RFI - Robotic Systems for the Advanced Manufacturing Resource Facility - WPCA-AMRF-22-032

The intention of the robotic investment is to provide system flexibility and industry access to the equipment to develop custom robotic applications. Therefore, the equipment’s pre-configured use may be altered from its nominated function to suit an industry specific project. For example, the large industrial robot may have the machining end effector removed and reconfigured for a material handling task and then re-fitted with the machining end effector for another project.

Integration of the robotic equipment with the AMRF’s First facility manufacturing systems and other equipment is of importance. Considerations like machine control, file transfer and the collection of manufacturing data will be considerations. Details of expectations will be outlined in the request for tender based on feedback provided by this RFI process.

The equipment will be operated by AMRF staff engaged in undertaking industry projects for the purpose of enabling the application of robotic technologies in production environments.

The proposed scope covers the following requirements in relation to the supply and operation of this equipment in the AMRF First Facility.

• Supply, delivery, installation, integration, commissioning, and maintenance / after sales service of the equipment as follows:

• One (1) – Larger Industrial Robot with integrated machining end effector
• One (1) – Medium Industrial Robot with integrated adhesive dispensing systems
• One (1) – Small mobile (trolley mounted) industrial robot set up for varied simple and safe user interaction configurable for a range of industrial tasks (e.g., welding / soldering, assembly, packing, material handling)
• Two (2) – Mobile Cobots; one configured for light gauge welding, one configured for pick & place, assembly and material handling tasks
• Guarding and safety systems – Design, build and integration of required safety system for the large and medium robots.
• Robot integration services – This will be a service package to support the AMRF with robotic integration work during its initial start-up phase.

• The two larger industrial machines shall be floor mounted, with potential for a track system (dependent on budget and facility setout / space).

• Nominated tooling and end effectors for the industrial robots are to be integrated with the robot hardware. Clarity on how this packaging is best presented to industry is being sort by this RFI process.

• Caging, safety systems, their integration with the industrial robots will be details in the RFI, information on industry practice in assessing, designing and suppling such systems is requested.

• The mobile industrial robot shall be provided as an enclosed modular unit that enables the equipment to be wheeled around easily, including through a standard doorway. The system shall enable easy end effectors change out and re-configure its working area to perform different tasks. The enclosure and safety systems shall enable a safe working environment with good access and visibility of the entire robot work area to support training and process testing. 

• Cobots shall be suitable for their respective use cases, i.e., welding, and light weight pick and place / assembly / material handling tasks. Tooling / end effector scope shall be detailed further in the RFT. The two cobot solutions will be provided as separate packages and include end effect options to support equipment flexibility. Advice on safety system shall be provide with the equipment.

• Alternative offers may be considered with the AMRF aiming to ensure its equipment remains current and continues to meet the needs of the local manufacturing industry.

This is a Request for Information only

Electronically on E-tender by the closing date and time

• The Procurement (Enforceable Procurement Provisions) Direction 2019 applies to this procurement

• A government agency may conduct negotiations with suppliers regarding the procurement

Review and complete tender documents as attached.

Supply and delivery are expected to be required by February 2024

Installation and commissioning, including Site Acceptance Test during February 2024

Initial equipment operation and maintenance training completed by the end March 2024

Product operation and servicing is expected to commence in April 2024