Democratizing Robotic Automation: Formic Releases Latest RaaS Solutions
Formic has launched its newest software to provide customers with a robotics-as-a-service solution with no upfront costs, palpable operational savings, and round-the-clock monitoring and maintenance service.
Robotics-as-a-service (RaaS) provider Formic Technologies (Formic) has released its latest suite of software solutions to bolster the robotic automation system deployment efforts of small- to large U.S. businesses.
With Formic’s RaaS, customers are offered flexible operational expense contracts to accommodate their production needs. Image used courtesy of Formic
What Is Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS)?
RaaS is a subscription-based business model that takes the load off and allows industrial engineers to press the “proverbial easy button.” Industrial companies can leverage the advantages of robotics by renting out robotics technology assets without paying for the maintenance and monitoring required to keep them running smoothly in the long term.
With RaaS, small- to medium-sized businesses don’t need to worry about the steep initial investment of onboarding and integrating robotics and automation technologies into a cloud and web computing environment. Neither do such companies have to worry about spending time and resources on implementing advanced training and continued employee development.
Essentially, warehouses, logistics centers, and manufacturing facilities using RaaS can stay on top of and even increase production while staying within the budget for process operations. With the RaaS subscription model, companies also have the flexibility to scale operations up or down to meet production requirements based on market demand.
Formic Robotic Automation Software
To further its mission to enable companies of all sizes quick and easy deployment of robotic automation, Formic has launched a new suite of software solutions. Formic’s software tools were developed using data from Formic robot fleets across different-sized facilities and include the Formic Core operating system, Formic Colony 2.0, and Formic FAST.
Customers can use Formic Core OS to make process changes without expert knowledge. The system also transforms robots into “smart systems,” enabling them to modify their position in the face of new obstacles within their vicinity. Image used courtesy of Formic
Formic Core Operating System (OS)
The Formic Core OS provides users with a central hub to access and use various robotic automation systems. According to Formic, its out-of-the-box functionality means deployments can take under a day. Built-in AI-driven motion planning competencies allow users to modify processes without needing specific expertise or time-consuming training.
Formic Core OS includes tools for capturing data from numerous sources, evaluating system performance, and controlling energy use. This data can then be utilized to generate dashboards that give operators a real-time picture of their systems.
The OS also allows technicians to assist remotely (concerning inspection and maintenance) and has a multilingual user interface designed for ease of use, even for individuals with little previous experience.
With Formic FAST, customers can see how a new robotic system fits in with their existing assets, accelerating design and deployment. Image used courtesy of Formic
Formic Colony 2.0 and Formic FAST
The latest Formic Colony 2.0 is a control center software that allows users to gather the full spectrum of sensor data across robotic fleets and optimize robots remotely across the Formic RaaS network. Maintenance teams can analyze and review asset performance and efficiency and make changes from a distance without causing unnecessary downtime.
Formic FAST (Formic Automation Specification Tools) is a software tool that helps companies find the right robotic system fit for a facility area and production needs. The system employs augmented reality to provide a unique perspective of how a new robotic system would integrate within an existing system with key focus points such as efficiency and maximum space utilization. By first considering a specific solution in a virtual space, with the ability to look at specifications and a quote for budget, customers can cut down deployment time from months to weeks, Formic says.
Delivering Robotic Automation
RaaS is becoming an attractive solution for U.S. manufacturers seeking to join other digital transformation pioneers on the road to industry 4.0 operations and those wishing to find a solution to the ongoing labor shortage challenge. With Formic’s recent software additions, the company now offers an even more comprehensive robotic automation solution designed to drive growth in any operation.
