solutions that would challenge the continuing heavy reliance on manual processes , reviewing issues from the recruitment and retention of labour , to increasing costs and stabilisation of production quality .
Feedback from the industry towards robotic automation was anticipated , with a firm reluctance to accept automation could handle glass in its raw state and on its edge , regardless of the already multiple proven automated systems successfully handling other complex commodities throughout global industries - interesting to note the emphasis being placed upon a robot possibly breaking glass when operators had to regularly deal with the impacts of broken glass .
In comparison to other manufacturer ’ s loading solutions incorporating substantial footprints and major capital investment whilst loading unverified glass , GS-MR Robotics took the proactive and ergonomic route , manufacturing their patented PRO : Load solution loading verified glass automatically via its edge , removing any damage to glass special coatings - the only worldwide solution not to incorporate vacuum cups and operating within a substantially reduced footprint .
Designed and manufactured in house by GS-MR Robotics , the
PRO : Load performs multiple verifications on the glass with capabilities to measure to a 0.2mm variance , only loading the glass if it completes verification . It is GS-MR ’ s patented process that , for the first time within the global glass industry , keeps problems away from the loading area , eliminating avoidable production stoppages . The GS-MR PRO : Load has the capability to load any manufacturer ’ s vertical processing IG line with any manufacturer ’ s software platform - manual loading operators are then upskilled in its operation , significantly reducing rework costs , increasing Health and Safety benefits and employee wellbeing .
Fast forward to 2025 , it ’ s encouraging how the industry has shed its hesitance of robotic automation , not least in terms of looking to achieve improved production quality , reduced materials wastage and reductions in CO2 emissions – essential industry goals which are met head on by GS- MR Robotics automation solutions , with the next two PRO : Load installations set to load the latest LiSEC Flexible Spacer IGU Lines at Press Glass UK ’ s new high-tech UK site ( part of the global Press Glass group ).
The global glass industry is changing . With continuing consolidation of the UK market competition is clear . Overheads though , regardless of business size , are overheads and the only smart approach is streamlining processes to eliminate obvious waste .
Challenges spawn innovation bringing progress where none was considered possible . Anyone investing in manufacturing today would lean towards well designed , sustainable and meaningful automation - that would not include an historical manual process which knowingly produced waste .
GS-MR Robotics Based in Telford , UK . GS-MR Robotics design and build customer driven bespoke and production patented , ‘ Industrial Innovation ’ Award winning robotic automation solutions for the glass industry .
For further information , please visit www . gs-mr . com
Issue 73 PECM 87