Light Industrial Manufacturing: A Navus Visual Case Study

Navus

At Navus, we pride ourselves on our ability to meet whatever light industrial manufacturing challenges our clients may throw at us. Whether you’re interested in additive manufacturing, decreased safety risks, or just want to improve throughput, our engineers are ready to help you achieve your goals. 

 

A client recently approached us about implementing automated processes to increase their production time. We partnered with ABB Robotics and CTM Labeling Systems to create a system that sorts the parts and puts them together. This new system increased their production to a rate of 24 finished parts per minute with the ability to have future layouts that won’t require changing their floor space requirements.

 

Goal: Update an Existing Light Industrial Manufacturing Process

 

A client recently presented us with an interesting challenge: utilize automation to improve production time in a complicated, multi-step light industrial manufacturing process. They wanted to speed up each part of the automation process to be completed in less than 2.5 seconds. 

 

However, the automation system needed to be flexible in order to account for all the different parts of the production process. Another challenge was cost savings and efficiency. Our client wanted to automate the assembly process in line with their existing equipment without having to change their facility’s floor plan.

 

This required our system to:

 

  • Operate from a remote control panel
  • Rely on a flexible automation process connected to other processes within the facility
  • Automate the label application process
  • Insert nails into the part
  • Correctly nest different parts together
  • Monitor processes in real-time

 

On top of that, the system would need to be able to conduct a robotic quality check. This would ensure that nails would be inserted at a certain depth and parts would be nested correctly.

 

Click here our top 5 free custom automation resources! 

 

Our Solution

Our team of Navus engineers partnered with ABB Robotics and CTM Labeling Systems to bring our client’s vision to life. They were able to develop a machine that fits in line with other pre-existing light industrial manufacturing processes to increase affordability. They were also able to achieve this without changing the floor plan of the client’s manufacturing facility.

 

How It Works

Our client’s new light industrial manufacturing machine starts by loading injection-molded plastic parts onto the feed conveyor. These parts are then singulated with an adhesive-backed paper UPC label at the in-feed conveyor escapement. From there, the parts continue down the conveyor to a side escapement where their height is checked with a thru-beam sensor.

 

Once the height has been checked, an IRB 360 robot moves the part from the side escapement nest and places it on a nail insertion nest. There, nails are blow-fed and inserted into the part. Any box that fails the height inspection is dropped into the rejection chute. The UPC code is read and verified by a Keyence SR-750 barcode reader.

 

A vibratory feeder escapes the next nail into a blow-feed and nail insertion is verified by the machine’s sensors. The IRB 360 robot then moves the first part that’s passed inspection to an out-feed nest. The second part that passes inspection is moved to a flip-over nest. This part is picked up by an IRB 120 robot and is placed for interlocking with the first part. The interlocked boxes are sent down a chute onto an out-feed conveyor by the out-feed pusher actuator.

 

To learn more about our work in light industrial manufacturing, click here!

 

Analyzing the Results

Navus’s engineers were able to significantly improve our client’s output. Once completed, the new system was able to produce items at a rate of 24 finished parts per minute. This actually exceeded our client’s expectations and greatly simplified the part changeover process. 

 

The new machine was easily integrated into the existing system thanks to the use of injection molding equipment and packaging conveyor systems. This enabled our client to save a considerable amount of time and money compared to other alternatives. It also works as a foundation for future layouts that won’t require changing their floor space requirements.

 

What is Light Manufacturing?

The light manufacturing industry covers a broad range of products so it can seem hard to define on the surface. However, the definition of light industrial manufacturing on its most basic level means: 

 

the manufacture of products, the process of which does not create and emit fumes, gases, smokes, vapours, vibrations, noise or glare or other factors which are regarded as nuisances which would cause adverse effects to the users of adjacent land.

 

Most manufacturers can be classified as light industry. Light manufacturing industry examples can include:

 

  • Consumer goods (e.g. office supplies)
  • Durable goods (e.g. household appliances)
  • Energy
  • Electronics

 

The team at Navus are experts in light industry manufacturing as well as medium and heavy. We’re experienced in finding solutions for industries of all scales and sizes. With our 20+ years legacy, we have a proven track record of providing automated solutions for light industry manufacturers. 

 

Do you need help finding solutions for your light manufacturing problems? Click here to contact us today!

 

We recently completed a project for a client who wanted to boost their production using automated processes. Our Navus engineers accomplished this task by partnering with ABB Robotics and CTM Labeling Systems to create a system that sorts the parts and puts them together. This increased our client’s throughput to 24 finished parts per minute with the option to have future layouts that won’t require changing their floor space requirements.

 

Navus Automation Inc. is a leading full-service automation integrator. Our world-class team has a reputation for applying ingenuity to solve complex challenges and deliver customized turn-key systems solutions. From concept to completion, Navus provides robotic welding and automation systems built upon our unwavering commitment to excellence, precision and reliability

Learning the Roles at Navus — How Our Team Works Together

Navus

Navus has spent over 20 years providing cutting-edge machines and systems to our clients. This has earned us a reputation as leaders in the field of state-of-the-art automation solutions. However, we would never have reached this level without our expert team and the roles they fill.

In this blog we’ll cover the roles and responsibilities of:

  • Electrical design engineer
  • Senior mechanical engineer
  • Automation technician
  • Automated robotics technician

 

Electrical Design Engineer

At Navus, electrical design engineers require a variety of skills. They can handle anything that gets thrown at them from electrical, programming, design, and even human interface of equipment. 

They may also be involved in:

  • PLC programming
  • HMI creation
  • Integration of new devices into networks

Electrical design engineers at Navus can find themselves working for some of our biggest clients early on. Working in the automotive as well as other industries allows for plenty of variation so they never feel bogged down and get to do something different every day. 

We understand the importance of hands-on work at Navus. As our team member Eric discovered at his previous company, moving up the company ladder can lead to working on major projects. Unfortunately, this also separated him from a lot of the hands-on work that he enjoyed most. 

As Eric explains:

But at some point in companies that large, you end up managing more people than projects. I was no longer as technically involved as I once was. I wanted to be closer to the edge of integration, which was what I always enjoyed the most, along with programming.

Fortunately for us, this played an important role in him joining the Navus team. Here he can continue the hands-on work that he enjoys most.

 

Click here to read Eric’s story and why he joined the team at Navus!

 

From left to right: Jim P., David L., James H., and Bill S. enjoying our first annual Open House in October 2021

Senior Mechanical Engineer

The duties of a senior mechanical engineer can vary from day to day. Much of one day may be dedicated to research and development for automating certain tasks to successfully design a system. The next day may be focused on debugging during runoff in order to:

  • Improve processes
  • Speed up cycle times
  • Develop methods that may change the design entirely

Whatever the task, our senior mechanical engineers are focused on making better products for clients and Navus itself.

Sometimes our senior mechanical engineers may pull double duty as designers. For James, this means facing changes and challenges that need to be solved on a daily basis. He says, “I like using my brain at work, and my role at Navus really lets me do that. We’ve definitely overcome some great challenges when it comes to our customers’ needs.”

 

To learn more about James’ role at Navus, click here!

 

Automation Technician

Automation technicians are the reason that we can make the different parts for clients at Navus. They’re also the reason we’re able to make them so well! Our automation technicians play the crucial role of bringing concepts to life.

Automation technicians focus on taking the prints from engineers and working out how to make them into actual parts. They work out tolerances, our own in-house capacities, and make jigs or whatever else they need to ensure that parts are workable.  

As with many of our roles at Navus, variations and challenges await automation technicians at every corner. Fortunately, our team sees these as opportunities rather than problems. As Alan, one of our automation technicians, explains: 

It’s varied and challenging. It’s certainly not [typical] production. Everything we do is usually custom to the client’s install. I’m not a big fan of doing the same thing every day. Here, there’s always something new to stretch yourself. 

 

Click here to read Alan’s story and what he loves about working at Navus!

 

Automated Robotics Technician

Automated robotics technician may be the most hands-on role we have at Navus. They focus on fabricating, welding, and assembling automated equipment. These technicians are also pivotal as they install and test-run their creations. Automated robotics technicians also serve a public-facing role by providing customer support and education for new equipment.

This role allows our team members to flex their creativity as they help bring automated robotics to life. Each product is unique to serve our clients’ specific needs, providing an opportunity to create something completely new. 

When asked what his favorite part of being an automated robotics technician for Navus is, Jon R. responded:

I would say the creative flexibility is my favorite part of the job. You can’t find what we make on the shelves of any store. Everything is different. It’s all one-of-a-kind. We only had to compete against one other company for some of the biggest projects we’ve had. We’re like pioneers with the stuff we build.

 

To learn more about Jon R.’s role at Navus, click here!

 

Electrical Technician

The role of electrical technician is an important step toward becoming an electrical engineer. In this role, Navus team members work on the floor to learn important skills like assembling and wiring control panels before moving on to eventually design them. This important role ensures that technicians get the hands-on experience they need before becoming developers.

Ryan R. comes from a long line of engineers going back to his great-grandfather. With that kind of pedigree, he understands the importance of hands-on experience. “Control systems engineers who work for larger companies sometimes never get their hands on the actual equipment,” he explains.

 

 

Click here for more on Ryan R.s’ experiences at Navus!

 

Many control systems engineers never get to learn about what they’re designing, resulting in miscommunication between engineers and technicians. At Navus, we want our electrical technicians to have the hands-on experience they need to be more effective in their roles.

Are you interested in a career at Navus? Contact us today to learn about our current opportunities!

 

With over 20 years of providing state-of-the-art systems and machines to our clients, Navus has earned a reputation as a leader in the world of cutting-edge automation solutions. Our team members have helped us achieve this with their hands-on knowledge and expert skills. 

Navus Automation Inc. is a leading full-service automation integrator. Our world-class team has a reputation for applying ingenuity to solve complex challenges and deliver customized turn-key systems solutions. From concept to completion, Navus provides robotic welding and automation systems built upon our unwavering commitment to excellence, precision and reliability

free automation resources

5 Free Custom Automation Resources [Complete With Downloads]

Navus

Here at Navus, we’ve spent over 20 years tackling the biggest challenges in custom automation. We take our biggest wins and share those stories through free custom automation resources, letting you know how we can solve your automation challenges, create efficiency, and mitigate risks in your facility.

Engineering the Future with Remotely Operated, Multi-Function Robotic Workcells

Robots have been used in the past to perform repetitive, low-skill labor. However, contemporary tools and features provide them with a much broader range of capabilities. 

This includes:

  • Offline programming
  • Sensing
  • Tool changing
  • Remote monitoring

These features allowed us to design an extraordinary system for a client that increases safety as well as efficiency. They can now take advantage of a system that moves the robotic workcell 100 feet into position in an environment that poses certain risks to their employees. Meanwhile, the operator is able to work in a remote location where they’re not in any danger.

This allows the operator to oversee:

  • Joints being prepped
  • Welds being prepped
  • Inter-pass cleanings
  • Vacuuming of welds

With multi-function robotics, the new system is able to reduce risk to the operator and increase productivity. It also drives down the costs brought on by traditional methods due to time and expense in order to achieve the same goal. 

This helped our client:

  • Reduce safety risks in a harsh work environment
  • Save time and money by bringing the weld cell to the part
  • Improve the quality of welds with only one operator
  • Reduce man-hours by only needing one operator

 

Download our free white paper to learn more about how we were able to help our client with remotely operated, multi-function robotic work cells!

 

Custom Automation for Dynamic Productivity in Light Industrial Manufacturing

At Navus, we are adept at designing and developing projects at all scales and levels. We jump at every challenge to streamline complex processes and adapt them to your needs.

A perfect example is a recent client of ours who already had automated processes in their facility. These processes dealt with the production of a specific product, but they still needed help downstream for packaging without human intervention. Our engineers were tasked with creating new, custom processes and integrating them with our client’s current processes.

What made the project truly challenging were the stringent parameters they had to work in. This included goals, materials, and space. However, the product itself was complicated with multiple parts that required assembly. Our team had to design the new system with this goal and in the client’s parameters to be truly successful.

Fortunately, what would intimidate other companies intrigued us. We worked with our vendors to develop an automated process that exceeded our client’s imagination. 

 

To download the free visual case study and learn how we created a system that produced 24 parts per minute with only one operator, click here!

 

Transforming Medium-Industry Manufacturing Through Vision Guided Robotics & CAD to Path Generation

Using robotics in automation isn’t a new concept and many medium-industry manufacturers are taking full advantage of their potential. However, residential construction is still lagging behind. While building prefabricated residential structures may seem like a heavy-industry project, it’s actually just combining multiple medium-industry pieces into a larger whole. 

This is the challenge we faced for one of our clients. In the past, they had their employees measure and cut all the floorboards by hand for their prefabricated buildings. The main problem they faced was consistency. Each piece of floorboard required a different length so they would match the layouts in different building plans. They wanted to make their process more efficient.

What made this project especially exciting for our team is that the client didn’t have any pre-existing automation in their facilities. This would be their first, and we were thrilled to be chosen to develop it for them. They needed a process that would translate from 2-D CAD drawings to a finished product ready for installation. 

Our challenge was to create an automated process that required:

  • Vision-guided robotics
  • Custom software
  • Adaptability with minimal input from an operator

Although it seemed complicated on the surface, the Navus team had confidence that they could meet all the client’s needs. Not only that, but the new system resulted in faster production times and reduced safety risks. 

 

Download our free white paper to learn how we were able to help our medium-industry manufacturing client with vision-guided robotics and CAD-to-path generation! 

 

Making the Impossible, Possible with Sensor-Guided Robotics

Medium-industry automation isn’t the only field we work in. We’ve also had the opportunity to work in heavy-industry manufacturing where custom automation can provide a variety of benefits for clients. A recent client had worked with multiple custom automation specialists in the past who had failed. Fortunately, they eventually found their way to Navus.

Our client’s old manual process consumed time and exhausted the employees. Things needed to change not only to improve efficiency, but also to mitigate certain risks for employees. 

They gave us an opportunity to try the impossible and build a machine that could:

  • Locate individual parts that weigh up to 14,000 lbs
  • Identify parts by shape and features
  • Create a toolpath for parts
  • Mill sharp edges of parts to a precise radius

The client’s old manual process had employees using electric grinders to smooth sharp edges. This left them exhausted and significantly increased the risk of an incident. This new process helped ensure the safety of employees and allowed them to supervise the process from a safe distance.

 

To download our free white paper on using custom automation to make the impossible possible in heavy-industry manufacturing, click here!

 

Increasing Productivity in Manufacturing with New Weld Technology

The ability to weld heavy and complex parts is an important aspect of heavy-industry manufacturing. We were recently able to transform a client’s welding process from outdated and unreliable to one that’s much more accurate and safe.

Despite using 15,000 lbs of force to hold them in place, their old system had a tendency of parts slipping during the welding process. This was impeding their process by slowing down production as well as their throughput as a whole.

They knew they needed a solution that:

  • Produced accurate welds
  • Kept parts in place through the process
  • Kept their line operators safe

This project gave us an opportunity to partner with Miller Electric and beta test a brand new welding system. We were also able to design a unique spring-loaded system to prevent the slipping they experienced with their old system. 

Another important factor was creating a system that could hold parts that ranged from 50 to 1,500 lbs. Our solution needed to recognize parts of different sizes and follow the correct steps without human input. Faster welding times were also a must to increase productivity. 

Despite feeling nearly impossible at times, our engineers were confident they could meet the client’s needs. The end result was an easy-to-use system that integrated with their other processes to improve output and employee safety.

 

Download our free white paper to learn more about how we were able to meet our heavy-industry client’s custom automation welding needs!

 

Navus Automation Inc. is a leading full-service automation integrator. Our world-class team has a reputation for applying ingenuity to solve complex challenges and deliver customized turn-key systems solutions. From concept to completion, Navus provides robotic welding and automation systems built upon our unwavering commitment to excellence, precision and reliability

increasing productivity in manufacturing

White Paper: Increasing Productivity in Manufacturing with New Weld Technology

Navus

Heavy-industry manufacturing lines will always need the ability to weld heavy and complex parts well. The ability to weld around the circumference of a heavy part in manufacturing is a complicated process. One of the newest projects we’ve finished this year has revolutionized our client’s welding process, opening up new possibilities for the future of their company and manufacturing process.

The latest free white paper we’ve published features a heavy-industry project that transformed an unreliable and outdated welding system into a safer, more accurate weld cell that doubled our client’s productivity. Our client’s old system had a history of parts slipping during the welding process, despite using 15,000 lbs of force to keep parts in place. 

Any system that produces imperfect parts during the manufacturing process will slow down production and affect a company’s overall throughput. Our client knew they needed a solution that produced accurate welds, kept parts in place during the process, and kept their line operators safe.

Our engineers are experts at designing new processes that overcome any challenges our clients bring us. This project turned into a special opportunity for us to partner with Miller Electric to beta test a brand new welding system that is the first of its kind on the market! Our team also created a unique spring-loaded tool system that solved our client’s particular frustrations with parts slipping with their old system.

Our client needed a process that could hold parts ranging from 50 to 1,500 lbs without slipping or damaging the part itself. Our solution also needed to automatically recognize parts of different sizes and choose the correct steps and tools for each individual part without manual input. The automated solution required a faster welding system that decreased risk of:

  • Porosity
  • Cracking and other quality issues
  • Decreased risk of part slippage
  • Adaptability of the welding process for a variety of complex parts 

Though the goal for this project felt complicated and impossible at times, our engineering team knew they could design a system that met all of our client’s needs, increase productivity, and decrease safety risks for employees and operators close to the process. The result of our engineers’ expertise was an easy-to-use-system that integrated with their other processes to deliver finished products faster than they thought possible.

In this free white paper, you’ll discover how this custom, adaptable system:

  • Saves time and money through reliable tooling
  • Reduces risk of production being stalled because of imperfections in welded parts
  • Saves time through a unique, advanced welding technology from Miller Electric
  • Reduces safety risks to employees through remote operation

To discover more about how Navus engineers used a cutting-edge welding system to design a custom automation process that worked for our client’s needs, you can read all about it in the free white paper, Increasing Productivity in Manufacturing with New Weld Technology.

 

Navus Automation Inc. is a leading full-service automation integrator. Our world-class team has a reputation for applying ingenuity to solve complex challenges and deliver customized turn-key systems solutions. From concept to completion, Navus provides robotic welding and automation systems built upon our unwavering commitment to excellence, precision and reliability

custom automation expectations

The Team at Navus: Exceeding Client Expectations Everyday

Navus

Navus is fortunate to work in an industry where we get to do something different every single day. Our projects have a lot of moving parts that all need to synchronize seamlessly, giving our team the opportunity to work with a variety of exciting, cutting-edge technologies. Between constant advances in robotics and a perpetual desire to build faster, safer, and more efficient systems, we never have to worry about work becoming monotonous. 

Meet Aaron H.: Electrical Designer

Aaron H. has been with us for almost six years. While he works as an electrical designer, he likes to joke that he’s a “master of all trades,” which isn’t too far from the truth.

Variety That Inspires

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Aaron: I do a lot of the PLC programming for the new machines. I also do some of the electrical design depending on the workload. I usually end up doing more of the programming than the design work.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Aaron: I ended up in this career because it’s always interesting and there’s always something different. It’s ever-changing, unlike some other monotonous, repetitive careers. I’m always getting to work with new equipment and make something exciting happen. 

I joined Navus after working for another machine builder. They closed their doors one day, and I knew I wanted to continue doing that kind of work. I applied to Navus and I’ve been a part of the team ever since!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about the role that you play at Navus?

Aaron: I enjoy getting to work with all the new technology. I get to see how everything comes together as a whole, from the beginning of the process, until we deliver the finished machine.

Navus: What is your favorite part about working for Navus as a company in general?

Aaron: I love getting to be a part of bringing a concept to life. To actually make it work the way it was intended and dreamed up. It’s a lot of fun! Especially when a client brings us something to build that’s never been done before. We create a lot of new processes for our clients at Navus! 

Exceeding Expectations Everyday

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to solve challenges in the past.

Aaron: Like most teams, we have our moments where we don’t always agree. But overall I would say that’s rare. We always come together, brainstorm, and figure out a solution to the challenges we face.

We all work together well. Overall, we’re a good team who can ask each other for ideas and bounce things off of each other. As a group effort, it makes everything come together, and our projects are successful because of it in the end.

Navus: What’s been your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Navus?

Aaron: I would have to say my favorite was a trim and expand cell we did for a client. It turned out really well and worked far more superior to a previous rendition that another automation company had created. It’s always great when we can not only meet a client’s expectations, but exceed them and set a new standard in the industry. That project was a lot of fun! 

Navus: What do you hope for the future of Navus as you grow?

Aaron: I hope it explodes, but in a good way of course. We grow year over year, and I hope that continues. I would love to see us get to ten times the size we are now. The bigger we are, the more we get to build new and advanced machinery, and stay on the cutting-edge of automation technology.

Navus: What kind of projects would you like to work on in the future, or do more of?

Aaron: I like working on the higher speed lines. I always think that it’s neat to get everything done in split seconds. When you’ve worked in the industry as long as I have, you tend to know when something is possible or not. The exciting part is accomplishing something faster than it’s been done before.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Aaron are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

overcoming challenges in automation through collaboration

The Team at Navus: Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

Navus

Navus has grown and changed a lot over the past decade, which has required problem-solving on a cross-department level. Our team has become stronger as we work together, developing skills we wouldn’t have otherwise. This has allowed us to stay nimble as we face and solve new challenges for our customers.

From left to right: Jim P., David L., James H., and Bill S. enjoying our first annual Open House in October 2021

Meet James: Senior Mechanical Engineer & Designer

James is an integral part of our team who has worked for us going on 10 years. He’s been with us as we’ve grown over the past decade, joining Navus after a short stint with the University of Tennessee. 

Teamwork that Keeps Projects Moving Forward

Navus: What do you do in your role at Navus?

James: It can vary from day to day. I do a lot of research and development on certain tasks we’re trying to automate so we can successfully design the system. I also do debugging when we’re doing a runoff to try and improve the process, speed up cycle times, or come up with a different method entirely that changes the design itself, but ultimately makes a better product for us and our clients.

Navus: How did you end up in this career and ultimately at Navus?

James: I started out in my career as a welder and then focused on becoming a machinist. After I spent some time in a career as a machinist, I went to school and studied engineering. I spent time as a research and development engineer for the electrical department at the University of Tennessee. When a position opened up at Navus, I applied for the job, got it, and I’ve been here ever since!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about the work you do with us?

James: It’s always changing and there’s always a challenge. I like using my brain at work, and my role at Navus really lets me do that. We’ve definitely overcome some great challenges when it comes to our customers’ needs.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about working for Navus as a company?

James: It’s a small-scale company, and we’re very transparent. There’s good communication with all the departments, and we have a good working relationship between the various teams. A setup like this makes the workplace fun, especially when you have challenges to overcome in a project. Challenges can be stressful but having a collaborative culture like ours definitely helps.

We all realize that we’re in the same boat and that we all have a common goal. When an individual on the team is met with a challenge beyond their skillset, other people willingly step up to keep the project moving forward.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

James: One of the projects that’s pushed our capabilities the most was a tactical welding system we created for a client. It was a multi-departmental project where we all had to come together and develop a working solution. There were a lot of cable-management issues to work through and solve. It wasn’t just one person’s job to solve this. It required input from all the departments that led us to the final solution that we delivered at the end of the project.

Navus: What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

James: Probably some of the more challenging projects. Specifically, one project where we had to create an automated solution that machines the edges of multi-ton parts using sensor-guided robotics. It was a new challenge for me. I enjoy anything that gets into technology that I’m not used to dealing with, because it’s a learning experience. I can then apply that new knowledge on future projects.

Navus: What do you envision for the future of Navus, especially since you’ve been with us for so long?

James: I think that as we work together and our whole team gets more experienced, we tend to overcome some of the codependencies that we have. For instance, I have learned a lot of electrical and robotics skills that I’ve found useful in my designs during my tenure here. I would expect that knowledge to grow with the other employees here so that there’s less codependency. It will help everyone overcome some of the small challenges that we have and come up with better solutions so we’re all working together to deliver the best systems possible to our clients.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like James are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

automotive industry automation

The Team at Navus: Cutting Edge Automation in Our Own Backyard

Navus

Navus brings together some of the brightest minds in our industry to work on some of its most exciting projects. We take a people-focused, hands-on approach to our work. This allows our team members to focus on their own projects while giving them the flexibility to jump in and help on others if needed. The final result is nationally recognized projects in our own backyard.

Meet Eric: Electrical Design Engineer

Eric has been with us for about six months as an Electrical Design Engineer. While his tenure with us hasn’t been long, he has an established history working for some impressive companies in the automotive industry, and has had the opportunity to dive in headfirst by working with our clients on cutting-edge projects.

Constant Room for Growth in an Ever-Changing Industry

Navus: What do you do in your role every day at Navus?

Eric: I support a lot of teams at Navus, including electrical, programming, design, and human interface of equipment. I also do PLC programming, HMI creation, and integration of new devices into networks. I work to support one of our biggest clients in the automotive industry, specifically. 

Navus: How did you end up in this career and then at Navus?

Eric: I started as a low-level maintenance technician at a small automotive parts supplier in Ohio. I loved that no two days were the same in this kind of work. I just kept learning on my own, and I went to night school at a small community college. My next career move was to a major automotive company where I worked in die-casting. Eventually, I moved up to programming in this same company where I worked on some major projects. 

But at some point in companies that large, you end up managing more people than projects. I was no longer as technically involved as I once was. I wanted to be closer to the edge of integration, which was what I always enjoyed the most, along with programming.

It might sound funny, but I actually saw a few TikTok videos that Navus made and then researched them further on LinkedIn. They contacted me shortly after I made my own LinkedIn profile. We set up a meeting in Columbus, Ohio, they offered me the job, and I moved down to Knoxville!

Navus: What is your favorite part of your role at Navus?

Eric: I think my favorite project so far is a diecast system we’ve been working on that integrates with an existing system for a client. They’re starting to move into some newer technologies, which allows us to try cutting-edge equipment for their automated systems!

We create and work with so much technology per square foot for systems like theirs. Even if you are very talented, there is always room to grow and learn just by walking in the door at Navus. We’re innovating and adding all sorts of advanced features to the systems we customize for our clients. It’s neat to see something that’s cutting edge on the national level right here where we live in East Tennessee.

Navus: What is your favorite part of working for Navus as a company?

Eric: I would say the culture. Specifically, the fact that we treat each other as close to family as you can. On the other hand, we’re very aware that you’re only as big as your aspirations, dreams, and goals. We definitely work hard to be better on the day-to-day level, but we can also be better at a big picture level and grow exponentially if we continue to do the right thing.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the Navus team work together to solve challenges.

Eric: We had a person working out of state who had run into some issues. I looked up to see someone with a Bluetooth headset on, at his computer, reviewing the same information. We were talking throughout the office with probably five people supporting one person. 

As a programmer and as an electrical engineer, in general, you have to have a base to call on because there’s so much information to process. You need valuable tools to make that happen, and I’ve yet to ask a question that just gets brushed off. We all have deadlines and we all have work, but we’re never so pressed that you can’t help a teammate in need.

Navus: Which project has been your favorite out of the ones you’ve worked on so far?

Eric: My favorite so far has to be a light industrial manufacturing project we did for a repeat client. It’s a great example of the fast-moving projects we can work on with the technology we use. I loved the reactions this project received during our recent open house. Everyone from little kids to grandmas were interested in what we created. It’s neat to see projects come to fruition, and even better to get to share our successes with friends, family, and the community as a whole.

Navus: What do you hope for the future of Navus?

Eric: I hope that as we grow, we never lose our process. What makes us unique is our commitment to individual customers and individual coworkers. Our attention to detail is unequivocally what sets us apart. Our communication from person to person is what brought me here and what will keep me here long term.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Eric are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

custom automation concept to completion

The Team at Navus: From Concept to Completion

Navus

Navus embraces new challenges head-on. Things are always changing in our industry as new advances are developed every day. We have the tools to meet and overcome these challenges with access to software, programming, robotics, and most importantly, our talented team. This helps us find innovative solutions for our clients that exceed expectations.

Meet Nick S.: Applications Engineer

Nick’s official title is Applications Engineer, and he has previously worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer. He joined Navus five years ago, but to him, the experiences he’s had have made the time fly by.

Making Ideas Into Reality

Navus: What do you do in your role at Navus?

Nick: I essentially take our concept machines and what we’ve quoted to customers and comb through the details of how to make it real. I figure out what parts we have to design, which we want to outsource, and the best way to get the particular machine designed and manufactured. I also work alongside the electrical guys to make sure what I’m designing is something we can actually implement.

I usually work with a team unless it’s a small project. In that case, I’ll be the only designer. But even if I’m the only person working, I’ll still bounce ideas off of the team as a way to keep ideas fresh and to maintain some checks and balances between departments.

Navus: How did you end up in this career and eventually at Navus?

Nick: I originally went to college to be an architect, but ended up switching to engineering. It was a way for me to still have some creativity, but I liked the idea of learning about the mechanics of how things work and are made. I wanted to be a part of the process of creating and designing things.

Funnily enough, I ended up at Navus because I knew the guys who were painting some walls here. They told me about the company, because it seemed like something I was interested in. I came in one day, interviewed, and I’ve been here ever since. At the time, I didn’t even know I was in an official interview until they offered me a job!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your role at Navus?

Nick: I like when we get a project and we’re not really sure how we’re going to do it. It really lets you figure out the best way to make something happen and forces you to take that initiative when things are open-ended with multiple possibilities. I like thinking through these kinds of challenges, and figuring out what’s the best and most efficient way to accomplish what we want with the final product.

It can be stressful at times, but I think it keeps what Navus is doing unique and innovative.  We have a broad area of expertise across our entire team. We’re willing to take on a lot of different projects and we’re confident in our abilities to problem-solve and make them happen for our clients.

Navus: What is your favorite part about working for Navus?

Nick: There’s a lot to it. The team I work with is great and the reason why I love coming into work every day. When we’re asked to solve difficult problems through a project, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, but having a dependable team makes everything possible. The other part I like would be the variety of stuff that we get to do. Nothing ever feels repetitive, and every project demands something different from us. 

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges in the past.

Nick: There’s a lot of bouncing ideas around and open discussion. Even this past week we’ve been on the floor looking at a machine and discussing what to do as an entire team. Everyone works toward the same goal, or at least we try to. Nobody says “Oh, that’s not my problem.” We’re all working together as much as we can.

Navus: What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Nick: I would say our project creating a custom solution to mill the edges of multi-ton parts was one of my favorites. It was large-scale, dealt with heavier parts than most of our other projects, and was just a cool process. I got to work with some big parts and intricate designs. Building the conveyor that’s a part of that system required a lot of ingenuity and it was fun watching it come to life. 

Navus: What do you envision for the future of Navus?

Nick: I think we have a lot of growth ahead of us. We are starting to do a lot more projects, bigger projects, and multifunction machines. We’re tying groups of machines together and starting to do full lines for our customers. I think that’s a great direction to go, because we’re building a comprehensive system from beginning to end, not just one piece of a larger system. 

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Nick are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com

First Navus Open House Was a Big Success!

Navus

We want to thank everyone who attended our very first open house last Friday! It was a blast to introduce so many of you to what we do for our clients every single day. We welcomed 100 different people to our facility in East Tennessee and demonstrated custom-built robotics, automated manufacturing lines, virtual reality technology, and so much more. 

Among attendees were class field trips from Heritage High School, engineering students from the University of Tennessee, representatives from the Knox County government, including Mayor Glenn Jacobs, current clients, and area partners, not to mention our wonderful friends and neighbors.

Thank you to our entire team for their hard work in making this happen, especially our Business Manager, Jennifer! We’re proud of the important work that we do, and the opportunity to show off some of our projects isn’t something we get to do every day! We enjoyed celebrating our accomplishments with all of you.

Overall, the day was filled with fun technology, delicious food, and wonderful company. If you weren’t able to make it to the event this year, we look forward to your joining us next time.

If you attended the event and would like some more information about partnering with us for your own custom automation needs, or are interested in current career opportunities, please contact us at info@navusinc.com.

The Team at Navus: Making Things Happen

Navus

The team at Navus specializes in solving complex problems with novel solutions, but often these solutions are as complex as the problems they solve. A wide range of teams, materials, facilities, and operations all have to work in unison to create a final product that is elegant and achieves the client’s goal. Making this happen requires diligence and expertise across the board.

Meet Jim: Program Manager

Jim has worked for us since March of 2017. His official job title is Program Manager, which is a short way of saying that he has a hand in nearly all of the processes at Navus.

Centered Around Continuous Improvement and Automation

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Jim: I’m the Program Manager here at Navus, which gets me involved with a lot of the different teams. I work with everyone from Engineering to Operations to Sales.

 My responsibilities include project management, manufacturing, operations, facilities, purchasing, and quality control. Basically, I help make things happen, but Navus has a very strong team. One of my favorite sayings is ‘we do our best work when we collaborate.’ And it’s through this collaboration that we’re able to do such amazing projects.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Jim: I consciously chose a career in manufacturing but came into the field at a very pivotal time. When I was just starting out, the quality of American manufacturing was beginning to be rivaled by other countries, notably Japan. There was a lot changing in those years, and American manufacturing companies were forced to increase the quality of the solutions they were creating. As an industry, we began to focus heavily on automation. So nearly my entire career has been centered around continuous improvement and automation. And funny enough, I was actually a customer of Navus’s before I became an employee of Navus’s.

Navus: So how did you actually come to work at Navus?

Jim: At my previous employer, we were working on a unique system to solve a problem that we had. Navus was helping us develop a solution to this particular problem when my employers decided that they didn’t want to move forward with the project. The team at Navus were interested in continuing the project anyway and asked if I would be interested in joining them. I was, so I joined on as a Co-Project Manager, heading up a lot of the new projects that came our way. After a while, the company went through some reorganization, and I was given more responsibilities including operations, quality, purchasing, and project management for some of our larger and more important contracts. 

Navus: What’s your favorite part about working at Navus?

Jim: The most enjoyable part of my job is the people I get to work with. My coworkers are really clever, and I’m glad to be surrounded by them on a daily basis. The same goes for a lot of our customers. I also really enjoy the nature of the work that we do. Sometimes I can have a short attention span, so I’ve always liked that Navus works on something new all the time. You never know what’s coming around the corner, but it’s always some new problem to solve. That makes my work exciting and fresh and gives me a different challenge every day.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Jim: You know, it might seem a little traditional for a company always working on something cutting edge, but we succeed through hard work, lots of man-hours, and great communication. But ultimately, that’s how we make things happen!

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on and what do you hope for the future of Navus?

Jim: I’d say my favorite project is the one we haven’t done yet, because that’s the project that gives me something to look forward to, and that’s the project that keeps Navus running. And looking to the future,  I just hope that everyone here is as successful as possible in their careers. That’s what I care about the most. Even after I’m eventually gone, I wish nothing but the best for the people here.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. From concept to accounting, we believe in our ability to solve your challenges. Dedicated team members like Jennifer are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients forge a new future!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com

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