Design for manufacturing, or DFM, is a key part of bringing a robot from an idea to a prototype and ultimately to a finished, commercially available product.

Developers must consider cost, complexity, and materials as they scale up from tests and pilots.

Startups that rush their products to market without proper DFM risk unsatisfactory performance or costly re-engineering later on. Fortunately, there are best practices and tools to help. Innovators, startups, and the investors that support them must understand which components are standardized and which should be part of a company’s intellectual property.

In this free report, The Robot Report looks at the tradeoffs and opportunities in using DFM to prepare for mass production. From best-in-class components and safety to pushing out software updates, we examine how designers should think about manufacturing — as early as possible in the product-development cycle, according to industry experts.

Ted Larson, co-founder and CEO of OLogic, has worked with numerous leading robotics companies. He shares his experience with DFM and how to satisfy the demand for ever more capable automation and easier maintenance. Choosing the right partners and test customers is also important, as is a willingness to pivot if necessary, notes Larson.

Sometimes robotics is rocket science. GrayMatter Robotics co-founder Ariyan Kabir discusses the differences and commonalities in designing robots for shaping football helmets and fighter jet canopies. Just as good robotics development starts with identifying a problem to solve, building a good product starts with identifying which capabilities are unique or value-added and which could be commoditized.

Complete the form below to download this Design for Manufacturing eBook!

The post Design for Manufacturing eBook appeared first on The Robot Report.