The Zurich-based company ANYbotics manufactures autonomous robotic systems. It has developed the ANYmal walking robot, which is intended for use in environments that can be dangerous for humans. It is designed to increase occupational safety and productivity. In order to go into series production, the manufacturer is cooperating with the German EMS service provider Zollner Elektronik, which operates its Swiss site 30 km from Zurich.
Zollner produces, assembles and tests the complex assemblies and has a global supply chain management system. Due to the high need for coordination, geographical proximity is very important. Zollner also provides support in scaling the next stages of production volume.
The autonomous walking robot moves in a similar way to a dog and masters unexpected obstacles independently. It has several cameras and a laser scanner for autonomous mobility and localization. It is also equipped with a zoom camera, spotlight, thermal imaging camera, lidar scanner and microphone for monitoring industrial plants.
The robot has more than 400 individual components. As the situation on the procurement markets was tense at the start of production, it was particularly important to find a service provider that could secure the supply chains for all components. Zollner Elektronik handles all material procurement with a global purchasing department. Special manufacturing islands in production are intended to ensure a smooth process. For the production of larger quantities, assembly is carried out by machine in a reliable process.
The efficient exchange of information between the two partners also enables any necessary adjustments to the technology based on new findings or changes in the supply chain.
www.zollner.de
www.anybotics.com
