Smart O-Cell: The Integrated Micro-Factory

This partially automated manufacturing O-cell revolutionizes assembly processes. It features an innovative design where workstations are arranged around a central robot. This robot serves as an integrated, automated warehouse, supplying items directly to each station. By bringing storage to the point of use, the cell eliminates lengthy material transport, optimizes the factory footprint, and creates a highly efficient, self-contained production unit.
Physical Sciences
Mechanical Engineering
Reference
b80022
IP right year
2020
IP status
Granted Patent in AT, CH, CZ, DE, HU, IT, PL, RO, SI, SK
Applicant
Landshut University of Applied Sciences
Contact
Stephan Ottmar

Challenge and innovation

Traditional assembly lines face constant challenges: long material supply routes from a central warehouse cause delays and inefficiencies. This dependency creates a high risk of production standstills. Furthermore, conventional layouts often waste valuable floor space and create potential safety hazards where automated logistics and manual labor intersect. Our O-cell directly addresses these critical pain points by redesigning the flow of materials and people for optimal performance.

The true innovation lies in the architectural integration of logistics and production. Unlike traditional setups, this cell treats the automated warehouse not as a separate entity but as the central core around which manufacturing happens. This paradigm shift, creating a self-sufficient 'micro-factory', enables a circular workflow, minimizes material handling to near-zero, and introduces a unique system where the robot serves racks from the back, ensuring seamless, safe human-robot collaboration.

Talk to an expert

Interested in learning more about this technology offer, exploring potential applications or discussing a possible collaboration? Get in touch to learn more.

Stephan Ottmar