No matter where robotics might take you next, a collaborative R&D approach can help realize what needs to be accomplished.

Have you noticed how ubiquitous robots are becoming? We’re used to seeing them in manufacturing environments welding car frames, assembling circuit boards or palletizing boxes, yet these days you can even find them pouring drinks on a cruise ship, moving LED screens at a concert or solving a Rubik’s cube.

We recently worked with two different startup companies with a vision for new product niches. Both lacked the manufacturing process knowledge to bring their ideas to life, and were stymied because there were no established norms to follow or OEMs with standard solutions. Their search led them to us because of our broad industry experience in constructing automation solutions, but more specifically because of our reputation for taking on challenging robotic automation projects. And trust me, neither of these are industries an automation solution provider would traditionally target.

Read More >> http://conceptsystemsinc.com/collaborating-on-new-robotic-projects/

Albany, Ore. (December 10, 2015) – Concept Systems received the 2016 System Integrator of the Year from CFE Media for its accomplishments in developing and installing complex manufacturing automation solutions for companies across a wide range of industries. The award was announced today and was presented at the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute in Chicago last month. “We view the 2016 System Integrator of the Year award as a testament to our 80 employees who use state-of-the-art automation technologies to solve manufacturing problems,” said Michael Gurney, Concept Systems’ CEO. Given annually by CFE Media, the award recognizes business skills, technical competence, and customer satisfaction. Winners are inducted into the System Integrator Hall of Fame. This is the second time Concept has won the award; the first was in 2007. Only two other companies were honored with the award this year. “Concept Systems’ submission is the best I have seen in all the years of judging this competition,” said Don Roberts, principal at Exotec, LLC. “I am certain it is a good reflection of how they serve their customers.” CFE Media notes that Concept has built a reputation as a problem-solver in industries as diverse as aerospace, pulp and paper, building products, food and beverage, and metals. “Our success can be attributed to our employees and their deep understanding of automation technologies,” Gurney said. “We also collaborate well with companies that share our passion for continuous improvement,” Gurney said. “That passion includes treating employees well, taking safety seriously, and adhering to strict quality standards. Those are key elements for our success, as well as customers’ success.” Concept Systems, a CSIA certified member, provides automated solutions that improve efficiency, yield, and worker safety across manufacturing lines worldwide. Concept Systems is dedicated to providing clients with cutting-edge solutions that support complex retrofits, vision and robotic solutions and plant-wide Main Automation Contractor projects. Founded in 1999, Concept has offices in Albany, Ore., Charlotte, NC, Denver, Colo., and Seattle, Wash. and employs 79 people. CFE Media publishes Control Engineering, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, Oil & Gas Engineering and Plant Engineering on a monthly basis to more than 365,000 qualified subscribers. CFE, which is an acronym for “Content for Engineers,” provides engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. It sponsors the System Integrators of the Year award.