Automating manufacturing processes has long been viewed as a way to reduce labor requirements while improving production efficiency and quality. As technology advances, more manufacturing processes are becoming automated, further improving efficiency while reducing overall costs. The testing and validation process has experienced a rapid shift toward more advanced processes, such as automated test equipment. This trend isn’t likely to slow any time soon, with newer technologies demanding faster, more accurate results.

Recent Innovations in Automated Test Equipment

Technology is advancing exponentially, with each product generation boasting more powerful features, more advanced capabilities, and more streamlined designs. Market demand for the newest and greatest pushes manufacturers to produce more products more quickly while maintaining the quality and reliability they have become known for. Manual testing and validation techniques create bottlenecks for modern manufacturers, which can damage reputations and result in lower sales than expected. Automated test equipment, however, is designed to address these needs, and recent innovations have transformed the way manufacturers rapidly ensure product quality.

Advanced Sensor Technologies

Highly sophisticated programming and extremely sensitive sensors have helped enhance automated manufacturing in general and component inspection capabilities in particular. Cutting-edge optical sensors, for example, can determine if every tiny component is assembled precisely as required for optimal form and function. When combined with automated test equipment, these sensors will quickly determine if assemblies meet all specifications before allowing them to move through the production process. 

Robotic Integration 

Robotic arms and cobots are expected to take a greater role in automated test equipment in the coming years as more sophisticated material handling capabilities are developed that allow these technologies to complete complex and repetitive tasks in a fraction of the time human operators are physically capable of matching. Robotics ensure consistency throughout production, whereas worker efficiency and accuracy tend to wax and wane depending on several outside factors. By utilizing automated test equipment integrated with custom robotics, manufacturers remove the risk of human error while boosting throughput and efficiency. 

Improved Reporting Capabilities

Modern testing equipment uses advanced software that has improved manufacturing insights by providing real-time data tracking and reporting capabilities. This not only improves traceability and provides documentation that each component meets exact requirements but also allows manufacturers to quickly address quality issues at the source, preventing expensive delays and rework. As this software grows more powerful, automated test equipment will be able to provide actionable solutions, if not automatically adjust processes accordingly, with minimum operator interaction. 

Phasing Out Pneumatic Air Cylinders 

Current automated test systems utilize pneumatic air cylinder power sources, which are expensive to maintain and install. These costly systems are one of the main reasons smaller manufacturers are hesitant to modernize their facilities. Test Products, however, is quickly developing cost-effective and sustainable solutions that will save manufacturers upwards of $100,000 off the costs of adding and maintaining the airdrop necessary to run the current equipment. By transitioning to electronic sources, such as electro-servo motors, we eliminate the need for air driven components, reducing costs and providing avenues for smaller manufacturers to remain competitive in today’s highly competitive markets.

Custom Automated Test Equipment is the Future

Due to the ever-evolving nature of the industry, flexibility will be the key to automated test equipment in the very near future. Being able to test and validate high-mix and high-volume production through flexible testing equipment is vital for modern success. However, these powerful machines must be customized for each unique application. Trust your automated test equipment to highly experienced professionals to take advantage of the latest technology and contact Test Products today.