SAS celebrates 20 years of robotic EOAT gripper leadership
Proudly helping manufacturers around the world realize greater efficiency and productivity since 1996, SAS Automation is announcing its 20th anniversary as an industry leading developer and manufacturer of the original Robotic End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT).
A global EOAT and automation technology leader, SAS Automation is celebrating both how far it’s come in two decades, and looking towards 20 more years and the development of ever more sophisticated industrial robotics technology. It’s four facilities have a combined 45 years of market service, with its Xenia, Ohio location open 20 years, its Karlsruhe, Germany facility open 15, and its Hong Kong and Shanghai locations open five years each.
“What began as a custom tooling and research and development operation has become, 20 years later, an industry leader in the design, build and service of end-of-arm tooling and gripper systems for all makes and models of robots,” said Trent Fisher, President & Owner. “Today, SAS Automation is relied upon by manufacturers and integrators around the world for tooling that makes operations more productive and efficient while providing outstanding value and quality.”
From its founding, SAS grew from a small, family business to a skilled operation with focused expertise in the robotic gripper automation field. Over the years, SAS continues to lead the industry with cutting edge technology, and was the first to offer lightweight components such as carbon fiber gripper arms and nylon glass-filled, injection-molded mounting clamps. Many of its other first-to-market initiatives focused on making it easier for customers to do business with SAS, such as the development of a product wall poster showing in detail the wide range of SAS component parts, listing prices in product catalogs (rather than in a separate price list), and the first EOAT internet shopping cart. SAS also holds multiple patents, is a member of several industry associations, and is an active participant in its communities.
In 2010, SAS established its sustainability initiative, becoming the world’s first EOAT manufacturer to directly invest in and install a large photovoltaic solar array at one of its primary manufacturing locations. The move both offset its electricity usage and helped to eliminate tons of harmful carbon emissions. In recognition, SAS earned local and industry sustainability awards for its green initiatives and environmental consciousness.
Along with developing and incorporating new production methods for EOAT components, SAS continues to devote significant resources to the enhancement of the SAS customer experience. In 2016, the company redesigned its online shopping experience to make its catalog and CAD files accessible from any device (desktop, mobile or tablet), enabled the easy sharing of project files and information, and incorporated Fusion360 integration to launch files directly into the client’s CAD software. Later in 2016, SAS plans to introduce exciting, new Industry 4.0 applications related directly to EOAT management.
Going forward, Fisher said he is confident SAS will continue to grow as the world of advanced robotics expands.
“Reaching this milestone is not something we could have achieved without all of our customers, suppliers and employees who have supported and trusted the products and services we provide,” Fisher said. “We look forward to serving customer needs as an innovator with expertise and innovation for many more years to come.”
