WebLytics enables remote monitoring, device diagnosis, and data analysis

Enrico Krog Iversen

Laszlo Papp

The Danish robotics specialist OnRobot introduces WebLytics, its first software product. Developed to monitor the performance of multiple collaborative applications simultaneously and in real-time, the solution collects device data from robots and tools and transforms it into easily understandable, visualized information at device and application levels. Users benefit from increased productivity and minimized downtime. WebLytics is compatible with OnRobot's entire line of collaborative, application-oriented hardware solutions and will be available worldwide via subscription starting November 11th.

Downtime of robot cells can be costly. To minimize this and provide users with maximum functionality of their applications, OnRobot has developed WebLytics, the first software solution that, during ongoing operation, provides reports on the utilization of the robotic arm and OnRobot tools such as grippers, vision cameras, and sensors. Additionally, WebLytics records not only the number of gripping cycles but also the number of initiated safety stops. Furthermore, WebLytics offers live device diagnostics, warning messages, and preventive maintenance measures. For end-users and integrators, manual monitoring and data analysis are thus eliminated. Thanks to the software, they have actionable insights regarding the functionality of the collaborative application and can react early if needed, without fully dedicating their resources to monitoring the application.

"The introduction of WebLytics is an important milestone for OnRobot, our customers, and our global network of integrators," explains Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. "With WebLytics, we have the first software solution that delivers application-specific data for collaborative applications from leading robot manufacturers in real-time. Moreover, our first software product is only the beginning of our journey into robot software. WebLytics completes our vision of offering a one-stop shop for collaborative applications – both hardware and software."

Real-time analysis thanks to integrated OEE standard

WebLytics can identify developments in the robot cell—including patterns, peaks, and disruptions in application productivity. This is made possible by the integrated, globally recognized industry standard for overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This measures the percentage of manufacturing time that is truly productive. For example, a value of 100 percent means that the collaborative application produces only good parts, as quickly as possible, without downtime. Using these OEE measurements, WebLytics can determine whether the manufacturing process is running at optimal speed. Additionally, the software monitors and analyzes the quality of application cycles.

Thus, WebLytics can automatically report the effects of changes in a robot cell, such as adjusting robot speed or gripper settings, on application performance. The software also enables users to analyze data collected directly from robots and tools if anomalies occur after deployment. Customizable dashboards make reporting results straightforward.

The collected data is stored locally on the WebLytics server. This can be deployed within a company's local network or added to a virtual network connected to the robot cell. Access to WebLytics is via a secure, intuitive, browser-based user interface that displays OEE measurements and custom KPIs, providing users with immediate and transparent insights into real-time and historical application performance.

Software product with added value

WebLytics maintains the high standards of user-friendliness, affordability, application focus, and accessibility that users expect from OnRobot products. The software is compatible with all leading collaborative robots and lightweight industrial robot arms, as well as all OnRobot tools, and can be easily expanded. This makes WebLytics suitable for new robots and tools, ensuring a future-proof solution for users.

Not only is the software a powerful tool for end-users, but it also creates new revenue opportunities for system integrators. With WebLytics, they have software at hand to offer their customers data-driven, customized service agreements and technical services for cell optimization.

Laszlo Papp, product manager and sales engineer at Wamatec Hungary Kft., tested WebLytics in areas such as machine feeding, pick & place, and palletizing: "Time is critical in this fast-paced world. WebLytics helps us identify small errors that cause time losses when cycle time matters," he reports. "With WebLytics, we save a lot of time for ourselves and the product line because the software simplifies planning all maintenance and product changes. My favorite feature was the dashboard. I really liked that I can monitor all my applications, cobots, and end-of-arm tools via a single platform that offers real-time monitoring, data collection, and line diagrams. WebLytics makes optimizing all applications much easier than before."

"WebLytics is the perfect complement to our existing product lines. We see the software as a natural evolution of the OnRobot tradition. We wanted to make advanced tools and technologies—such as remote monitoring, device diagnostics, and data analysis—affordable and accessible for companies of all sizes," Iversen continues.