Precision CNC Lathe Automation & Robotics
System 1: Custom Swiss-Lathe Bone Screw Unloading & Parallelizing Cell
Role: Lead Machine Designer & Project Lead (Full System Architecture, Mechanical Design, Prototype Build, Floor Testing, and Field Commissioning)
Technical Highlights:
Custom Extraction Robotics: Developed a high-speed 3-axis gantry robot featuring specialized pneumatic end-effectors for synchronous part extraction from Swiss CNC main and sub-spindles.
Automated Matrix Palletizing: Designed an AQL-compliant multi-tray matrix palletizing system for finished orthopaedic bone screws, complete with automated sample divert and reject binning.
OEM Standardization: Directed the design evolution from initial functional prototype through a standardized 10–15 unit OEM production run.
Video Caption: Demonstration of automated part extraction and high-precision tray palletizing integrated with a Swiss CNC lathe.
System 2: Robot-Assisted Blank Loading, Vision & Palletizing Cell
Role: Lead Automation Designer & Systems Integrator (Cell Layout, Pneumatic Architecture, Custom Tooling, Mechanical Assembly, and System Qualification)
Technical Highlights:
Articulated Robotic Integration: Integrated a 6-axis articulated robot utilizing custom pneumatic end-effectors for precision blank loading and unloading into internal machine fixtures.
3D Vision Guidance: Implemented an overhead 3D vision system for dynamic raw part orientation, pick-and-place tracking, and tray palletizing.
Multi-Stage End-Effector Mechanics: Designed multi-stage extraction arm mechanisms fully integrated with a streamlined operator HMI interface.
Video Caption: Representative demonstration of robotic blank loading, 3D vision guidance, and automated multi-part tray unloading.
System 3: Automated Part Unloading, Compressed Air Wash & Optical Metrology Cell
Role: Lead Mechanical & Systems Integrator (System Architecture, Vision Integration, Control Layout, Prototype Build, and Floor Testing)
Technical Highlights:
Inline Cleaning Module: Developed an integrated compressed-air and spray washing station to effectively strip cutting oils and debris prior to optical gauging.
100% In-Line Metrology: Integrated a Keyence high-precision 2D optical laser micrometer for automated, 100% dimensional profile inspection.
Micro-Toleranced Part Handling: Designed custom low-impact pneumatic grippers tailored specifically for delicate, micro-toleranced titanium and stainless steel medical fasteners.
Video Caption: Representative demonstration of inline part washing, 2D optical laser inspection, and automated part sorting.
DISCLAIMER: The systems and videos displayed represent design, integration, and development work performed by Ryan Hobson prior to the establishment of Walnut Automation LLC during his employment with Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, Inc. All product names, logos, trademarks, and video media remain the property of their respective owners. These materials are presented solely as a professional portfolio demonstration of prior technical expertise, custom machine design capability, and robotic integration experience.