Automating complex manual operations

Groupe Bouhyer manufactures cast parts that are manually sanded during the finishing process. They wanted to automate this difficult operation that has a heightened risk of repetitive strain injury for its workers. Capacités’ engineers helped them to analyze the need and to establish detailed specifications. Then they worked together to set up the project of robotizing the operation.

First, the engineers assessed the entire process including the finishing operation. Then they analyzed several technical solutions that were available

on the market and tested them on actual parts. They recommended the best solution and included a study on managing the shop to optimize flows.

Capacités’ experts participated in writing the complete specifications, and they also provided support while consulting with the team that implemented the solutions. The experts objectively evaluated and compared the different responses in terms of technical solutions and ROI. Groupe Bouhyer can use this information to select a robotic cell that perfectly fit the needs.

To successfully complete this project, the Capacités’ experts benefited from support and technical equipment from the LS2N laboratory (Digital Sciences Laboratory), joint research unit of Nantes Université , Centrale Nantes engineering school, Inria, IMT Atlantique and CNRS.