How SICK’s sensing suite acts as the invisible superpower behind Titan Robotics’ applications

What makes a robotic application the best it can possibly be? A systems engineer may argue it’s the robust design of the application, your safety consultant would most likely vouch for the comprehensive risk assessment, and if your data specialist is a betting man, they’d put it all on the smart sensors. But if you ask the CTO and Co-founder of Titan Robotics, he boils it down to a much simpler concept.

SICK’s partnership with Titan Robotics is built on a shared commitment to creating robotic systems that not only perform complex tasks but do so with an ease that often goes unnoticed. As Dave Galati, Co-founder at Titan Robotics, aptly puts it, “For a robotic system to be useful, it has to just work.”

A reliable sensing suite

SICK provides a comprehensive suite of sensors that are integral to Titan's robotic systems. These sensors are not just components; they are the backbone of Titan's ability to deliver reliable and efficient solutions across various applications. From paint removal and application on aircraft to advanced cold spray systems, SICK sensors ensure that Titan's robots can accurately sense their environment and make informed decisions.

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Allen Bancroft, Chief Operating Officer at Titan, emphasizes the confidence that comes with using SICK products: “When we open up a SICK sensor out of a box, it’s going to work.”

This reliability allows Titan to focus on leveraging the data provided by these sensors rather than worrying about their performance. The partnership is characterized by a collaborative spirit, with both teams working closely to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique challenges of their projects.

High-mix, low-volume applications

Titan Robotics specializes in automating processes that are traditionally considered dull, dirty, and dangerous in the industry. Their systems are designed to handle high-mix, low-volume surface processing, which includes tasks that were previously too complex to automate. For instance, Titan’s robots utilize SICK’s mapping pods to create precise 3D point clouds, enabling accurate paint removal and application.

Steve Turnshek, a Material Science Engineer at Titan, noted that the mapping pod “just works as intended all the time,” allowing for high levels of accuracy in their operations.

Moreover, Titan’s robots are equipped with SICK safety sensors to ensure safe operation around valuable assets. This integration of safety and efficiency is crucial in environments where precision and reliability are paramount.

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The importance of simplicity: sensors that “just work”

One of the most profound insights from Titan’s team is the notion that true success in robotics is often invisible. As Galati explained, “You know you’ve succeeded when you produce a system or robot that does a thing that everyone looks at and goes, ‘Huh, is that it?’”

This simplicity belies the complexity of the technology and the challenges that have been overcome to achieve it.

This philosophy resonates deeply with SICK’s approach to sensor design. The effort that goes into creating sensors that “just work” is often unseen, yet it’s this very reliability that allows Titan to deliver exceptional robotic solutions without the burden of constant troubleshooting.

True partnership = working together

The relationship between SICK and Titan Robotics is more than just a supplier-customer dynamic; it’s a partnership aimed at achieving common goals. Both organizations are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotics, ensuring that their systems not only meet but exceed industry standards.

With SICK’s responsive service and commitment to quality, Titan can confidently focus on what they do best: creating robotic systems that simply work.