Steering systems manufacturer,
Pailton Engineering, which designs and manufactures steering components for the military and commercial vehicle sectors, is modernising its manufacturing processes with the installation of a new collaborative robot (cobot) at its facility in Coventry. After a successful trial period, the company has invested in a Fairino FR10 cobot on the induction hardening ball pin cell, where it works alongside existing team members to support production.
Designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace, the FR10 robot arm has six rotating joints and supports a payload of 10kg, with a reach of 1,400mm at ±0.05mm repeatability. It is built on an all-metal construction and equipped with high-torque motors, harmonic drive gears, magnetic brakes and both optical and inductive encoders, with a standard protection level of IP54.
Dave Pound, Pailton Engineering managing director, said: “This is part of a wider trend at Pailton Engineering. We are rolling out more automation in the workshop and beyond, not to replace our valued team, but to help augment their existing skills and provide them with the opportunity to learn new ones.
“Over recent months, team members have noticed the digitalisation additions across the whole facility, with this cobot now learning and adapting to its role among the team. The goal is a collaborative environment where human expertise and robotic precision work together to drive innovation.”
The new setup also includes additional accessories and is designed for flexible automation of precision mechanical assembly and component testing, supporting improved repeatability and production efficiency.
Sebastian Schupke, sales and business development manager at
Fairino Europe said: “We believe cobots offers an effective way for companies to grow sustainably by helping address challenges such as labour shortages while keeping people at the centre of production. We truly value Pailton Engineering’s commitment to collaborative automation and greatly appreciate their excellent approach. We look forward to continuing our cooperation.”