What data to gather to evaluate robotization?

Start with the process and desired outcome

Before choosing the robot model, describe what happens between the arrival and departure of the product. Where is he? How does it arrive? What movement needs to occur? What should be different in the end? This survey helps to evaluate whether the application fits into a Cartesian robot architecture.

A demand such as “automate the end of the line” may involve feeding, transport, guidance, palletizing and pallet exchange. Separating these tasks makes the interfaces visible and allows you to define who provides each part of the set.

Create a portrait of the application

General and detail photographs complement each other. One shows the environment; the other reveals the grip region, packaging or an obstacle. Videos must show a complete sequence, including arrival and departure, and not just the moment the part is moved.

Record the variations that are part of the routine

The configuration must consider the intended product family. List sizes and masses, arrival position, packaging condition and delivery orientation. Indicate which variations are frequent and which only appear in specific campaigns.

Survey example: To palletize boxes, it is not enough to enter the most sold box. Include the families that will be in scope, the pallet used, the organization of the layers, the intended height and how the pallet will be replaced.

If information does not yet exist, record the gap. It is more useful to indicate “maximum mass to measure” than to fill in an estimated value without identifying it as an estimate. This allows you to arrange the next measurement with someone who knows the process.

Differentiate product from integration

A configurable Cartesian robot starts from a product architecture. Axis travel, grippers, programming and fixtures are assessed for the application. Integration brings together the robot, existing machines, conveyors, interfaces and cell operating conditions.

When demand requires development that goes beyond the existing architecture, it requires specific assessment. This distinction avoids comparing proposals that appear equivalent but include different amounts of development, delivery, and responsibilities.

Define how the solution will be accepted

Choose, together with engineering, the reference products, the test sequence and the expected results. Describe positioning, product integrity, incident handling and conditions necessary for integrated operation.

Separate testing in manufacturing from verification in the customer environment. The installation may introduce interfaces and conditions that were not available at the factory. What depends on the customer's infrastructure needs to be agreed before mobilization.

In Carioli Methodology, you can follow how surveying, engineering, manufacturing and validation connect. Central Carioli organizes the monitoring of projects and the history of the stages.

Prepare the first contact

Gather a simple and objective set:

• Description of the current process and expected result.
• List of available products and samples.
• Photos, video and measurements of the location.
• Observed cadence and opening hours.
• Interfaces with other equipment and technical contacts.
• Installation restrictions and initial acceptance criteria.

This material allows for a first analysis and guides the following questions. The final definition depends on the survey and validation of supply conditions, without transforming an initial estimate into a performance commitment.