North American-based robotics new orders are up 20 percent, according to new statistics released by Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s largest trade group. The growth of robots is aligned with RIA’s certified robot integrator designation program, designed to help the industry develop more successful robot applications.
Based on input from focus groups with leading integrators and end users, RIA determined that a certification program would be a useful way for users to develop a baseline for the evaluation of robot integrators, and a great way for system integrators to benchmark themselves against best industry practices. The certification program is patterned after those in diverse industries such as IT, healthcare and automotive to promote industry best practices. Certification in any industry is a mark of professionalism. The RIA certification program is expected to drive these initiatives for robot integrators that focus on delivering best value solutions, complete service and support for end user customers.
Ten leading system integrators have received the Certified Robot Integrator designation from RIA. Achieving certification provides way for integrators to showcase their capabilities and experience as well as benchmark their own processes against best industry practices.
“This is a major milestone for our program which we launched in January of this year,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of RIA, in a statement. “In order to become certified, integrators go through a rigorous process which includes an on-site audit, safety training and hands-on testing of key personnel among other important criteria. Based on feedback from certified integrators, we believe that achieving certification is already proving extremely valuable to integrators as a way to showcase their capabilities and experience to users and suppliers alike.”
The ten Certified Robot Integrators are QComp Technologies, Inc., Wynright Robotics Solutions, Ellison Technologies Automation, Genesis Systems Group, Intelligrated Systems Inc., JR Automation Technologies, Inc., Motion Controls Robotics, Inc., Progressive Machine & Design, LLC, Tennessee Rand Company and Wolf Robotics.
Robot users and system integrators helped specify the requirements for the certification of qualified member and non-member robot integrators and their personnel. In keeping with the longstanding RIA tradition of promoting and supporting the use of robotics since 1974, the association listened to and acted upon the suggestions brought forward by integrator members and robot users.
“Additionally, the program allows integrators to benchmark their own processes against best industry practices, helping them to identify areas in which they can improve. This also helps the industry by strengthening the overall integrator channel,” Burnstein explained.
There are three basic parts to the certification exam and audit, which is held at the robot integrator’s facility: hands-on section, expert response section (participant industry tenure and biography) and on-site audit of business infrastructure per completed “Self Score Card.”
“RIA certification confirms the higher standards that QComp has maintained as our routine practice,” said Tom Doyle, president, QComp Technologies. “Having our engineers pass the testing at the Expert level shows the dedication and competence of the QComp staff and our internal emphasis on training. Benchmarking our processes and engineering competence against other top robotic integrators helps establish QComp’s place in the market as an experienced, competent and customer focused integrator.”
The certification process demonstrates the necessary level of technical knowledge required to execute robotic system projects and tasks in a safe, efficient and economical manner. It also signifies that the company, as well as each certified technician, has the ability to work with various codes and standards.
Edited by
Amanda Ciccatelli
