Robonnement: Self-learning painting robots from Lesta in a subscription model
I am firmly convinced that the shortage of skilled workers can only be solved by means of robotics. Immigration means that we have to look to ever more distant countries for workers. In addition, immigration creates follow-up problems (housing, lack of teachers - children of immigrants). However, robotic solutions can only be rolled out on a broad scale if they are available as a ready-made solution. Hardly any SME will want to program complex solutions themselves at their own risk. Welding stations or palletizing robots were the beginning, now it must go into detail. Therefore, the blog will report more about special industry solutions in the future. Today there is also an interesting business model. By the way, the simplicity of programming reminds a little bit of the teachpen of Wandelbots.
Easy to program painting robot
Robonnement is the name of a startup. It is based in the eastern Swiss canton of St. Gallen. (I studied there and last December, freshly booted - everything was forbidden in Bavaria - joyfully visited the Christmas market and afterwards had trouble finding a seat in the crowded restaurants). It wants to make the Automatision financially possible for SMEs. At the same time, the use of painting robots is to become possible without programming knowledge. Painters should also be able to work more healthily. For this purpose, they guide the spray brush - still without powder output - on the object as they would paint. The robot remembers this and then does the same on its own.
Primarily Lesta robots are used, but also other
Primarily offered are the Italian Lesta painting robots. These learn themselves the Vorgemachte. The software is therefore not a development of Robonnement, but the services around it are. If required, however, robots from FANUC, Kawasaki or Kuka can also be integrated.
The first step is a visit to the potential customer. These are job coaters as well as wood and metal processors and all companies that do wet or powder coating. Today, companies should employ at least one painter. This person subsequently operates the robot.
During the initial visit, the appropriate robot is recommended. This can be a stand-alone robot or a painting carousel. A 7-axis robot is also offered. After a contract is signed, certification is provided in addition to configuration and training. Subsequently, the maintenance.
Robots can be purchased on a subscription basis that can be cancelled at any time
According to the company, the Lesta robots are worth between 100,000 and 200,000 euros. Entry-level models can be subscribed to for monthly fees starting at 3,500 euros. As a confidence-building measure, cancellation is possible at any time. This seems particularly interesting if a large order is cancelled and there is then no longer any need. The monthly fee includes all spare parts and maintenance.
The robot can be purchased at any time as an alternative to cancellation. In this case, 50% of the previous subscription fee is credited. As an integrator, the company has so far integrated 600 systems together with its sister company. In the subscription model, a double-digit number have been sold in a fairly short time.
The following is an introductory video. The YouTube channel contains more videos.
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The author of this blog is significantly involved in the AI/robotics project Opdra. He advises robotics companies and investors on market analysis and funding/subsidies. More about him can be found here.
