Case Study: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories eliminates ergonomic injuries and automates 1.4 million screws yearly with Robotiq cobot components

SEL automates 1.4 million screws yearly with Robotiq

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), an employee-owned electrical equipment manufacturer, faced significant ergonomic risks as production volumes grew. Operators were manually driving up to 4,000 screws daily on one product line, leading to three rotator cuff injuries in two years. SEL needed an automation solution from a vendor like Robotiq that could quickly eliminate this repetitive strain and scale across their facility.

The solution implemented by Robotiq began with a pilot Screwdriving Workcell integrated with a collaborative robot, which was operational within days. SEL expanded the program using Robotiq cobot components like adaptive grippers and a tool changer, scaling from one pilot to 27 production stations. Results from Robotiq include automating 1.4 million screws yearly, completely eliminating the rotator cuff injuries, and achieving full return on investment within one year.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)