Since the German government revealed Industry 4.0 strategy, global manufacturing has entered a new era of digitalization and smart manufacturing. In line with these business transformations, “flexibility of manufacturing” has become a primary goal of manufacturers, which is increasing the demand for industrial robots. Peter Peng, Director of Delta’s Robotics Automation Dept., said, “We have seen the robotics market continue to grow with production values and shipments increasing since 2012. The market expansion reached a peak in 2017, when the shipment growth rate rose 40%. Although many external factors have had impacts on the market and resulted in a period of slow growth from 2018 to 2019, people are still optimistic about the prospects of the robotics market and anticipate a next wave of growth after 2020.”

In response to market demands, Taiwan still implements small amount production with diversity, and has put special emphasis on flexible functions and a high ROI of robotics to catch up with fast changing industries. To improve the price-performance ratio and system efficiency of robots and to increase added value, domestic robot manufacturers need to simplify robot operations and integrate robots with various applications. 

Peter Peng pointed out, “Delta’s competitive advantage is that we have the electronics processing technology and years of experience in developing automated key components for integration with robotic solutions. In addition, Delta can learn from actual tests and production with its own electronic components and automated production lines to improve robotic solutions. We always test and verify every product and improve weaknesses per the user experience before launching on the market. In terms of market demand, both the automobile industry and the electronics industry require robotic automation. The experience we have accumulated is a great help for our business expansion into these industries.”

Delta has developed Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arms (SCARAs) and six-axis articulated robots for various industries and has designed dedicated functions including conveyor tracking and inspection on the fly for easy operation. 

Delta has recently launched robot simulation software – DRASimuCAD – integrating CAD, CAM and robot simulation programs for smart manufacturing. DRASimuCAD allows users to simulate workpieces, the working environment, or equipment with the 3D modeling function, as well as import dozens of CAD files, and configure layouts by dragging and dropping icons built into the software library. The simulation consists of CAM processing path auto-generation, physical robot operation, a programming interface, processing time estimation, possible collision detection and prevention, and parameter optimization. The DRASimuCAD achieves smart design with the integration of virtual and real conditions. 

With the simulation program, users can rapidly perform simulation programming of a workstation, robotic tutorials and auto-programmingbefore system setup. There is no need to wait until the physical settings are complete. In the footwear industry, for example, this simulation program can help footwear manufacturers simulate the processes of gluing, polishing, path point teaching and multi-point teaching before production, which increases their inclination to adopt robots on production lines. 

Peter Peng, Director of Delta Robotics Automation Dept., is optimistic about the development of the robot market in Taiwan

Delta integrates robots with motion control for automated production with high utilization rates and product yields for industries, including electronics, home appliances, packaging, food and beverages, automobile components and more. Delta’s experience in diverse applications and industries contributes to its development of robotic solutions and products.

Taiwan has been playing an important role in the global machine tools industry. It has continuously improved the integration of machine tools and robot arms, and is now putting the emphasis on domestic brands of robot arms