Omron cobot lifts Branach productivity to new heights
May 15, 2023
Branach is a multi-award winning Australian-owned company that leads the way when it comes to working safely at heights.
Branach is a multi-award winning Australian-owned company that leads the way when it comes to working safely at heights.
This Melbourne-based company has earned a global reputation for its cutting-edge high quality safety ladders.
Its original designs are setting a new benchmark for ladder safety around the world, exceeding rigorous Australian, US and European safety standards.
Electrically resistant and lightweight, all Branach ladders feature a unique fibreglass box rail. Industry proven and tested, the fibreglass box rail dramatically reduces twist and sway by up to 40%, while being both lighter and more durable than C-section ladders.
Branach’s reputation for innovative products has spread across the globe, with orders now flowing in from the US, Europe New Zealand, Chile and South-East Asia.
Major clients in Australia include Telstra, BHP Billiton, Woodside, General Electric, Victorian Fire Services and State Emergency Services.
Since its establishment in 1990, most of the company’s production processes have been handled manually.
But to meet the increased demand, the company is now looking for innovative new ways to boost output.
Automation is the ideal solution
Drilling holes in their fibreglass ladders to insert vital rivets is a time-consuming job. Previously, it was all done by hand.
Now, with a little help from Omron, that task has been automated.
More than 12 months ago Omron supplied a state-of-the-art TM12 collaborative robot to help streamline production, reduce errors and improve workplace safety.
To carry out the repetitive drilling task, the TM12 cobot has a power drill mounted to a purpose-built 1.2m arm. It can deal with high volumes, without taking a break.
By deploying a TM cobot the company is now able to produce many more new ladders a day.
And to further improve throughput, Branach is now looking at ways robotics can be used for other applications, including its CNC machining process.
Last year, the company employed a full-time engineering intern specialising in robotics to program the TM cobot and explore new applications for this technology within the business.
Boost in production
“The TM12 has not only improved production flow, it’s taken great pressure off our workers,” says Branach general manager Oliver Morfeld.
“We’ve been trialling the cobot for a year and we are now in the final stages.
“We’re more than happy with the results.”
Height safety is at the forefront of Branach’s entire product range from concept to construction. The company prides itself on quality and strict attention to detail.
Our customers deserve the best
“At Branach, we choose our suppliers carefully to ensure we provide only the best quality products to our partners,” says Mr Morfeld.
“As a proudly Australian made company, we’re committed to producing the most innovative height safety solutions for our partners.”
Branach is a winner of the prestigious Endeavour Safety Solution Award and a finalist at the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards, Good Design Australia Awards and WorkSafe Victoria Health and Safety Awards.
Learn more about Omron cobots here