It’s no secret that the folks at ATI are quite enthusiastic about robots. Any color, size, payload, we absolutely LOVE to explore new ways to make robots more flexible and productive. We don’t make robots, but we have to be experts in order to provide the best robotic solutions. Get to know our team and learn a bit more about the WHY behind ATI’s love for robots. In this edition, we hear from Nick Damiano, Force/Torque Sensor Business Development Manager. In this role, Nick works with robot OEMs and key customers to ensure that ATI Force/Torque Sensors are the preferred option for adding a sense of touch to robotic applications.
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Interviewer: So Nick, tell us about your first experience with robots?
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ND: I started with ATI as an Engineering Co-op while I was studying at the University of Pittsburgh. At the time, we only had a handful of robots across the entire organization, so, naturally, each robot was a stopping point on the introductory tour. When we got to the calibration lab, where all of our Force/Torque sensors are calibrated prior to shipment, I was introduced to the “cal robot”. It was twice as tall as the average human, and I remember learning about the sub-millimeter positional repeatability and the high level of accuracy with which it could calibrate our sensors. The combination of size, strength, and precision captivated me, and I was hooked from that day on!
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Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with customers who are solving the world’s most complex automation problems by leveraging the dexterity of ATI’s multi-axis Force/Torque sensors. From exploring the surface of Mars to picking a stick of deodorant out of random bin for automatic order fulfillment, each application has its own unique challenges, and I’m proud to say that ATI will continue to serve a critical role in solving these problems well into the future.
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Interviewer: What do you love about the industry?
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ND: The robotics and automation industry is full of people who want to help in any way they can. Everyone is passionate about the industry and strives for collective advancement. It’s a great community that’s working toward a common goal of improved quality of life, not just for those involved in the industry, but also for society as a whole. It is extremely fulfilling to see people from different organizations constantly working together and to know that we are making a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Interviewer: What excites you about the future of robots?
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ND: Historically, robots have fit into very rigid and well-defined environments. When we think of an automotive plant, parts are precision located with fixtures or moving on guided rails with precision encoders where the same task is done repeatedly in the same location. Looking forward, Force/Torque sensors, vision systems, microphones, etc. are enabling robots to adapt and interact safely with their surroundings in more variable environments. We are seeing more robots in places like surgical operating rooms, flexible warehouses, city streets, or even in-home kitchens where robotic perception has been the final piece of the automation puzzle. As this technology develops and becomes more accessible to the everyday consumer, robots will be there to lend a helping hand whether they’re assembling a car or washing a few dishes while you play with the kids.
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There you have it, folks! The passion for robotics and automation burns bright in the entire ATI team. Keep an eye out for future stories to learn more about WHY #weloverobots.
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Contact us to request more information on all our robotic end-effector products and services.
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