The partnership comes as electronics manufacturers increasingly look to automate and digitise manual assembly processes in response to ongoing skilled labour shortages and growing demands for traceability and process control. While SMT production has benefited from significant automation investment over recent years, through-hole (THT) and final assembly operations have traditionally remained heavily dependent on manual processes.
Joe Booth, Chief Executive Officer at Altus Group, said: “I have been looking for an opportunity to add a top-quality solution to our THT equipment portfolio and I think Smart Klaus is an excellent addition. It is intuitive to use and program, engineered and manufactured in Germany to a very high standard, with a range of well-thought-out options developed through more than 1,500 installations across Europe.”
Booth continued: “We have all seen simple laser-guided systems, but Smart Klaus goes much further. By displaying instructions directly in front of the operator, incorporating Pick-by-Light functionality and checking each work step in real time through camera-based optical inspection, it reduces the skill level required while helping ensure only the right quality product leaves the production line. I think this is exactly the type of system our market needs while manufacturers continue to face significant labour and skills challenges. I am excited to hear if our customers are as excited about the technology as I am.”
Developed by Germany-based Optimum datamanagement solutions, Smart Klaus is a camera-based worker assistance system designed to digitise manual production processes. The system provides audiovisual step-by-step guidance to operators while one or more integrated cameras continuously monitor the work area and verify that each task has been completed correctly.
Using a combination of image processing technology and artificial intelligence, Smart Klaus compares live activity against taught reference images and immediately alerts operators to deviations. Every process step is automatically documented, creating complete digital traceability and providing manufacturers with valuable production data that can be used for process optimisation and training.
The modular platform can be configured with features including Pick-by-Light systems, projectors, external digital measuring tools and interfaces to ERP and MES systems. Smart Klaus can be deployed across a range of applications, including outgoing goods inspection, manual assembly, THT assembly and final inspection processes.
Smart Klaus will make its UK debut at the Altus Group Factory of the Future event in September and will subsequently be available for demonstrations at the company’s headquarters in Redditch.
Source: Altus Group
