Automation plays a critical role in medical device manufacturing, delivering the precision, consistency, and repeatability required to produce complex components at scale. Cadence delivers systems that power this level of performance, driven by engineers who combine technical expertise with hands-on problem solving. For Senior Mechanical Engineer Bryan Bailey, robotics and automation have been a fundamental part of his career at Cadence for nearly 20 years. During that time, he has helped design and implement systems that improve manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the tight tolerances required for medical devices.
Automation is especially important in medical device manufacturing because of the consistency it provides. Robots and automated systems can perform precise movements repeatedly, while maintaining stable cycle times. That repeatability helps ensure every component is produced to the same exacting standards required for medical applications. As medical devices continue to become smaller and more advanced, automation is becoming even more essential. Producing parts at smaller scales requires tighter precision and faster, more repeatable movements; capabilities that machines can deliver reliably. At the same time, automation allows employees to focus on more complex tasks, while robots handle repetitive motions that would otherwise be difficult to maintain manually.
One project that stands out to Bryan is the leg stacking automation system that he developed for Cadence’s Wisconsin facility. This system integrates multiple robots working together to handle stamped parts coming off a metal stamping press. As parts move along a conveyor belt, three robots equipped with Vision Systems identify the profile and orientation of each component. The robots pick up the parts from the belt and stack them onto bayonets, while a fourth robotic arm transfers the bayonets into a cleaning carrier and loads them into a cleaning machine when the carrier is full.
The leg stacking automation system also incorporates laser measurement technology that allows the robots to automatically calibrate their end effectors. If a tool is changed, the robots can run a calibration routine using a laser reference to reteach their position. This project represents what makes automation fascinating and fun for Bryan as it uses multiple technologies that work together in a synchronized manner.
“Bringing all these technologies together into a single system that moves with precision and consistency is one of the most rewarding parts about my job,” stated Bryan. “You have robots, cameras, and sensors all working together in sync to perform a complex process and it’s so fun to watch it all come together.”
Bryan notes that engineers must continue to evolve alongside new technologies such as advanced sensors, Vision Systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As these tools improve, they create new opportunities to refine automation systems and solve increasingly complex manufacturing challenges. Automation remains critical to delivering the precision and repeatability modern manufacturing requires, especially as medical devices continue to get smaller and grow more sophisticated.
Learn more about Cadence’s automation capabilities.