Improtech PhotoRobot - Industry 4.0 Readiness

As of this 2024 declaration, PhotoRobot declares its Industry 4.0 readiness, compatibility, compliance, and operational efficiency.

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Hyper-Amortization of Improtech PhotoRobot

The following PhotoRobot machines accompanied with PhotoRobot Controls Software for use in photogrammetry industrial applications can take advantage of hyper-amortization:

• FRAME PhotoRobot
• Case 850 PhotoRobot
• C850 PhotoRobot
• C1300 PhotoRobot
• Centreless Table 850 PhotoRobot
• Centerless Tables 1300 PhotoRobot
• Cube v5 / v6 PhotoRobot
• Turning Platform 180 / 280 PhotoRobot
• Carousel 3000 PhotoRobot
• Carousel 5000 PhotoRobot

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Capital Equipment Controlled by Computerized Systems

To be classified as capital equipment, an item must be non-expendable, tangible property with a useful life of more than one year, and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. That includes: the cost of the item itself; any modifications, attachments, accessories, and auxiliary components to make it operational; as well as shipping and installation costs.

Improtech PhotoRobot meets these requirements to be considered capital equipment, and for further classification as Capital Equipment Controlled by Computerized Systems. This is because:

• They have means of CNC control (Computer Numerical Control).
• They are equipped with interfaces between user and machine that are simple and intuitive.
• They conform to the latest standards of safety, health, and hygiene.

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Industry 4.0 Compliance Benchmarks

PhotoRobot fully meets the following requirements to be certifiably Industry 4.0:

• Remote Diagnosis and Control: via proprietary applications such as PhotoRobot Controls Software and Control Units firmware through the network.
• Connectivity: PhotoRobot systems are connected over a network when in operation. They naturally enable real-time data transmission between the system and other company systems using embedded Controls Software API connectivity and other interoperability functionality.
• Sensors and Monitoring: The PhotoRobot solution integrates sensors that detect data on its performance, operational status, and surrounding environmental conditions. Those sensors are implemented across all related levels: hardware, software, and firmware. 
• Advanced Automation: PhotoRobot is capable of performing tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, adapting to changes in the operator’s input in real-time. Any tasks or sequences can be stored for future use.
• Process Digitization: The technology contributes to the digitization of production processes, enabling the creation of a ‘smart factory’ in which processes are digitally monitored and managed, and are implemented as an internal workflow management solution for picture taking, editing, and publishing. These functionalities are all completely paperless.
• Safety: All systems are designed with advanced safety features to prevent accidents and protect workers. PhotoRobot’s solution includes capabilities for operator safety and health protection, with both automatic and manual emergency stop situations and functionality.
• Energy Efficiency: To account in full with the principle Energy Efficiency First, the PhotoRobot solution:
  • using only the energy absolutely necessary for operation. Control Units manage electrical engines in an optimized way, contrary to direct connection to the electrical distribution network.
  • reducing energy demands when continuous studio lighting is avoided.

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Industry 4.0 Operational Efficiency

For greater operational efficiency, PhotoRobot technology enables:

• The reduction of human workloads where possible
  • Automated product and camera positioning
  • Automated image capturing
  • Automated image postprocessing
  • Automated image backup, cloud publishing, connecting to 3rd party systems (e-shops, data storage, etc)
• Predictive maintenance and smart internal sensors reporting machine stages to the cloud
  • Monitoring and reporting internal temperatures for overheating risks
  • Monitoring and reporting coolers statuses
  • Monitoring and reporting number of operations performed for predictive servicing
• 3D printing
  • For use internally for the machine’s production (and easy repairs in the field if required)
  • For the internal production of various accessories for photography operations (designed by PhotoRobot, 3D printed locally by the customer)

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Industry 4.0 Environmental Responsibility

New PhotoRobot machine designs now extensively incorporate Nylon PA11, an advanced biopolymer deriving from renewable resources. The cutting-edge material is SLS 3D printable, and enables the 3D printing of complex geometries into machine components and parts. This not only helps us push the boundaries of design, enhancing the functionality and value of the products. It also dramatically reduces PhotoRobot’s reliance on fossil fuels to align with our commitment to environmental responsibility. We can in this way reduce our carbon footprint while delivering superior products that are highly operationally efficient and eco-friendly.

In regards to sustainability, the Nylon PA11 machine design reduces the carbon footprint in multiple ways.

• Renewable Source: Nylon PA11 derives from ricin oil, an extract from the castor plant seed. This renewable resource is unlike traditional nylons, which derive from petroleum-based sources. Instead, by eliminating the need for fossil fuels, PA11 significantly lowers the environmental impact of material production.
• Lower CO2 Emissions: In comparison to conventional petroleum-based nylons, producing Nylon PA11 generates less CO2. Also, there is a further offset of CO2 emissions when producing the ricin oil base for PA11. This is due to the growth of the castor plant in production, which absorbs C02 from the atmosphere when growing.
• Energy Efficiency: Manufacturing Nylon PA11 generally consumes less energy than manufacturing traditional nylons. This in turn further offsets CO2 emissions from production.
• Durability, Recyclability: Nylon PA11 is an extremely durable material with a longer lifespan. It can dramatically extend the life cycles of components, limiting the need to produce replacement parts and additional waste. Meanwhile, the material is highly recyclable, so there is less need for new raw materials, and less waste overall.

The use of Nylon PA11 in PhotoRobot machine designs helps advance our commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility. It helps us manufacture more functional, versatile and cutting-edge machines that are also kind to the planet.