Streamlining Workflows and Boosting Productivity at FABTECH 2024

Introducing Artificial Intelligence, Cobot Integration and The New M850 Control Panel

FABTECH Orlando, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, is the place to find the newest tools to improve productivity and increase profits. Despite Hurricane Milton’s landfall one week before the show, this year’s show did not disappoint.

The ALM team proudly unveiled several industry leading innovations developed with ergonomics, productivity and safety in mind: VIKI OS, ALM’s AI Voice Initiated, Kinetic Intelligence Operating System, a Collaborative Robot (cobot) integrated on a Fixed Height Headstock and Tailstock positioner and the new M850 control panel.

In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of these cutting-edge advancements and explore how they’re set to revolutionize welding processes and boost efficiency for manufacturers.

VIKI OS: Better. Faster. Safer. Smarter.

Event attendees were introduced to VIKI OS – ALM’s AI Powered Voice Initiated, Kinetic Intelligence Operating System, featuring large language model voice commands. Seamlessly integrated into the operator’s helmet, VIKI OS enables hands-free control, streamlining workflows, boosting productivity and enhancing safety.

“Artificial intelligence will be a major driver of productivity in manufacturing,” said Kevin Toft, Chief Revenue Officer at ALM Positioners Inc. “Recognizing an opportunity, we partnered with Secomind.AI to create a system that delivers real value to our customers.”

Toft emphasized that productivity and safety were the top priorities in VIKI OS’s development. “With VIKI OS, employees can operate the positioner hands-free, reducing risk while keeping their focus on the task at hand,” he said.

By integrating into the helmet, VIKI OS allows welders to control the positioner without needing to flip helmets, remove gloves or walk back and forth to the welding pendant. VIKI OS listens for commands, with a brief pause after each to minimize miscommunication and enhance operational safety.

“VIKI OS is a groundbreaking tool in the manufacturing space, keeping ALM at the forefront of technological innovation in our industry,” said Toft. VIKI OS is compatible with new control packages and can be retrofitted to models from 2024 onward. It supports both English and Spanish and will be available in first quarter of 2025.

To stay informed about VIKI OS and future updates, visit this page.

Powerful Yet Affordable: Collaborative Robot (Cobot)

Mounted on ALM’s Fixed Height Headstock and Tailstock positioner with 4,000 lbs. capacity, the FANUC CRX-30iA Single BiS8 Motor Aux Package seamlessly integrates to enhance productivity and streamline manufacturing processes. At FABTECH, attendees saw the expanding flexibility of the cobot by integrating with a non-collaborative positioner while maintaining current safety standards to increase its capability.

“What sets this specific ALM integration apart is that it’s the only system where the collaborative robot directly drives the positioner itself. This innovative design allows the cobot to mount directly onto the positioner, eliminating the need for external controls,” said Kevin Toft.

Toft also noted that the cobot is helping to address the ongoing shortage of skilled welders. “What’s innovative is that we are trying to broaden the understanding of the use of collaborative robots and the role they can play in the manufacturing world.”

Versatility Meets Practicality: M850 Control Panel

In addition to VIKI OS and the cobot work cell, ALM introduced the NEW M850 control platform. Designed with versatility in mind, the M850 provides essential features like I/O status, alarm feedback and safety monitoring. Its intuitive 7-inch touchscreen and quick-move function allow operators to initiate positioner motion while completing other tasks, increasing efficiency.

While it doesn’t support multi-step processes like ALM’s higher-end control platforms, the M850 is perfect for operations that require a semi-automated process, making it a practical and user-friendly solution for a wide range of applications.
To learn more about the control platforms we offer, click here.

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