Forbes contributing author, Rich Blake, visited Buffalo Manufacturing Works to witness the work being done with small to medium-sized manufacturers and robotics. Here is an excerpt from the second article of a three-part series or click here to read the full article.
“A Michigan native with extensive experience in the field of industrial robotics, Garman is a self-described do-gooder on a mission to save manufacturing. Like some modern-day Willie Wonka in safety glasses, the affable 48-year-old guides the group of manufacturers whose eyes collectively light up like kids in a chocolate factory.
“Small manufacturers generally have no idea what kinds of advanced manufacturing technologies are out there,” he said.
“That’s because they tend to do things the way they always have. But when we show them the automation and how it is being used, suddenly they get it. They start thinking about their own process and are able to envision what might be possible in terms of improving efficiencies.”
About 1,600 small- and medium-sized manufacturers call Western New York home. Each employs between ten and 300 workers. Garman and the other members of the team at Buffalo Manufacturing Works will have engaged with at least 250 of them by the end of next year as part of a program, Shift, designed for smaller companies that need a helping hand exploring things like robotic arms.
Formally launched in December 2017, Shift provides innovation advisory services to area manufacturers at no financial cost to program participants. In addition to advisory services, Buffalo Manufacturing Works also specializes in applied research and development in the field of additive manufacturing (i.e. 3-D printing) as well as pioneering work in metrology (measurement science) and inspection technologies.”
Notes:
Blake, Rich. “The High Bay at Buffalo Manufacturing Works Is a Vast Showcase of Advanced Manufacturing Technology.” Forbes, 27 Nov. 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/richblake1/2019/11/27/smaller-manufacturers-need-helping-hands-adding-robotic-arms/#276e3e765556.