Absolute Robot offers programs to help customers during COVID-19 pandemic
By Bruce Geiselman
Absolute Robot Inc. (ARI) has introduced two programs to support its customers as they adjust their business operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first new offering is its Buyer Protection Program, aimed at injection molders who previously identified a need to add automation to their operation but now are hesitant to spend the money. ARI reports seeing a reluctance on the part of injection molders to act on previously identified capital investments.
However, based on experience from the economic slowdown in 2008, ARI believes the injection molding industry will return to normal business levels. At that point, increased demand coupled with supply issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak may result in equipment shortages across the industry and new orders could have extended lead times, according to ARI.
Under ARI’s new Buyer Protection Program, injection molders who place a purchase order may defer payment and reserve their robot in ARI’s inventory for 60 days. At the end of the 60 days, when the injection molding company has a better idea of its future needs, it may either cancel the order without penalty or purchase the robot. This will allow companies to keep their automation plans in place without having to make a cash investment while waiting to see how the next several months play out.
“Our goal is to help molders secure a robot for the eventual loosening of business down the road rather than scrambling for a robot when it is time to go full speed again,” said Tim Lavigne, ARI business unit manager. “They will know that this is one production issue they won’t have to worry about.”
Absolute Robt is offering complimentary online tutoring for the employees of customers that own A/AW, BW or CW servo robots.
Injection molders frequently delay training employees because of heavy workloads, according to the company. Beginning in April, ARI will offer free training to workers who are either less busy or working under a stay-at-home order. The online training will allow workers to take advantage of their downtime to improve their skills and make their robots function more productively.
“The additional free training is a value-add we want to offer customers who are looking to train more people or refresh their robotics knowledge,” Lavigne said. “Conducted through the commonly used platform GoToMeeting, it’s something we can do for customers that will position them better for the future.”
As of late March, ARI planned to offer an eight-hour tutorial spanning two days that would cover topics such as programming, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. The sessions, which will be offered more than once, will include question-and-answer periods.
Contact
Absolute Robot Inc., Worcester, Mass., 508-792-4305, www.absoluterobot.com
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