Motion Control & Drives


Harnessing robotics for a sustainable future

Technews Industry Guide: Sustainable Manufacturing 2024 Motion Control & Drives


Andrew Crackett, managing director of Yaskawa South Africa.

Sustainability has become a critical focus for forward-thinking industries, none more so than manufacturing. Yaskawa South Africa stands at the forefront of this green revolution, leveraging advanced robotics to drive sustainable manufacturing practices. Managing director of Yaskawa South Africa, Andrew Crackett discusses how integrating cutting-edge technologies with environmental responsibility at Yaskawa not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also prioritises a sustainable future.

Promoting sustainable manufacturing

Yaskawa has several initiatives that promote both Industry 4.0 and green manufacturing. These include:

• Embracing Industry 4.0: Integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data analytics and IoT into manufacturing processes improves efficiency, productivity and quality.

• Green manufacturing: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and reducing carbon footprint.

• Eco-friendly products and services: Offering solutions that promote sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.

• Research and development: Investing in research and development to improve existing products and develop new ones that support sustainable manufacturing.

• Sustainability challenges and targets: Identifying and addressing materiality issues, such as environmental performance, new technologies, business domains, and setting quantitative and qualitative KPIs.

Alignment with business strategy

Yaskawa’s commitment to green manufacturing is seamlessly aligned with its overarching business strategy. According to Crackett, Yaskawa implements this in several ways. In terms of contributing to the evolution of society, the company positions itself as a catalyst for societal progress, driving technological evolution that underpins sustainable societies. This is reflected in its dedication to the welfare of humanity, aiming to enhance safety, health and quality of life through innovative solutions. This relentless pursuit of advanced technology not only positions Yaskawa at the technological forefront, but also underscores its commitment to universal societal development. By addressing global challenges like environmental sustainability through its technological innovations, Yaskawa contributes to the global development of society.

Robotics and sustainability

Yaskawa’s robotics solutions are pivotal in reducing environmental impact within manufacturing processes. For instance, Yaskawa champions continuous research and development by investing in innovation and technology advancements. “We work with customers, suppliers and industry experts to stay informed about emerging sustainability trends, while designing robots and systems with energy-saving features and optimised performance,” says Crackett. Resource conservation is another significant benefit, with robotic systems optimising production schedules, enhancing inventory management and streamlining supply chain operations.

Economic and environmental benefits

Integrating Yaskawa’s robotics for sustainable manufacturing brings substantial economic benefits. Companies experience increased productivity, cost savings from reduced energy consumption and waste, improved product quality, and enhanced supply chain efficiency. These improvements lead to a higher return on investment and increased competitiveness in the market. Yaskawa’s solutions also aid businesses in meeting environmental compliance requirements and sustainability goals.

In conclusion, Yaskawa South Africa’s commitment to green manufacturing, driven by advanced robotics and continuous innovation, exemplifies how technology can be harnessed for a sustainable future. By aligning its initiatives with broader business strategies and societal goals, Yaskawa is not only improving manufacturing processes, but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable world.

For more information contact Yaskawa Southern Africa, +27 11 608 3182, [email protected], www.yaskawa.za.com




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Taking reliability to the trenches
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s maintenance-free Y Bearing Unit has significantly extended equipment uptime for key customer Gibela, a leading level 5CE CIBD-rated civils company with more than ten years of experience in the field.

Read more...
Adjustable chocks support extremely large telescope
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Adjustable chocks from SKF will play an important role in the world’s largest visible/near-infrared telescope, the ELT, which is currently under construction in Chile.

Read more...
Safe handling in all sectors
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Motion Control & Drives
BMG is committed to ensuring optimum safety standards in all sectors, and encourages and assists customers to adhere to stringent safety legislation during bulk handling. Tsubaki backstops and cam clutches, which have been developed and manufactured in Japan for high efficiency and optimum safety in high- or low-speed applications, meet the requirements of current legislation.

Read more...
Motion control solutions for better machining results
Motion Control & Drives
NSK Europe is shining the spotlight on its latest solutions for machine tools. Innovative NSK bearings, ball screws, and linear guides can deliver significant gains for both machine users and builders.

Read more...
Drive technology for tunnel construction
Motion Control & Drives
Compact, robust, and reliable - these are the advantages of RUD’s Tecdos drive technology, which is a gamechanger in tunnel construction.

Read more...
Modernising for productivity
SEW-Eurodrive Motion Control & Drives
Making its debut appearance at NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp in September this year, geared motor specialist SEW-EURODRIVE is all set to excite the farming community with even more solutions to drive productivity and efficiency.

Read more...
Cost-effective machine health monitoring
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
The easy to use SKF QuickCollect Bluetooth-enabled, handheld sensor monitors the health of rotating machinery via mobile iOS and Android apps, identifies developing issues, and mitigates potential failures by enabling customers to initiate predictive maintenance.

Read more...
Beer brewers avoid grease contamination
igus Motion Control & Drives
A study by RWTH Aachen University and igus recently quantified the financial and environmental benefits of using lubrication-free polymer bearings over traditional metal bearings. The study revealed that users can save millions of rands annually in lubricant costs, significantly reducing their environmental impact.

Read more...
Supporting the low-carbon steel movement
Motion Control & Drives
With a legacy of pioneering safer, more productive, and sustainable equipment and services, Konecranes is committed to advancing a decarbonised and circular world for customers and society.

Read more...
Testing your motor control coordination
Motion Control & Drives
Referro Systems, a supplier of control and automation solutions for the industrial sector, is warning against the risks of using untested components in motor control combinations.

Read more...