Making Complex Robotic Applications Simple with Justin Garski and Evan Gonnerman

We breathe without thinking. Blink without noticing. But when it comes down to it, all of our normal bodily functions are not as easy and effortless as they appear—at least not for complex robotic applications. Justin Garski, the Americas OEM Segment Manager for Packaging, Converting, Print and Web at Rockwell and Evan Gonnerman, Senior Controls Engineer for Concept Systems, sat down with Tyler Kern on the latest episode of Beyond the Concept to discuss the simplification of robotic systems in a complex world.

As one of Rockwell’s “robot experts,” Garski said, “I’m responsible for OEM growth, so people like Concept Systems and their peers in the packaging market space and then tissue and diaper and things like that…beyond that my background was all tied to robotics and advanced motion control stuff…”

Gonnerman explained that while many people think the main concept of robotics is about the robotic arm, it boils down to the details, “A lot of robotics comes down to the peripherals.” Understanding and conceptualizing quality control measures, how the arm interfaces in a solution space, the output and input are all key ingredients in the creation process.

“When we’re talking about this making things simple, that was, this is, basically my entire experience in automation. Learning the things that really simplify your life and then honing those hard,” noted Gonnerman, “…Take the complexity and make it simple.”

Garksi agreed that while there’s a lot of work that goes into the final product and the solution, there are a lot of steps to take toward simplicity including using the right tools. “How do you drive that simplicity?…I think if you develop a couple of key relationships with those suppliers that you trust and you start with them…” said Garski. Concept Systems is a key example of this mission.

On this point, Gonnerman said, “Most of the complexities and projects I will see will not be because the automation tool was complex. It’s because the process was complex.” Concept Systems knows it doesn’t and shouldn’t be this way. To this end, Concept System’s ultimate goal is moving repetitive, dangerous, and difficult processes from people to automation—to complex robotic applications. It’s not if. It’s not when. It’s now.