Learn about automation and how to get started with our articles, videos, customer stories, whitepapers, and more.
Implementing a new automation system represents a transformative change for everyone at a plant. The use of novel technology is sure to alter workflows and recalibrate responsibilities for managers and operators alike. Despite the scale of the change, an automation rollout doesn’t have to be disruptive. The key is to plan properly for a seamless transition. If you keep these...
Read MoreInterview with Malcolm Kerr, Head of Growth and Go-to-Market Strategy Malcolm’s experience spans across Corporate Strategy, Product Marketing, Sales, and Growth Marketing, all within rapidly growing start up environments. He is also an investor and mentor to early-stage growth companies. What is your position and role here at Formic? I am the Head of Growth and Go-to-Market Strategy, which...
Read MoreSociety has long worried that the widespread adoption of robots will displace workers and eliminate jobs. But rather than fearing the arrival of automatons, Shakerria Grier, a 27-year-old quality auditor at Georgia-based Thomson Plastics Inc., is relieved to get the help. In late 2020, Thomson began installing robots that take plastic parts, such as fenders for ATVs or covers for lawn...
Read MoreIf you’ve ever had your car break down, you know the frustration of suddenly broken equipment. Regardless of whether you were driving to the emergency room or on a casual trip to the grocery store, it is stressful at best and maybe life-altering in the worst scenarios. Equipment downtime in manufacturing does not carry the same life-changing effects, but it...
Read MorePalletizing and depalletizing have quickly become two of the most popular tasks to automate in factories and warehouses. Why the sudden explosion? For one, the need is universal. Almost every manufacturer has some form of shipping and receiving in their operation. Also, the tasks are ideal for automation. Moving heavy boxes and goods around, which is what palletizing and depalletizing...
Read MoreJanice Yamamoto, Sales Operations Manager at Formic Technologies Janice brings 18 years of experience being inside the manufacturing automation space, focused on sales opimization and project management. What do you feel is important about your role as Sales Operations Manager at Formic? I think it's really easy to think that every customer and every scenario is binary and black and...
Read MoreTwo years into the COVID-19 pandemic, metal fabrication has been the talk of the town, with stories varying from record high steel prices to monstrous shipping delays and the labor gap. Unfortunately, we’re now entering into another trade crisis during these trying times with Russia. The metal fabrication industry will be affected, but there are some growing trends that may...
Read MoreThere is a lot of buzz in automation and robotics right now. We are seeing record-breaking investments around the industry, as highlighted by this recent Reuters article and illustrated by the 40,000 robots purchased last year. Having the opportunity to invest in many robotics companies and the joy of leading Formic as CEO, I recently reflected on the state of the industry...
Read MoreListed out are a few common misconceptions about industrial automation... Automation is expensive This statement requires a bit more context. Yes, automation comes at an overwhelming upfront cost, but today, there are many options and finance models servicing robotic solutions by subscription. The Formic’s offering, for example, delivers a custom solution at no upfront cost. Instead, the robot operates under...
Read MoreThe food and beverage industry plays a major role in the U.S. economy being the third-largest contributor to the overall U.S. manufacturing GDP as recorded by nist.gov. The USDA states food and beverage manufacturing plants account for 15.8 percent of the value of shipments and 14.7 percent of all employees in the manufacturing sector. On the other hand, unemployment remains...
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