SIGMA

Robot Cell Established at Filter Manufacturer in Just 14 Days

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Europe, the need for effective particle filters to protect people from the virus was clear to see. FANUC, along with numerous other suppliers, sprang into action, in this case establishing a fully automated production cell to accelerate the manufacture of particle filters at the SIGMA Research & Development Institute in the Czech Republic.
Particle filters production with the support of FANUC robots at the Czech Research & Development Institute SIGMA.

Key Insights from Task to Result

Task

In order to protect the health of its population, including health workers and essential operatives at factories up and down the country, the Czech Republic needed help in maintaining the supply of high-quality particle filters. This prompted the SIGMA Research & Development Institute, a key supplier of this technology, to investigate ways of quickly ramping up production in line with exploding demand. 

 

Solution

ACAM Solution, an established specialist in automation, worked closely with FANUC and other technology suppliers to introduce a high level of robotisation to this critical process. Five FANUC robots, including two collaborative models, were installed, programmed and commissioned as part of an integrated process within just 14 days. 

 

Result

With the robots in place, SIGMA Research & Development Institute was able to increase its production output by two-thirds (66%), while simultaneously eliminating any risk of spreading the virus inside the production area where workers would traditionally be in close proximity. 

Sigma

FCZ success story featuring the protective filter production with the support of our robots

SIGMA Research & Development Institute is a leading research, development and production institute based in Lutín, Czech Republic. Among the institute’s core products is particle filters for the effective protection of life and health. The SIGMA brand is at the forefront of respiratory protection and reliably prevents threats to human life and health in various sectors. Its particle and anti-gas filters offer high filtration efficiency for capturing dust and liquid particles, bacteria, viruses, industrial gases, and aerosols.

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Filtering Out Inefficiency

“ACAM Solution has been in the field of industrial automation for many years, but never during all the time of our operation had I experienced such an urgent need for automation than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” states Pavel Bortlik, CEO of ACAM Solution, Czech Republic. “It brought me joy to know that I could count on my team and our business partners, and that our joint efforts could help.” 

Central among those business partners on this critical project was FANUC, which was also keen to offer its expertise and technologies in the fight against the virus. 

Petr Duchoslav of FANUC Czech says: “When the COVID-19 pandemic came to the Czech Republic, our thoughts, just like those of everyone else, went in one direction: how can we help?” 

FCZ success story featuring the protective filter production with the support of our robots
Zitat von Testimonials

Lukáš Zavadil

Director - SIGMA Research & Development Institute

When the SIGMA Research & Development Institute reached out, via FANUC’s integration partner ACAM Solution, with a request to help it accelerate the production of particle filters, there was no hesitation. 

“We decided to provide assistance by lending FANUC robots, including the necessary support,” says Duchoslav. “At the same time, we conceived this project as an opportunity to show Czech companies that, whatever the challenging circumstances or conditions, it’s possible to produce competitively thanks to automation and robotisation.”  

In total, five FANUC robots took up residence at the SIGMA Research & Development Institute, among which is the popular LR Mate 200𝑖D/7L industrial robot. Two of the five robots are collaborative models, including the FANUC CR-7𝑖A/L. With joined-up thinking and a synergistic, co-operative approach, realisation of the automated cell took just 14 days.

Particle filters production with the support of FANUC robots at the Czech Research & Development Institute SIGMA.

“A unique robotic workplace arose thanks to cross-company co-operation,” confirms Lukáš Zavadil, “The FANUC robots reduced the risk of spreading the virus among personnel, while at the same time increasing our production of protective filters in difficult times.”  

In fact, with the help of FANUC robots, production throughput at the SIGMA Research & Development Institute climbed by two-thirds (66%). 

Particle filters production with the support of FANUC robots at the Czech Research & Development Institute SIGMA.

“As a result, it was possible to maintain a supply of protective equipment for the Czech Republic’s integrated rescue network, including hospitals, workplaces and other institutions,” says Zavadil. “I was utterly satisfied with the approach of ACAM Solution and I’m particularly grateful to the technology partners on this important project.” 

Bortlik concludes: “The distinctive essence of this project was that a team of great technicians from ACAM Solution and top-quality suppliers managed to join together in record time for a good cause.”  

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