Vention: Democratising Automation & Reshaping Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing, automation is crucial for businesses to keep up with their competition, reach customer expectations and ensure their workers enjoy the benefits of the latest technological trends.

Yet for many manufacturing companies, end-to-end automation projects completed in-house can be a long and expensive process. Etienne Lacroix is the CEO of Vention, a digital manufacturing automation company which wants to democratise robotic automation, specifically for small- and medium-sized manufacturers. 

Inspired by a childhood interest in LEGO and their early experiences with CAD software, Etinene co-founded Vention in 2016 with Max Windisch. The two envisioned simplifying the process of building industrial equipment.

“We aimed to create a world where designing and constructing machines is as straightforward and enjoyable as building with LEGO,” Etienne says. “Our mission was to make machine design accessible to everyone by revolutionising the entire process. In 2016, the advancement of WebGL in 3D software for browsers gave us the final motivation to establish Vention.”

Previously, Etienne spent five years at McKinsey & Company, where he played a key role in leading enterprise-wide strategic, operational and turnaround initiatives for global industrial and high-tech companies. Before McKinsey, he held various positions in product management, product development and supply-chain operations at General Electric as part of the Technical Leadership Programme.

How Vention is enabling manufacturers to deploy DIY automation

In recent years, the industrial automation landscape has witnessed a surge in the do-it-yourself approach. Vention, through its innovative Manufacturing Automation Platform, is enabling users to seamlessly progress through the design, automation, deployment and operation stages of creating automated equipment, all within a unified platform.

“Rather than relying on expensive external engineering service firms, manufacturers can independently design and implement industrial automation systems using Vention's plug-and-play hardware and integrated intuitive software,” says Etienne. 

This strategic shift enables manufacturers to capture the full spectrum of automation benefits, including cost reduction, increased throughput, improved quality and enhanced safety across their manufacturing floor. 

Manufacturers face various challenges, ranging from mitigating risks in the unpredictable supply chain to upskilling and retaining manufacturing talent amid an uncertain economic environment. For manufacturers considering automation to solve these challenges, an expensive third party is often required, making it out of reach for small to medium businesses, which comprise the majority of manufacturers today. 

“Vention is looking to democratise automation by rethinking how automation is designed, automated, deployed and operated,” continues Etienne. “With modular hardware components and intuitive software combined under one platform, anyone with baseline manufacturing experience can adopt this DIY approach to complete end-to-end automation projects in-house.”

How automation plays a critical role in manufacturing and reshoring

Automation is a pivotal force in manufacturing, addressing challenges by increasing efficiency, precision and cost-effectiveness. A robot or other automated system can operate 24/7 without breaks, accelerating production timelines and reducing labour shortage impacts.

“Consistency in quality and ongoing adaptability to changing demands are other inherent benefits of automation,” Etienne continues. “By standardising a process, implementing remote monitoring and data collection allows for real-time adjustments and improvements. In times of increased demand, automation facilitates rapid production scaling, a task otherwise difficult when performed manually.”

Additionally, automation positively impacts workforce retention by automating the monotonous, repetitive and sometimes dangerous tasks of a production line. 

“With those tasks replaced with automation, skilled workers can focus on more complex and fulfilling work,” Etienne says. “This, in turn, contributes to a more satisfied and engaged workforce.”

As industries increasingly adopt automation, the economic dynamics that once favoured offshoring to countries with lower labour costs are transforming. Automation diminishes reliance on inexpensive manual labour, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of local production in terms of operational costs. While automation can decrease the demand for specific manual tasks, it creates opportunities for more skilled workers wanting to design, program and maintain automated systems. This shift in job requirements mirrors the evolving landscape of the workforce.

“From an environmental standpoint, reshoring can contribute to sustainability goals. Automated processes can be optimised for energy efficiency and reducing long-distance transportation in localised manufacturing reduces the carbon footprint associated with global supply chains,” explains Etienne. “Government policies and incentives also encourage automation integration as part of reshoring strategies. Supportive measures, such as tax incentives or subsidies for adopting automation technologies, can further incentivise companies to bring manufacturing operations back home.”

Vention’s recent ‘The State of DIY Industrial Automation’ report offers a comprehensive analysis of the growing trend of DIY industrial automation among more than 4,000 manufacturers. It emphasises the emergence of the Advanced Manufacturing Team as a transformative shift in the industrial automation landscape.

“While the report primarily focuses on small and medium-sized manufacturers, it also explores the experiences of enterprise and large-scale manufacturers,” continues Etienne.

Key findings from the report include: 

• Small-sized manufacturers now make up over 75% of companies leveraging MAP to drive their industrial automation projects.
• Enterprise-sized manufacturers leverage MAP at a higher rate thanks to more complex manufacturing floors and automation opportunities.
• Medium and small-sized manufacturers show the highest rates of self-design on MAP (52% and 47%, respectively).
• Companies with faster product life cycles navigate industrial automation faster than companies with slower product life cycles.

Over the next year, Vention plans to expand its presence in Canada, the US and in Europe. 

“We aim to empower small and medium-sized manufacturers to embrace automation, providing them with the tools and support needed to implement their system through the DIY industrial automation approach,” says Etienne. 

Collaboration with midsize and large manufacturers will intensify as they build automation expert teams to advance their roadmaps. Vention's focus includes enhancing the manufacturing automation platform for greater accessibility, particularly in motion control, robotics, safety and improving user experience through seamless plug-and-play integration. 

“Additionally, we look forward to the broader recognition of digital twin value for large manufacturers and SMEs,” says Etienne. 

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