Robotics suppliers and integrators have been partnering to help enterprises of all sizes adopt automation. READY Robotics Corp. yesterday announced a strategic partnership with Futura Automation to help distribute systems using its Forge/OS software in 13 states in the Western U.S. The companies said they will help manufacturers alleviate labor issues, solve production challenges, and boost output.
“Complexity prevents many manufacturers from utilizing automation to alleviate production challenges,” said Ben Gibbs, co-founder and CEO of READY Robotics. “Robots need to be easier to use, but that’s not enough. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Futura Automation. Their strong presence across the Western U.S. and extensive experience helping manufacturers automate a wide range of processes make them an ideal partner to represent Forge/OS-powered automation.”
Founded in 2016, READY Robotics said its software can simplify robot programming. The Columbus, Ohio-based company's core product is Forge/OS, which it described as “the first industrial operating system for controlling robots from top robot OEMs, as well as the peripherals needed to make those robots productive in a real-world environment.” It released Forge/OS 5 earlier this year.
In addition to its enterprise-grade software, the company offers its READY Market, a robot-agnostic marketplace, and the READY Academy, an online learning platform. It said these offerings make it easier for manufacturers of all sizes and technical backgrounds to use robots to improve productivity and increase competitiveness.
Futura Automation joins READY Robotics network
READY Robotics has been building a network of distributors and integrators to lead the design and deployment of Forge/OS-powered systems. With Futura Automation as a cornerstone, READY said its network now covers the entire U.S., with over 30 regional partners.
Futura Automation, based since 2017 in Scottsdale, Ariz., said its team members have an average of more than 20 years of experience in industrial automation and robotic systems. The company focuses on material handling, automated assembly, and machine vision applications “that augment human labor and fulfill the promise of Industry 4.0.” Futura Automation has offices and representatives across the U.S. and in Queretaro, Mexico.
Futura Automation will be READY's stocking distributor for states including Arizona, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.
“Futura Automation provides innovative solutions for tough manufacturing problems. Our team is focused on helping our customers compete in global markets and allow reshoring of production using automation tools such as robots, machine vision and artificial intelligence,” said Brian McMorris, president of Futura Automation.
“READY Robotics speeds up and simplifies the development and execution of robot manufacturing systems,” he said. “Our team will provide the required training and support to quickly and economically implement robotic solutions.”
Forge/OS to be embedded for several applications
Futura Automation plans to embed READY’s Forge/OS into several of its standard solutions, such as flexible feeding with its partners Flexfactory, Cognex, and FANUC. It also will use the software for machine tool robot tending with its VersaBuilt solution and gantry robotics with partners Macron Dynamics and Sanyo Denki.
The companies said they are considering several more systems that will be developed based on customer demand. By using Forge/OS, Futura Automation said it will be able to interchange robots from different brands to best meet the needs of the customer or the application.
With support for FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, Staubli, Epson, Kawasaki, and Universal Robots, Forge/OS provides a single programming interface for hundreds of models of industrial and collaborative robots, said READY Robotics. It also supports the peripherals required for automation.
READY added that “Forge/OS’s intuitive, no-code programming interface enables Futura Automation to deploy solutions that their customers can manage – including programming for new parts or new tasks, touching up programs, or recovering systems on their own.”
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