Automation Equipment FAQ

General Automation Capabilities

What automation processes can A&AT handle?

A&AT provides comprehensive automation solutions including custom assembly machines, robotic integration, medical device assembly, pharmaceutical packaging, precision manufacturing, vision-guided quality control, and AI-enhanced systems. We specialize in small parts assembly, material handling, testing systems, and packaging equipment with machine learning capabilities that adapt and improve manufacturing processes.

What industries do you serve with automation solutions?

We serve medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, automotive assembly, electronics manufacturing, consumer products, biomedical research, aerospace components, defense systems, green technologies, and industrial manufacturing applications. Our 40+ years of experience spans over 765 completed projects across diverse industries.

What makes your automation systems different?

Our systems integrate AI technology including machine learning, computer vision, and smart robotics that learn, adapt, and continuously improve manufacturing processes. We're preferred integrators for ABB Robotics, Epson Robotics, and Keyence products, combining traditional automation expertise with cutting-edge AI capabilities for intelligent manufacturing solutions.

Technical Specifications & Precision

What precision capabilities do your systems achieve?

Our automation systems achieve positioning accuracy of ±0.0005 inches for critical component placement, repeatability of ±0.0002 inches across production runs, force control from 1 ounce to 8000 pounds with real-time monitoring, and cycle times from 0.5 to 60 seconds depending on application complexity.

What force ranges can your equipment handle?

Our pneumatic systems handle 200-2100 pounds force at 100 PSI, while our stakers provide 3500-8000 pounds of impact force. For precision applications, we control forces as low as 1 ounce with integrated monitoring. All systems include adjustable parameters, dual safety controls, and smart pressure monitoring capabilities.

How fast are your automation systems?

Cycle times vary by application complexity: simple operations achieve under 1 second, standard assembly processes run 2-15 seconds per part, complex multi-station systems operate 15-45 seconds per cycle, and specialized medical device assembly ranges 2-45 seconds depending on precision requirements and validation protocols.

Medical Device & FDA Compliance

Do you meet FDA and medical device regulations?

Yes. Our medical automation systems comply with FDA regulations, 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records, cGMP requirements, ISO 13485 quality standards, and are designed for clean room environments up to Class 10,000 specifications. We provide complete data logging, electronic signatures, audit trails, and validation documentation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ).

What medical device processes can you automate?

We automate catheter assembly (tip attachment, lumen insertion, balloon mounting), syringe manufacturing (needle attachment, plunger insertion, safety caps), surgical instrument assembly (pin insertion, component joining), diagnostic device assembly, pharmaceutical packaging, sterile component handling, and vision-guided quality inspection with automated reject handling.

Can you handle sterile manufacturing requirements?

Yes. Our medical automation systems are designed for clean room environments from Class 100,000 down to Class 10,000 specifications, with sterile material handling, HEPA filtration integration, contamination control protocols, and compatibility with both terminal sterilization and aseptic processing requirements.

What validation support do you provide for medical applications?

We provide comprehensive validation support including Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) documentation, 21 CFR Part 11 compliant data systems, material traceability systems, lot tracking capabilities, batch record integration, and complete audit trail documentation for regulatory compliance.

Robotic Integration & Partnerships

Which robot brands do you integrate?

A&AT is a preferred integrator for ABB Robotics, Epson Robotics, and Keyence products. We integrate SCARA robots, 6-axis articulated robots, collaborative robots (cobots), delta robots, and Cartesian robots with custom end-effectors, vision guidance, and AI-enhanced programming for manufacturing applications.

What robotic applications do you specialize in?

We specialize in precision assembly operations, material handling and sorting, pick-and-place operations, vision-guided assembly, quality inspection and testing, packaging and palletizing, machine tending operations, and fluid dispensing applications using rotary, XY, SCARA, and 6-axis robots with intelligent programming.

Do you provide robot programming and integration services?

Yes. We provide complete robotic integration including system design, robot programming, vision system integration, safety system implementation, HMI development, PLC integration, commissioning services, operator training, and ongoing technical support for robotic manufacturing systems.

AI-Enhanced Systems & Computer Vision

What AI capabilities do you integrate into automation systems?

Our AI-enhanced systems include machine learning for process optimization, computer vision for quality control and defect detection, adaptive control systems that improve over time, predictive maintenance algorithms, real-time process adjustment, and intelligent data collection for continuous improvement of manufacturing processes.

How do your vision systems work for quality control?

Our vision systems provide real-time defect detection, dimensional verification, assembly confirmation, part recognition and orientation, contamination detection, print quality verification, and automated sorting. Systems integrate with Keyence and Cognex components for reliable inspection with automatic reject handling of non-conforming parts.

Can your systems learn and improve over time?

Yes. Our AI-enhanced systems use machine learning algorithms to optimize cycle times, improve quality detection accuracy, predict maintenance needs, adapt to process variations, and continuously refine manufacturing parameters based on real-time data collection and analysis.

Project Timeline & Development Process

What is the typical timeline for custom automation projects?

Custom automation projects typically require 8-16 weeks from initial design to deployment: 2-3 weeks for design and engineering, 6-10 weeks for manufacturing and programming, and 2-3 weeks for testing, installation, and validation. Complex medical device systems may require additional time for regulatory compliance and validation protocols.

What is your development process for custom equipment?

Our process includes initial consultation and requirements analysis, conceptual design and feasibility study, detailed engineering and CAD development, component procurement and manufacturing, in-house assembly and programming, comprehensive testing and validation, installation and commissioning, operator training, and ongoing technical support.

Do you provide system testing and validation?

Yes. We perform comprehensive factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), performance validation, cycle time verification, quality system validation, safety system testing, and provide complete documentation packages including test results, operating procedures, and maintenance manuals.

Service Coverage & Technical Support

Do you provide nationwide service and support?

Yes. While headquartered in Massachusetts, A&AT provides nationwide service including system installation, commissioning, training, preventive maintenance, emergency support, spare parts supply, system upgrades, and remote diagnostics capabilities for customers across the United States.

What ongoing support do you provide after installation?

We provide technical assistance and troubleshooting, preventive maintenance programs, spare parts inventory and supply, system optimization services, software updates and upgrades, operator training and retraining, remote diagnostic capabilities, and emergency support services to ensure maximum system uptime.

How do you handle spare parts and maintenance?

We maintain spare parts inventory for critical components, provide recommended spare parts kits, offer preventive maintenance schedules, supply technical documentation and drawings, provide training on basic maintenance procedures, and maintain relationships with component suppliers for long-term parts availability.