Factory solves critical quality issue with Bright Machines Microfactory
A global leader in single cup coffee makers was struggling to maintain a workforce with enough operators to assemble the number of units needed to meet growing demand. They turned to Bright Machines for an assembly automation solution. Adding a Bright Machines Microfactory to their process has provided a cost-effective solution to automate the manufacturing steps involved in the precision assembly of two components used in the coffee maker.
What makes our solution unique is the flexibility of the microfactory. In this case, it seamlessly allows both pick and place, and precision screw-driving to be performed to support the two different components of the coffee maker.
Not only did the microfactory reduce the number of human operators required, satisfying the original project objective, but it also solved a critical quality issue. Where the human operators struggled to properly align the two components resulting in a high defect rate, the microfactory delivered a stable process with consistent high-quality results, including:
- 63% improvement in yield
- 50% increase of units produced per hour
- 90% reduction in human operators required
This is a shining example of how intelligent automation applied to consumer products yields real results.