Engineering a Better Mobile Robot Demonstration

The Challenge

The original robot display performed its basic function, but it created several practical problems. The stand had no purpose-built grab handle, making it difficult to push into and pull out of the van. Its workholding platform also lacked the rigidity needed for repeatable demonstrations. Movement in the structure could cause existing robot programs to fall out of alignment.

The display also lacked the polished appearance expected from a customer-facing technology showcase. Components were not presented as one coordinated system, and the installation did not take full advantage of the automation products and engineering resources available through Scott Equipment’s manufacturing partners.

Defining the Project Objectives

The redesigned platform needed to improve daily operation while becoming a physical demonstration of Scott Equipment’s engineering and integration capabilities. The team established five primary objectives:

• Create a rigid platform that could preserve robot program alignment during repeated demonstrations and transportation.
• Make the assembly easier and safer to extend from and return to the van.
• Keep the robot, controller, cabling, and supporting components cleanly mounted and connected.
• Integrate multiple vendor technologies into a professional, cohesive system.
• Demonstrate Scott Equipment’s design, sourcing, fabrication, assembly, and integration capabilities.

Starting with a Blank-Sheet Design

Rather than modifying the existing stand, the Tech Team began from scratch. A new concept was developed in SolidWorks around the space available in the Demo Van and the need for a slide-out robot platform. The team then selected components and production methods based on the requirements of each part of the system.

The project took approximately one month from design through installation. Because the platform had to be fitted to the van and evaluated as a complete system, final functional testing occurred after installation. The team checked slide-out movement, structural stability, cable routing, safety functions, and operation of the robot and its demonstrations in their actual working environment.

Coordinating the Complete Solution

Scott Equipment combined internal engineering and assembly work with specialized support from manufacturing partners and local fabricators. This allowed each part of the platform to be produced using the most appropriate technology while Scott Equipment maintained responsibility for the overall design and integration.

• Structure and motion: Frame World aluminum extrusion forms the main structure. Large HIWIN linear rails, stocked and cut at Scott Equipment’s Charlotte facility, support the slide-out movement.
• Custom engineering: The Tech Team developed the initial SolidWorks model and designed application-specific brackets, mounting features, and structural components.
• In-house production: Custom 3D-printed brackets were produced internally, including a handle support that also functions as an extrusion end cap.
• Local fabrication: Fabrication partners produced custom-designed mounting plates and brackets, including thick structural aluminum plates needed to support the cantilevered robot platform.
• Cable management: A Murrplastik energy chain organizes and protects the cables as the robot stand moves in and out of the van.
• Robotics and tooling: The platform integrates an ABB GoFa 5 kg collaborative robot, its controller and teach pendant, along with SCHUNK end-of-arm tooling used in the van’s working demonstrations.
• Machine safety: Schmersal and EUCHNER technologies support the van’s safety demonstrations and show how access control and safeguarding can be incorporated into a complete automation system.

Creating a More Dependable Demonstration Platform

The redesigned platform gives Scott Equipment a more dependable and professional way to demonstrate the ABB GoFa robot and the technologies surrounding it. The integrated handle and linear-rail system make the display easier to deploy. The more rigid structure improves repeatability and helps keep programmed robot positions aligned.

Because the equipment is cleanly mounted, connected, and organized inside the van, the team spends less time preparing the system during customer visits. Cable routing remains controlled as the stand moves, and the finished assembly presents products from multiple vendors as parts of one functioning automation solution.

What the Project Demonstrates for Customers

Although the Demo Van platform was built for Scott Equipment’s own use, the project reflects many of the same challenges manufacturers encounter when developing production equipment. The solution required products from multiple manufacturers, custom-designed components, specialized fabrication, assembly, installation, and final testing as one complete system.

Through its We Build It, You Install It program, Scott Equipment can manage these interconnected parts of a customer’s project:

• Coordinate multiple suppliers: Scott Equipment helps select and organize compatible products and technologies from different manufacturing partners.
• Develop the application: The Tech Team provides application assistance and design support based on the equipment, operating environment, and installation requirements.
• Design custom components: When standard parts are not available, Scott Equipment can develop application-specific mounting plates, brackets, adapters, and 3D-printed components.
• Manage specialized fabrication: Scott Equipment can coordinate with qualified fabrication partners when a project requires machined, laser-cut, or other custom-produced parts.
• Assemble the solution: Components can be assembled, mounted, connected, and organized before reaching the customer, reducing the amount of fabrication and assembly required at the installation site.
• Verify the completed system: The assembled solution can be evaluated as a complete system to confirm fit, function, accessibility, cable routing, and overall operation.

The result is a cleaner, more coordinated, and more repeatable solution that arrives ready for the customer’s team to install.