PhotoRobot Installation Readiness and Delivery

Prepare to install your brand new PhotoRobot system using this guide to installation readiness and delivery for PhotoRobot customers. The following documentation aims to prepare customers for the installation of their automated photography system, its delivery, and its subsequent training. It covers prerequisites for system installation, internet connectivity requirements, network prerequisites (LAN), powering machines, and preparing the floor of the installation site. There is then a complete walkthrough of the delivery process of the equipment. This includes its transport to the destination, handling of equipment, collection from the factory, insurance, possible damage during transport, and customs and certification. Use this guide to ensure installation readiness, understand delivery of the equipment, and to facilitate its smooth follow-up training.

‍

‍

Note: For the introduction into system integration, refer to System Integration & API Connectivity. Alternatively, to skip ahead to information on installation and training procedures for system offers, refer to PhotoRobot System Installation & Training.

‍

‍

Installation Prerequisites for PhotoRobot Systems

For the smooth installation of the system and its subsequent follow-up training, customers should prepare the installation site in advance. This is necessary in order to ensure the installation itself is technically possible, and that the installation proceeds in an optimal manner. 

While the PhotoRobot team is willing to help eliminate any errors, the time we spend doing so reduces the training volume. That, or, in extreme cases, it may lead to cancellation of the installation entirely. Thus, it is absolutely crucial to pay due attention to the installation prerequisites. 

If anything is too complex for the customer to handle, PhotoRobot specialists will gladly provide the necessary cooperation. However, the customer should order this option well in advance so that the actual installation process is not in jeopardy. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully check all details in advance, confirming you are fully ready for installation.

The machines are designed to be installed within industrial conditions, such as storage halls and warehouses. This allows the robotized studio to be as close as possible to the objects to photograph. Although, it is also no problem to install PhotoRobot systems directly into your photographic studio, or a similar type of space.

‍

Internet Connectivity Requirements

The quality of your internet connectivity has a direct impact on the speed of the entire product photography capture process with PhotoRobot. This is due to PhotoRobot’s automatic upload of captured images to cloud storage and backup which occurs immediately after downloading images from the camera. At the same time, all edits occur on copies of the images, allowing for a return to their default state at any time after post-processing.

For example, on a 200 Mbps line, the last frame of the sequence is recorded a few seconds after the capture of the last frame. Thus, for a setup of an initial three workstations and their subsequent project development, a 100 Mbps line is recommended. For production workloads, note that we do not recommend connectivity any lower than 20 Mbps, while a bandwidth of at least 50 Mbps is preferred. 

Note: PhotoRobot Cloud uses Google tools. This means that for countries where there are restrictions on Google services (e.g. China), it is necessary to verify functionality in advance. PhotoRobot is not responsible for any future changes in the scope of such restrictions. Setting up a VPN is recommended to ensure the service is of the expected quality.

‍

Network Prerequisites (LAN)

The computer network must meet the necessary parameters according to the PhotoRobot Networking Prerequisites. If the connectivity provider or network administrator on the company side is unable to meet these prerequisites, the PhotoRobot network specialist can arrange the configuration. That, or they can provide the necessary network elements that will be configured appropriately, ensuring full functionality (which is the preferred option). In such cases, the parameters are significantly simpler.

Then, to ensure the full functionality of all devices, both a wired and Wi-Fi connection are required. The wireless connection is in use for example to control Broncolor lights, the PhotoRobot Locator application, etc. For more details and technical information on computer and network configuration, refer to PhotoRobot System Requirements.

‍

Powering Machines

The design of PhotoRobot devices is for both 115V and 230V power. Some models have a manual power selector. Others switch automatically. Before connecting to the mains, always make sure the settings are correct (and check the nameplate where this is indicated).

Further, to ensure trouble-free operation, we recommend using overvoltage protection and possibly backup power sources to eliminate power fluctuations. Related problems like these occur mainly in rural areas, but also in industrial buildings.

The machines use cables with connectors that conform to the IEC 60320 C13 / C14 norm. This is both for the interconnection of more machines within one workplace, and for the connection of the entire workplace to the mains power supply. On-site interconnecting cables are included, but the end lead (according to local electrical standards) is supplied by the customer (unless otherwise agreed in advance).

‍

‍

Finally, when planning power distribution within the studio, the power consumption of the entire system (robots including lights and computers) must be considered. This is especially true in cases involving the installation of multiple machines within the studio, in which you should consider an evenly distributed load across all the phases.

‍

Floor of Installation Site

For the installation of most robots, a solid hard floor according to common standards is suitable. Soft floor coverings (plastics and especially carpets) reduce the accuracy and dynamics of the system due to the slight movement of the machines placed on them.

Flexible floors (e.g. planks) are not suitable at the installation site. Unless there is another alternative to locating machines, it is recommended to install at least a suitable weight-distribution board (chipboard, plywood, etc).

PhotoRobot Carousel machines machines designed for recessed installation come with technical specifications of the floor composition, which the customer discusses with the PhotoRobot specialist before the construction begins.

‍

‍

Delivery of PhotoRobot Equipment

To facilitate easy delivery, it is necessary to prepare not only for the transport itself but also for the unloading at the installation site. This includes preparation for the safe storage of machines before the installation team arrives, while also accounting for the availability of handling equipment, dimensions of doors, staircases or elevators, etc. 

Thus, it is always recommended to consult the PhotoRobot team well in advance about the choice of a suitable installation location. In practice, we sometimes encounter insufficient ceiling heights, narrow access doors to rooms, and insufficient capacity of the power infrastructure or computer networks. There may be inadequate lighting, ventilation, or space to handle the flow of the photographed objects. In these cases, the subsequent relocation of equipment is of course possible, but thorough consultation in advance leads to much smoother installations.

‍

Transport of System to Destination

After you approve the shipping costs which PhotoRobot communicates before order confirmation, we will deliver the PhotoRobot solution to the agreed location. For maximum accuracy of the offered price, we always request a shipping quote for a specific order. It usually takes 2 - 3 working days for the carrier to prepare the quote.

We then carefully pack all equipment and components, and cooperate with a number of established logistics companies (DB Schenker, TNT, etc) in order to ensure orders reach destinations intact and in the required time. Whether by road, sea, or air, PhotoRobot is shipped to you and insured, as well as suitably marked for the smoothest possible transportation. 

To ensure the safety of machines during transport, we recommend the following.

• For solo transport shipments (i.e. the machines are transported between the factory and the place of installation with reloading at the depot), special packaging in durable wooden crates is not required. Solo shipments include: transport by van or truck / FCL container (sealed at the factory, and unsealed at the point of installation where the machines are firmly anchored in the container). Note: The customer needs to provide parking for trucks (if they should remain on site at the time of installation).
• For LCL or air shipments, special packaging is required (charged separately according to the specific order) so that the goods are not damaged during transport.
  
  

In many cases, it is more cost-effective in terms of the total cost to opt for a solo shipment rather than LCL or air shipments.

Additionally, within a distance of approximately 1000 km from the factory, it may be advantageous to use a PhotoRobot delivery vehicle. The PhotoRobot delivery vehicle also brings the assembly team with the delivery.

After shipping, we then inform the customer that their new PhotoRobot system is on its way. 

‍

Handling Equipment

In standard situations, a vehicle with a hydraulic lift is not required. However, if there is no ramp or suitable equipment at the unloading site (forklift, etc), the customer should request one. The customer should also specify this separately, and in advance of any installation.

‍

Collection at the Factory (EXW)

By prior arrangement, the customer can pick up the goods directly through their carrier in our shipping warehouse, or take over at the loading / unloading port.

Note: It may be appropriate to combine in-person collection with training directly at the manufacturer’s site (as a paid service – refer to PhotoRobot Installation & Training for more information).

PhotoRobot has all the standard handling equipment available at the place of loading (forklifts, ramps, railway, etc).

‍

Insurance and Possible Damage During Transport

The delivery of the machines PhotoRobot provides always includes insurance against common risks. If shipping is handled by the customer, we recommend the appropriate insurance as well.

In either case, we recommend discussing the completeness of the delivery including any damage with the delivering carrier immediately upon receipt of the consignment. This is in order to avoid any possible disputes later.

‍

Customs and Certification

If there are special customs procedures in the recipient country, the customer must inform the supplier in advance about this. Doing so is necessary to ensure the smooth supply of the equipment to the customer’s destination. 

A similar situation arises when the recipient country requires special certificates for imported goods (i.e. it does not accept CE standards).

In both cases, we recommend delaying any planning of the journey for the installation and training team until the consignment reaches the destination. That, or when there is absolutely no doubt about the equipment’s timely delivery. Note: It is the responsibility of the customer to observe this point, and any related complications.

‍

Installation of Your PhotoRobot System

After delivery, our team of experienced PhotoRobot technicians will install your brand new PhotoRobot solution. The technicians will ensure the correct assembly and setup of your system, as well as its proper functionality so you can use PhotoRobot to its full potential. For detailed information on the installation and follow-up training of your system, refer to PhotoRobot Installation & Training.

‍