Q. Effica is a name to reckon with in automation. What precisely is your niche?
We started off in 2005 designing and manufacturing special purpose machines (SPMs) for a plethora of applications. We even developed robotized special plasma cutting systems for marking and precision cutting power transmission poles of 60 ft long. Way back in 2009 we executed a project worth Rs. 2 crores in Houston. This was a complex job involving different disciplines – mechanical, electrical, electronics, robotics, and industrial PCs. It involved handling, rotating, marking and cutting of poles where cost of error was very high. Over the years, we have changed our focus. Since 2011, to be precise, our focus is on material handling automation using robots which includes machine tending, palletizing & conveying.
Q. What are the automation solutions you offer for the manufacturing sector?
We offer robot based component loading and unloading systems. The solutions are available for multiple CNCs, forging presses, sheet metal presses, plastic injection moulding and similar processes. Along with this we offer all the accessories required to complete the solution like conveyors – roller, belt, and slat, the end effectors for gripping various types of components, the safety systems, infeed and outfeed component stacking magazines. We also offer gantry machine tending to replace articulated machine tending projects for payloads from 2 kg to 100 kg. This is an economical solution, and with this the existing plant layout need not be disturbed.
We also do bag conveying & palletizing automation. This is a robot-based high speed palletizing system with a speed of 20 tonnes per hour. For the FMCG segments we offer pick and place solutions for the packing requirements. These are very high speed solutions for light weight products with a special emphasis on hygiene. We have made our systems modular and user-friendly so that in the event of a failure, the end-user can fix it themselves. This way we have removed the fear of breakdown and consequent downtime from the mind of the end-user.
Q. What are the challenges ahead for a company like you in today’s context?
The field of Robotics is in a massive growth phase similar to what IT was in the late 90s. When this happens, we have to be ready to scale up our production to ride the growth wave. Side by side, we must educate the customer on the benefits of automation. They must be induced to adapt the manufacturing processes to make room for robots to take charge. We have to remove the fear from the minds of the customer that there won’t be any issues of breakdown and idle time since they themselves can address the snags if any and keep the machines humming.
Q. What’s the shape of things to come in factory automation and how do you envisage making a dent in this exciting field?
Some 20 years ago a robotic solution cost Rs.30 lacs. Today it is in the vicinity of minimum Rs.15 lacs. The inflation adjusted prices are dropping down massively and will drop down further in the days to come. This will help manufacturers to go in for more and more robotic automation.
There has not been any change in technology in Robotics for the past four decades. However, we are seeing significant changes in technology in the last 2-3 years. The next wave of robotic technology like collaborative robots which work side by side with humans and super easy programming and operation methods which are similar to your mobile devices and apps are already rolling out.The worldwide robotic sales for the year 2013 is said to be 179,000. This is nowhere near the potential demand for robots in the world. In the year 2014 China is the largest consumer of robots. Indian SMEs should think progressively and take path-breaking decisions to reap the benefits of productivity and flexibility offered by robots. We in India are on a growth trajectory. And robots will play a pivotal role in enhancing our quality, productivity and operational efficiency in the days to come.
