brought this technology into the industrial market. Combined with simple to use controllers and “plug and play” connections, Compumotor’s stepping motors were used in thousands of applications that previously were either not possible, or required elaborate mechanisms for adjustment and coordination.

As microprocessors and power electronics progressed, the control of brushless servo motors also became commonplace. Today, brushless servo motors have over-taken stepping motors in a wide variety machine automation applications.

So, are stepping motors still a viable choice for automated machines? In short, the answer is, ‘Yes!’

Stepping motors provide very reliable operation, long life, and are inherently stable and precise. They are usually operated open loop (without position feedback) which works well in most applications since they do not require feedback for precise control and positioning. They are relatively simple devices.

If a selected stepping motor is rated for the speed and torque that an application requires and, if the inertia of the motor’s rotor is a good match to the reflected inertia of the mechanism it will drive (called the “inertia ratio”), then a stepping motor may be a very good and economical choice.

The Compumotor stepping motor products are still alive and well as a part of ParkerHannifin’s Automation Group, which also includes brushless servos and precision positioning systems.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

So, do robots – like ‘Baxter’ – take jobs away from people?

 It is a question that we are seeing more often in articles and on TV. A recent 60 Minutes (watch the story) segment gave the impression that robots might displace workers in almost any job requiring manual tasks, and then in increasingly more difficult tasks.

So, do robots take jobs away from people?

Rethink Robotics Baxter

The answer is both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’.

In the case of the robot ‘Baxter’ from Rethink Robotics the ‘Yes’ is primarily aimed at jobs overseas. With its low operating cost per hour, Baxter can compete favorably with overseas manufacturing labor rates. Rethink Robotics is very intentional in their desire to ‘reshore’ manufacturing back to the US, and to help keep existing manufacturing here.

The intent with Baxter is to offload the repetitive, menial, simple tasks to a robot, leaving humans to do jobs and tasks that require higher levels of thinking and skills. If we can lower the cost to perform the simple, routine tasks, the theory is that we will be able to afford to manufacture in the US, hiring more qualified workers, thereby increasing employment.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

What Makes An Automation Project Successful?

In a word: Collaboration

Our automation projects that go best are those where our customer considers us to be an extension of their engineering department. We have a great deal of expertise and experience in applying automation to a wide variety of applications. Our customers have expertise and experience with their particular products and processes. Bringing these different expertise and experiences together through effective collaboration brings the best results.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

Linkedin

The Year Ahead

Taxes, recession, health insurance, disaster recovery…. 

What will 2013 look like?

This year promises to be a challenging one. While the general economic news seems to indicate some stability and slow growth in the economy, higher taxes and health care costs are likely to dampen progress.

Automation

Baxter on the packaging line 

With higher health care costs and increased regulations, employers are looking for ways to increase productivity without having to increase head count. Automating certain tasks can be an answer.

The new robot, ‘Baxter’, from ReThink Robotics is one way to automate mundane tasks such as carton filling and parts transfer. ReThink Robotics created Baxter with the goal of being able to compete favorably with overseas labor rates. In fact, Baxter can be applied for around $5.00 per hour, making it very competitive. Baxter is a ‘collaborative robot’ designed to work with and next to humans. It does not require a cage or guarding and can be shown what to do by a co-worker.

ONExia has many solutions and many years of experience applying automation methods to a wide variety of tasks.

Economy

ONExia belongs to three industry organizations; the Association of High Technology Distributors (AHTD) and the Control Systems Integrators Association (CSIA) and the Motion Control Association (MCA). Each of these organizations have annual or twice-annual conferences, presenting a variety of good speakers and workshops. All three organizations also utilize the services of an economics firm called ITR Economics. ITR has an incredible track record for predicting changes in the economy. They claim an accuracy of 94.7% over the past 60 years and, more recently, correctly forecast the financial crisis of 2007-2009.

Alan Beaulieu, President and Principal of ITR, is often the presenter at AHTD, CSIA and MCA events. For the past couple of years Alan has been predicting slow growth and recovery from the recession through the end of 2013, followed by a slowing economy. He further predicts that we will be in a mild recession during 2014, recovering during 2015.

We are planning, accordingly.

Greg Selke

CEO ONExia Inc

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