In a recent episode of the Manufacturing Executive Podcast, host Joe Sullivan sat down with Dr. Aryan Kabir and Dr. SK Gupta, co-founders of Grey Matter Robotics, to discuss how their company is shattering the notion that high mix, high variability manufacturing environments are unsuitable for automation.
Kabir and Gupta’s journey began at the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Southern California, where they encountered a common theme among manufacturers: a struggle to bridge the gap between demand and capacity due to labor shortages, particularly in high mix, high variability settings. “Everyone was running a production that is high mix by nature,” Kabir explained. “They produce parts that has part-part variation. They have material distribution variation. They have a large number of SKUs often. And as a result, they have not been able to use robots to be able to automate their production floor and they’re heavily dependent on manual labor.”
Recognizing the limitations of traditional robotics ecosystems in addressing these challenges, Kabir and Gupta founded Grey Matter Robotics to disrupt the market with advanced AI capabilities and a new business model. Their subscription-based, full-service approach encompasses hardware, software, process optimization, maintenance, and data insights, making robotics more accessible and effective for high mix manufacturers.
Central to Grey Matter Robotics’ solution is the integration of AI, which enables autonomous programming, safe execution, process optimization, and health monitoring.
AI basically plays four different roles when you think about powering your robots with AI in the context of high mix manufacturing. First aspect is that we don’t want any human to program right so that means you need AI so that you can just scan the part build a model of the part and then use that model to program the robot right so this planning aspect we need AI because without the AI robot cannot autonomously program themselves.
Beyond the technical capabilities, Kabir and Gupta emphasized the critical role of AI and robotics in building resiliency in the manufacturing workforce. By shifting tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks to robots, human workers can focus on high-value, high-skilled tasks, improving both productivity and job satisfaction. This shift is becoming increasingly important as the global labor shortage continues to impact manufacturing.
As for what the future holds, Kabir and Gupta highlighted the growing importance of complementary technologies, such as advanced inspection systems and AI-driven process health monitoring, in creating a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing landscape. They also stressed the significance of embracing the journey towards AI and robotics adoption, despite the potential challenges. “Ultimately, once you can successfully embrace AI and robotics, even though the journey will be hard, I’m not saying the journey is going to be easy, it’s going to be bumpy, it’s going to be painful, once you can embrace it, you would have unlimited opportunity for innovation,” Gupta emphasized.
Manufacturing leaders who are hesitant to leap should consider the risks of inaction. As Gupta warned, “Imagine your competitor decides to do it right they’ve been through the pain they suffered for three years down the road they would have so much innovation capability you would stand a chance right to compete with them.”
The Manufacturing Executive Podcast episode featuring Dr. Aryan Kabir and Dr. SK Gupta serves as a wake-up call for manufacturers who have yet to embrace the transformative potential of AI and robotics. As the industry continues to evolve, those who adapt and innovate will be best positioned to thrive in the face of global challenges and increasing competition.
To learn more about Grey Matter Robotics and their groundbreaking solutions for high mix, high variability manufacturing, visit their website at www.greymatter-robotics.com or stop by their booth (W4843) at Fabtech in Orlando from October 15th to 17th.
