Challenges
Struggled to find employees to do manual sanding processes that are repetitive, dusty, and ergonomically difficult.
The customer had not used automation and thought that robots were difficult to program and operate.
Costs associated with dedicated fixtures required for traditional robotic solutions.
Results
Using GMR-AI enabled cobot for sanding has removed 90-95% of the dust.
Employees were trained to become robot operators in 1 day.
Improved consistency due to the system’s ability to use the correct sanding parameters.
Story
After years of contemplating automation, Performance Composites, Inc. chose to work with GrayMatter Robotics, an advanced automation solution provider and an Authorized System Integrator for FANUC America, to design a robotic solution to sand fiberglass and composite products used for the transportation industry - primarily buses, trains, and trucks.
GrayMatter Robotics, a deep technology company based in Gardena, California, has taken a deep dive into the development of AI software to support robotic automation systems for sanding and polishing. Their new Physics informed AI solutions for surface finishing, aptly named Scan&Sand™ and Scan&Polish™, use active compliant devices combined with 3D vision and proprietary software to enable a robot or cobot to autonomously perform a wide range of processing applications, including sanding, buffing, polishing, trimming, inspection, and more.
Today, with GMR-AI combined with a FANUC CRX, Performance Composites is experiencing the benefits of smart robotic automation. They’ve improved both the consistency and quality of their surface finishing applications. In addition, employees were trained to become robot operators in one day, removing them from the dull, dirty, and physically demanding tasks.
Additional system benefits:
- Programs itself using GMR-AI/
- Able to handle large and complex parts.
- Works in a wet or dry environment.
- Sands and polishes a wide variety of materials.
- Able to execute tasks according to an operator’s preferred tool motion or technique.
- Deploys on existing shop floors.
- Quickly adapts to new materials.
- Significantly reduces the consumption of sandpaper and abrasive materials.
- Able to finish products to desired quality, improving the process and reducing costs.
Having a good partner and a solution that works is a huge game changer for us.
Francis Hu President – Performance Composites Inc.FANUC Products Used
CRX-10iA/L
Boost productivity with the user-friendly FANUC CRX-10iA/L cobot featuring a 10kg payload, 1418mm reach, and simple programming.
- Max Payload:
- 10 kg
- Reach:
- 1418 mm
GrayMatter Robotics
At GrayMatter Robotics, we’re not just changing the game in manufacturing; we’re improving the quality of lives. Our mission is to empower manufacturers with smart robotic cells that boost production capacity and alleviate the physical strain of repetitive and ergonomically challenging tasks. In an industry where many workers endure the daily grind of manual labor, we provide a solution that not only lifts the burden off their shoulders but also opens up new avenues for career advancement. By transitioning from demanding roles to becoming skilled robot operators, employees can upskill, gain advanced competencies, or even step into management positions. This transformation allows them to thrive in their careers and enjoy a better quality of life.
Performance Composites
Performance Composites is a full-service composites manufacturer providing engineered fiberglass products to original equipment manufacturers (OEM). The company provides high-quality fiberglass manufacturing, cost-effective solutions, superior service and on-time delivery.