Surat: Robots ensure social distancing in diamond firms

SURAT: At a time when the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing centre in Surat is facing closure due to the increase in the coronavirus cases among the diamond polishers and the social distancing issues, a few diamond companies have turned towards automation and robotics to manufacture the glittering diamonds.
City-based Sahajanand Technologies Private Limited (STPL) has designed about 250 automated robomatic, 4P machines used for planning of rough diamonds to cutting and processing of the diamonds have been installed in three diamond companies in the diamond hub of Surat for addressing the low attendance of artisans and maintaining social distancing norms.
In the 4P automated machines designed by the STPL, a person can operate about five machines single-handedly. About 200 rough diamonds could be loaded into the automated 4P machine and that the programme and cutting parameters are set as per the requirement.
“We have changed the software and hardware of the existing 4P machines with complete digital automation for the cutting process of the diamonds. At a time, one can load 200 diamonds in the machine and that they are processed automatically as per the parameters and programme set by the operator,” said Rahul Gaywala, CEO, STPL.
“For every five 4P automated machines, the diamantaire require only one operator to monitor the process. This resolves the issue of social distancing as well as the current crisis of the skilled artisans. Once the diamonds are out of the 4P machines, they can be sent for final polishing on the emery wheels” added Gaywala.
“The 4P process of diamonds is completely automated and we require only one operator to operate five machines. When lockdown and coronavirus spread in the industry has brought miseries to the diamond industry, the automated machines are proving as a boon for us,” said Shailesh Italiya, chairman of Twara diamond.
Another diamantaire, Hasmukh Kakadia said, “We have over 100 4P robots installed in our factory. We are able to maintain social distancing in our factory as we need very less skilled artisans to operate the machines.”