Back to the future - With FRAI Robotic Technologies

We live in a time when computers and robots are part of everyday life. A time that is advancing faster than we can run. Many interesting and major inventions are finding their way into industry, but also the commercial sector. Take, for instance, children's toys, which are already voice-controlled and can independently move in various directions. Concepts that start small develop into major industrial projects. Complex and ever-growing innovations set the pace. The possibilities appear unending… Whether in the medical industry, the technical industry or amongst end consumers, it's impossible to imagine a world without robotics. The question of how to create added value with the help of these new technologies is constantly on the mind of Franz Plasonig, CEO of FRAI Robotic Technologies. To achieve great things, the tool and associated technology must first be developed and created. The team at FRAI Robotic Technologies works on solutions for fully automated production and is already an integral component of the future of automation. Inspired by blockbusters and futuristic concepts, Franz Plasonig leads a company that is already daring to leap into the future and charting new territory with unique developments. Articulated robots, AGVs and automated interlinking systems are concepts that are just scratching the surface of the future and creating the drive for more exciting solutions in the field of mechanical engineering. In this COMPLETE interview with Franz Plasonig, we catch a small glimpse into this new world and consider the outlook forthe future of automated industry at FRAI Robotic Technologies.

Mr Plasonig, please introduce yourself.
My name is Franz Plasonig, I was born and raised in the beautiful Lavanttal in Carinthia and have lived in Upper Austria since 2008. I am married and have two children aged 9 and 12.

There are many companies that offer automation solutions - what makes FRAI stand out from the crowd?
First and foremost, it is essential that we always understand what the customer wants. An automation solution must not only be easily adaptable in production, but also at a later date with a small investment. The lifecycles of products are becoming ever shorter, which makes it all the more important that customers receive a product from us that fits perfectly with their current product range but can also be used for future products. This is something we are able to achieve thanks to our experience and is also precisely what makes FRAI special.

What exactly can FRAI offer WFL customers?
In short, anything the customers desire. From a "simple" robot cell that simply loads and unloads the machine tool to a complex host-computer-controlled cell that takes orders from the customer's system and takes care of the entire cycle. For example, loading and unloading workpieces, tool changes, clamping device changes, linear gantries, area gantries and much more. If the technology in question is one we don't already have in our range, we are guaranteed to have an expert on hand who can support us in itsimplementation.

How does collaboration work between FRAI and WFL and which hurdles need to be overcome when working together on projects?
Collaboration between WFL and FRAI did not start with the acquisition. So not all processes were new to us. From our point of view, it works extremely well and the interfaces between the companies are becoming better and better. A major advantage for customers is that when they buy a turnkey solution from us, the process has already been tried and tested in Linz under real conditions. Examples of this include chip removal by means of additional flushing processes, drainage in the machine, collecting cooling lubricant in the area surrounding the robot or gantry robot.

Automation is "THE" topic of the future; are there already innovations that are set to have a huge impact on production and manufacturing?
Wherever you look, there is a shortage of employees in all industries. This will continue to be the case over the coming years. This is why all roads lead to automation. Higher-level host-computer- controlled systems are increasingly finding their way into the production halls of our end customers as a way of countering the shortage of personnel. AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) are also being increasingly used to safeguard the internal flow of materials. Automation solutions are becoming more complex and more likely to be equipped with camera solutions in order to offer greater flexibility in production. Loading and unloading workpieces, changing clamping devices, changing grippers, etc. are tasks performed by every good automation cell. In future, however, it should also be possible to change the cutting plates on the tools to enable production to continue over the weekend with fewer personnel. This concept is still in its infancy, but is something we are looking to develop going forward.

The world changes rapidly, particularly in the field of automation. AI is definitely a hot topic here. Are there measures/ ideas that are being pushed forward?
A lot has happened in the field of camera technology over the past three years and suppliers are increasingly using AI-based systems here. We want to focus on these first and foremost, as we are already able to identify the considerable added value they would bring to our end customers and ourselves.

As CEO of FRAI, you must be familiar with stressful situations and a high level of responsibility. How do you deal with these and how do you recharge your batteries or replenish your energy?
For me, it's important to remain calm in any situation, and to analyse the situationbefore proceeding to deal with it. Panicking often results in errors, which must be kept to a minimum. Family has top priority for me. My family gives me strength in every life situation and I am firmly convinced that, with a strong family unit, you can move mountains. I also enjoy cooking to unwind. I cook with love and it really helps me shed the stresses of the working day.

To what extent does your job require "nerves of steel"?
There are always situations in which you need to take a deep breath but again here it's important to analyse the situation first and then make the right decisions.

How would you describe your day-to-day work?
Unfortunately, I don't have a typically structured working day. What does happen every day, however, is my morning tour, when I greet all the staff and obtain an overview of the current situation. Twice a week we coordinate the status of production and every Monday we discuss individual projects to ensure everyone is on the same page and we're not in for too many surprises. All of this is quite flexible, of course, and depends on the current situation.

Profile

Name: Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. (FH) Franz Plasonig
Age: 39 Jahre
Home town: Linz

Education:

• HTL- Wolfsberg specialising in automation technology, graduated in 2006
• Part-time degree in industrial engineering at the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, graduated in 2019

Career:

• 2008 – 2011 Design engineer for industrial deburring and cleaning systems for powertrain components at Valiant-TMS
• 2011 – 2013 Person responsible for the design of industrial deburring and cleaning systems for powertrain components at Valiant-TMS
• 2013 – 2015 Head of design for industrial deburring and cleaning systems for powertrain components at Valiant-TMS
• 2015 – 2019 Head of process technology for powertrain washers at Valiant-TMS
• 06/2019 – 04/2021 CEO of Pixelrunner GmbH
• Since 05/2021 CEO of FRAI Elektromaschinenbau GmbH