Automation in Electronics Manufacturing: Part 2 of 3 – Robotization and Automated Storage at VESLA EMS

Disclaimer: This article is part of a three-part series exploring how automation supports the VESLA EMS Design for Manufacturing (DFM) practices. In this series we highlight how automation improves quality, traceability, and production efficiency throughout the manufacturing process.

Robotization for Precision Manufacturing

Robotization plays a key role in increasing productivity, accuracy, safety and efficiency in electronics manufacturing. At VESLA, robotic stations are primarily used for repetitive tasks, allowing operators to focus on more complex and value-adding activities.

Our robotic stations are designed to support modern EMS production environments.

They:

• Are fully prepared for large-scale production

• Perform soldering, assembly and screw operations with high precision and speed

• Work seamlessly with our automatic SMT production line

This combination creates a highly efficient automated production environment.

Flexible Automation

A major advantage of our robotic infrastructure is flexibility. Our engineering team has extensive expertise in programming and configuring robotic systems.

This allows us to adapt robot stations for different tasks beyond their original purpose, making them suitable for:

• Multiple product types

• Various assembly operations

• Rapid production changes

This flexibility supports the VESLA EMS DFM approach, ensuring products can be manufactured efficiently with minimal process adjustments.

Automated Storage for Efficient Production Logistics

Efficient component management is essential for smooth manufacturing operations. To support this, VESLA uses an automated vertical storage system.

This compact system combines storage and picking functions within a tower-based design. Components are stored vertically, significantly reducing floor space requirements while improving accessibility.

The system can accommodate a wide range of goods, from small electronic components to larger materials.

Faster Picking and Zero-Error Handling

The automated storage system enables rapid and accurate material handling.

Key benefits include:

• Fast picking of complete Bill of Materials (BOM)

• Zero picking errors through automated handling

• Improved material traceability

This ensures that production lines always receive the correct components at the right time.

Faster Production Changeovers

Another important advantage is the ability to quickly switch between production projects.

The system allows:

• Fast project changeovers

• Efficient start-up of new production runs

• Improved production flexibility

Together with robotic automation, the storage system forms a critical part of the VESLA EMS DFM manufacturing ecosystem, supporting both efficiency and reliability.