The integration of robotic systems in small businesses represents a growing trend.  Robotic systems are now much more economical for small businesses and the results from integrating a robot into production is profitable.  

• One fundamental challenge to small business is: ''What do I do after I buy the robot system?''  Small companies face the challenge to develop and retain a robot ''champion'' who can reprogram the robotic cell for new products and address technical issues as they come up,'' says Carl Traynor, Senior Director of Marketing for Motoman Inc. According to Mr. Traynor, 95% of Motoman's customers have five robots or less.
• ''As an industry, we need to stress the benefits of using robots for small lots,'' observes Smith. ''You do not need large runs. Robots provide the flexibility for small runs where frequency of production demand over time occurs; you can call the programs up later when required. We have many examples of where customers are using robots to handle multiple SKUs, up to 41 different case sizes and the same is true in machine tending applications where robot systems are handling up to 146 different parts. Also, with the use of offline programming you can keep your robots running while you prepare for new jobs.''
• The difficulties and challenges that a small business faces when designing and integrating a robotic system do have some unique qualities.
• For some manufacturers, robotics technology is perceived as a quick fix to quality issues. It is true that the reliability and repeatability of robots greatly improves quality, however there are important considerations such as stack-up tolerances that must be addressed to realize the quality benefits of robots.
• This reservation is a combination of unknowns when dealing with what may be perceived as a complex robotic system or potential strain on a small company's finances. However, the benefits of eliminating wasted time and motion, such as less re-work and less scrap, are compelling reasons to consider robots. And robot manufacturers have gone to great lengths to make programming, operating and maintaining robots a simple and manageable process.
• ''It is also possible to lease robotic systems, which frees up capital while allowing the company to reap the benefits of robotic automation,'' Traynor says.
• The product utilizes a six-axis Fanuc robot on a mobile platform and features an infeed/outfeed system that has a servo-driven, pallet changer.
• Robotic welding is a prevalent application used by small companies. ''Welding applications are where RTS has made the greatest inroads for small businesses to invest in,'' reflects Andy Carson. ''These are typically off-the-shelf robots that are straightforward to use.''
• Motoman's Traynor adds,  ''Regardless of their size, manufacturing companies minimize risk and cost and maximize reliability with pre-engineered, standard robotic solutions that come complete with fully integrated safety equipment.''
• 'There are a lot of small companies out there,'' said Carson. ''There is a mild trend of small companies investing in robotics.'' His colleagues at the robot manufacturing companies tend to agree.