Automation has long helped the manufacturing industry enhance operational efficiency. Yet, many small and medium-scale manufacturers across the U.S. and Europe continue to operate manually with little to no automation. The sheer amount of hardware and software investment needed for automated equipment and the cost of hiring design builders to undertake integration services is largely beyond their means. This deprives them of reaping the benefits of automation.

Vention is changing this reality through its platform-based approach to industrial automation.

Its ISO 27001-certified, cloud-based Manufacturing Automation Platform (MAP) offers a suite of engineering tools that helps companies design, automate, order, and deploy industrial equipment in just a few days from any web browser. Robotics expert or not, users can build automation equipment all the way from design to deployment without relying on third-party vendors. It leads to increased productivity along with higher ROI.

“Our mission is to make industrial automation accessible and profitable for manufacturers of all sizes through our platform,” says Etienne Lacroix, CEO of Vention.

Whenever a new user signs into the platform, they first come across MachineBuilder, a cloud-based 3D design software. It allows users to design their automated system with thousands of industrial LEGO parts through Vention’s curated library of industrial-grade, modular automation components. They include hardware, robotic arms, motors, sensors, drive controllers, conveyor structures, and other modular parts.

The platform recommends the next best part, removing the need for users to search within the library. It also checks for the safety devices required based on the components present in the design, validates it, and generates the bill of material to procure the equipment in real time.

Post-designing, the user leverages MachineLogic, an intuitive environment to program, simulate, and deploy powerful automation sequences in their web browser.

The continuum of programming options offered within MachineLogic, from code-free automation for emerging automation practitioners to Python programming for automation experts, empowers all programmers to automate through a streamlined process.

After validating their programming through simulation, the user can purchase the design, which Vention then picks, packs, and ships along with automatically generated assembly instructions. Once the order arrives, the user can unpack, assemble, and deploy their machine through MachineCloud, the software-assisted, step-by-step deployment derived from a digital twin.

Vention also provides a Remote Support service connecting customers to their Customer Success Team for on-demand automation and deployment support. Vention’s Pendant V3, with its built-in front and back-facing cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity, initiates remote calls within the customer’s facility, enabling Vention’s experts to visually inspect the machine configurations in detail. This seamless connection provides real-time insights and recommendations for changes or improvements, enhancing efficiency and minimizing disruptions.

Our mission is to make industrial automation accessible and profitable for manufacturers of all scales through our platform

Vention has amassed a global clientele with its industrial automation solutions and quality customer support. Amongst numerous client success stories, a notable instance is when Vention partnered with a leading manufacturer of lawnmowers and other outdoor equipment.

In light of new legislation compelling all lawnmowers to go electric by 2026, the client had to quickly retool an existing facility to incorporate automated robot cells for manufacturing the upcoming line of electric lawnmowers.

Deploying Vention’s Manufacturing Automation Platform, the client programmed all linear actuators, robot integrations, and control software for the electric lawnmowers in a plug & play environment. This route proved to be three times faster and 40 percent cheaper than onboarding an external service provider. Amongst Vention’s 16,000 machines running around the world, this client has ten fully automated Vention robot cells deployed for welding purposes.

Vention plans to empower more manufacturers in reducing complexities in industrial automation and future-proofing their production facilities. Clients can now imagine innovative, customized machines in the morning, build them in the afternoon, and operationalize them in the next few days with Vention as their automation partner.