Joining in a day of optimism and positivity for the future of automation, we recently attended the Tharsus Supplier Day 2024 – an event that provided an exclusive opportunity to explore the Tharsus manufacturing facility, learn about their cutting-edge projects, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Held at Tharsus‘ factory in Blyth, Northumberland, the event featured an immersive shop floor tour and in-depth presentations on their renowned and recent automation solutions, including projects like the Ocado bot, Versatile Automation, and more…
The day began with an eagerly anticipated tour of the Tharsus factory shop floor, where attendees were treated to a first-hand view of the company’s manufacturing and robotic capabilities. The guided walk-through took participants across various stages of production, offering insights into how Tharsus integrates engineering excellence, innovative design, and advanced manufacturing techniques to deliver high-quality automation solutions.
We were presented with robotic assembly stations, precision machining areas, and electronics integration zones, showcasing how Tharsus combines traditional manufacturing processes with state-of-the-art automation. From fabrication to final quality checks, every aspect of the production process was on display, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality that goes into building Tharsus’ renowned robotic systems.
The tour also included demonstrations of the company’s smart data-driven approach to optimising production. Tharsus’ use of real-time data collection and analytics was evident, with monitors tracking key performance indicators on the shop floor, enabling a culture of continuous improvement. This transparency underscored Tharsus’ dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability, an ethos that extends to their collaboration with suppliers.
Ocado Bot – A Ground Breaking Robotic System for Highly Automated Warehouses
Among the celebrated legacy projects discussed during Supplier Day was the Ocado Bot, a ground breaking robotic system designed for Ocado’s highly automated warehouses. These robots move across a grid system to collect grocery items, allowing for faster and more efficient order fulfilment. The bots represent a hallmark of Tharsus’ engineering capabilities, with their design addressing critical challenges such as speed, coordination, and durability in a high-volume, 24/7 operational environment.
The success of the Ocado Bot project not only elevated Tharsus’ profile in the industry but also established the company as a leader in scalable automation solutions for logistics and retail. The insights gained from this project laid the groundwork for subsequent innovations, allowing Tharsus to expand its expertise into versatile automation technologies that adapt to various industries.
Versatile Automation – Adaptable, Multi-Purpose Robotic Solutions
Another highlight of the event was the introduction to Versatile Automation by Tharsus, a spin-out venture with a shift towards adaptable, multi-purpose robotic solutions and automation. Their aim is to provide industries with robotic systems that can perform multiple tasks across different settings, rather than being limited to a single function.
We learned about the vision behind Versatile Automation, which is to empower companies with robotics and automation that can dynamically change roles as needed. By developing software-driven, modular platforms, Tharsus is enabling businesses to deploy automation solutions that grow with their changing demands. The demonstrations featured their novel tile-based system, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that navigate dynamic environments and collaborative robots (cobots) designed for safe interaction alongside human workers, offering a glimpse into the future of flexible manufacturing and logistics.
The discussions touched on the benefits of this approach, such as cost-effectiveness and reduced downtime, as companies can easily reconfigure versatile robots to meet evolving needs without significant overhauls. Attendees witnessed prototypes in action, interacting with various elements on the shop floor, showcasing how adaptable these robots could be in real-world applications.
Fostering Stronger Relationships with Supply Chain Partners
Tharsus Supplier Day wasn’t just about Tharsus showcasing its projects; it was also about fostering stronger relationships with their supply chain partners. The event included roundtable discussions, where suppliers shared their insights and explored ways to collaborate more closely on future projects. Key topics included sustainability in manufacturing, sourcing of new materials and components, and integrating emerging technologies into the development of next-generation robotic solutions.
Suppliers were encouraged to participate actively in Tharsus’ journey towards versatile automation, providing valuable input and expertise that could shape the future of robotics. These collaborative discussions underscored the importance of a robust and innovative supply chain in driving the success of ambitious automation projects.
As the event drew to a close, attendees left with a clear understanding of Tharsus’ mission to stay at the forefront of automation technology. The company’s trajectory points toward more sophisticated applications of AI and robotics, with a focus on developing intelligent, flexible systems that are capable of adapting to diverse and evolving challenges across industries.
Meeting Today’s Demands and the Needs of Tomorrow
The day’s presentations and shop floor walk were a testament to Tharsus’ commitment to continuous innovation and their ambition to redefine what’s possible with robotics. As Tharsus pursues its vision of versatile automation, their collaborative approach with suppliers will be crucial in achieving ground-breaking advancements that not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow.
Tharsus Supplier Day 2024 was a powerful statement about the company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and partnership. With projects like the Ocado Bot, Versatile Automation, Tharsus is setting new benchmarks in the world of robotics and automation, leading the charge towards a smarter, more adaptable future.
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