Eclipse Automation: Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Cutting-Edge Solutions

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Eclipse Automation: Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Cutting-Edge Solutions

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Have you ever wondered how things are made so quickly and efficiently in factories? A big part of the answer lies in automation – using machines and technology to do tasks that humans used to do. If you are a small business owner and want to bring similar levels of efficiency to your work day, you can also explore automation to streamline your tasks. One company that’s making huge waves in this area is Eclipse Automation. But what exactly is Eclipse Automation, and why is everyone talking about them? Let’s dive in and explore how they’re changing the world of manufacturing!

Key Takeaways:

  • Eclipse Automation specializes in custom automation solutions for various industries.
  • Accenture’s acquisition of Eclipse Automation aims to boost digital transformation in manufacturing.
  • Eclipse offers end-to-end solutions, global expertise, and integrates advanced technologies like AI and robotics.
  • They serve industries including life sciences, transportation, energy, and consumer/industrial goods.

Table of Contents

What is Eclipse Automation?

Eclipse Automation is a company that specializes in creating custom automation solutions for manufacturers. This means they design, build, and service special machines and systems that help factories make products faster, better, and more efficiently – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/what-we-do/ – source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D_RpT6bLMc. Think of it like this: imagine you’re building a LEGO set. Eclipse Automation builds the super-advanced robot that can assemble that LEGO set in seconds!

Founded in 2001, Eclipse Automation has grown into a global company with offices in many countries, including Canada, the United States, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, and Malaysia – source: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2022/accenture-to-acquire-eclipse-automation-to-help-clients-build-factories-of-the-future. This allows them to help manufacturers all over the world improve their production processes.

Accenture Acquires Eclipse Automation: A Game Changer

In exciting news, in July 2022, Accenture, a giant in the world of consulting and technology, agreed to buy Eclipse Automation – source: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2022/accenture-to-acquire-eclipse-automation-to-help-clients-build-factories-of-the-future. Why is this such a big deal? Because Accenture wants to help build the “factories of the future,” and Eclipse Automation is a key piece of that puzzle.

This means that factories can now use even more advanced technologies like cloud computing, data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) to make their operations smarter, more productive, safer, and more environmentally friendly – source: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2022/accenture-to-acquire-eclipse-automation-to-help-clients-build-factories-of-the-future. Imagine robots working together, guided by AI, to build everything from cars to computers with incredible precision!

What Can Eclipse Automation Do? Their Core Capabilities

Eclipse Automation offers a wide range of services to help manufacturers automate their processes from start to finish. Here are some of their core capabilities:

  1. End-to-End Solutions: Eclipse provides complete solutions, from planning and designing the automation system to building it, installing it, and providing ongoing support – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/what-we-do/. They don’t just sell you a machine; they make sure it works perfectly and keeps working! For businesses considering automation, understanding the common challenges in implementation is crucial for successful adoption.
  2. Vertical Integration: Eclipse combines knowledge from different industries to create custom automation systems that work seamlessly. They understand that every factory is different, and they tailor their solutions to fit each specific need – source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D_RpT6bLMc.
  3. Global Expertise: With offices around the world, Eclipse can provide local support and expertise to manufacturers wherever they are. This means they can help factories in different countries overcome unique challenges and take advantage of local resources – source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D_RpT6bLMc.
  4. Digital Transformation: As part of Accenture, Eclipse combines its automation skills with Accenture’s expertise in cloud, data, and AI. This helps manufacturers not only automate their processes but also use data and insights to make better decisions and improve their overall performance – source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D_RpT6bLMc. Service based businesses can also leverage the power of automation to transform their operations and boost performance.

Industries They Serve: Automation Across the Board

Eclipse Automation doesn’t just focus on one type of manufacturing. They help companies in a wide range of industries, including:

  1. Life Sciences: They automate the production of things like diabetes care devices, diagnostic cartridges, and other medical devices – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com. This helps ensure that these critical products are made accurately and efficiently, so they can reach the people who need them.
  2. Transportation: Eclipse helps build electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, and other automotive components – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com. As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation, Eclipse is playing a key role in making these technologies a reality.
  3. Energy: They automate the production of components for nuclear energy, solar panels, and power distribution systems – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com. This helps make energy production more efficient and reliable, supporting the growing demand for power around the world.
  4. Consumer/Industrial: Eclipse automates the manufacturing of power tools, appliances, electronic devices, and various industrial products – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com. From the smartphone in your pocket to the drill in your garage, Eclipse is helping to make the products you use every day.

The Technologies Behind the Magic: Automation Technologies Explained

So, what kind of technology does Eclipse Automation use to automate manufacturing processes? Here are some of the key technologies they employ:

  1. Robot Integration: Eclipse has experience working with all kinds of robots, including 6-axis robots (which can move in six different directions), SCARA robots (which are fast and precise), collaborative robots (which can work safely alongside humans), delta robots (which are great for picking and placing small objects), and gantry robots (which can move heavy objects over long distances) – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/.
  2. Automated Part Feeding: They use different methods to automatically feed parts into the assembly process, such as vibratory bowls, step feeders, centrifugal feeders, and 3D bin picking (using robots to pick parts out of a bin) – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/. This ensures that parts are always available when they’re needed, without requiring human intervention.
  3. Part Conveyance: Eclipse uses various methods to move parts from one station to another, such as powered roller/pallet systems, linear servo conveyance (using precise motors to move parts along a track), and indexing rotary dials (which rotate parts to different stations) – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/.
  4. Inspection & Test: They use machine vision (cameras that can “see” defects), 3D surface profiling (measuring the shape of parts), leak testing, and other methods to inspect and test products for quality – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/. This helps ensure that only high-quality products make it to the customer.
  5. Fastening & Joining: Eclipse uses different technologies to join parts together, such as ultrasonic welding (using sound waves to weld plastics), laser welding (using lasers to weld metals), and bolt torquing (tightening bolts to a specific torque) – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/.
  6. Dispensing: They use high-precision dispensing systems to apply reagents (chemicals), epoxy, adhesives, and potting compounds (used to protect electronic components) – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/.
  7. AGV/AMR/Rail: Eclipse integrates Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Rail Guided systems to move materials and products around the factory – source: https://www.eclipseautomation.com/our-expertise/assembly-automation-technologies/. AGVs follow fixed paths, while AMRs can navigate more freely, and rail guided systems use tracks to move materials.

The Impact on Manufacturing: A Glimpse into the Future

The acquisition of Eclipse Automation by Accenture is expected to have a major impact on the manufacturing industry. Here’s how:

  1. Digital Transformation: The combined expertise of Eclipse and Accenture will help manufacturers transform their products and processes using digital technologies. This means they can design better products, optimize their manufacturing processes, and respond more quickly to changing market demands – source: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2022/accenture-to-acquire-eclipse-automation-to-help-clients-build-factories-of-the-future. Even for smaller businesses, digital transformation through automation can significantly boost productivity.
  2. Reshoring Support: As companies bring production back to North America (a process called “reshoring”) due to supply chain problems, Eclipse and Accenture can help them reinvent their manufacturing processes using digital technologies and advanced automation. This will make them more competitive and resilient in the face of global disruptions – source: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2022/accenture-to-acquire-eclipse-automation-to-help-clients-build-factories-of-the-future.
  3. Workforce Development: The acquisition aims to provide technology and training to develop a digital industrial workforce in areas where manufacturing skills are lacking. This will help create new jobs and ensure that manufacturers have the skilled workers they need to operate their advanced automated systems – source: https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2022/accenture-to-acquire-eclipse-automation-to-help-clients-build-factories-of-the-future.

The Future is Automated

Eclipse Automation’s integration into Accenture marks a significant step towards creating smart factories and the future of manufacturing. By combining their expertise in custom automation solutions with Accenture’s digital technology prowess, they are well-positioned to drive innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing sector. For service based businesses looking to improve efficiency, automation is also a key tool.

So, the next time you use a smartphone, drive a car, or turn on a light, remember that companies like Eclipse Automation are working behind the scenes to make those products better, faster, and more efficiently. The world of manufacturing is changing rapidly, and Eclipse Automation is at the forefront of that change, leading the way to a more automated and efficient future. They are the unsung heroes building the factories of tomorrow, today!

FAQ

Q: What is custom automation?
A: Custom automation involves designing and building unique automated systems tailored to the specific needs of a particular manufacturing process or factory.

Q: How does automation benefit manufacturers?
A: Automation can increase production speed, improve product quality, reduce costs, enhance worker safety, and enable greater flexibility in manufacturing processes.

Q: What role does AI play in the future of manufacturing?
A: AI can be used to optimize production processes, predict equipment failures, improve quality control, and enable robots to adapt to changing conditions.

Q: Where can I learn more about Eclipse Automation?
A: You can visit their website at www.eclipseautomation.com

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