Machine tending robots that keep your spindles turning overnight.
A machine tending robot loads raw parts into a CNC lathe, mill, press or moulding machine and unloads finished ones. With a drawer or pallet magazine holding two to eight hours of parts, the cell runs unattended through breaks and overnight — typically lifting spindle utilisation from 45–60 % to well above 85 %.
Overview
Robotic machine tending — where it fits
A CNC machine that waits for an operator is a machine that is not earning. Robotic machine tending loads and unloads your existing equipment so you gain a third shift without a third crew.
- CNC turning and milling with runs of 20 parts and up
- Press brakes, stamping presses and deburring machines
- Injection moulding take-out and downstream handling
- Measuring, marking and washing stations after machining
- Job shops with high mix and frequent changeovers
Equipment
What we build into the cell.
Cobot tending cells
Mobile, fenceless cells on castors that roll up to an existing machine — ideal when the same robot must serve two or three machines.
Fixed industrial cells
Six-axis robots on a base frame with guarding for heavier blanks, faster cycles and continuous two-shift operation.
Part magazines
Drawer systems, stack towers, pallet grids and vision-guided bin handling for two to ten hours of unattended running.
Grippers & sensing
Dual and triple grippers for load-and-unload in one door opening, plus chuck-cleaning blow-off and part-present sensing.
How we deliver
From first study to production in 8 weeks.
Cycle audit
We measure real door-open time, load time and idle time across a shift so the business case is based on your numbers, not averages.
Cell concept
Robot reach, magazine capacity and gripper concept simulated against your machine's door opening and chuck.
Integration
Robot signals wired to the machine control for door, chuck and cycle start, with in-process gauging and scrap handling as needed.
Handover
Operators are trained to change grippers, load the magazine and start a new part programme without calling us.
FAQ
Questions we get asked
Something not covered? Our application engineers answer within 24 hours.
Ask an engineerWill a robot work with our existing CNC machine?
Almost always. Most controls from the last two decades expose the door, chuck and cycle-start signals needed. Where they do not, we add a small interface module rather than replace the machine.
What batch size makes machine tending worthwhile?
With quick-change grippers and stored recipes, runs from about 20 parts upward pay off. Below that, setup time dominates and manual loading is usually still cheaper.
How long can the cell run unattended?
It comes down to magazine capacity and cycle time. A drawer system with 200 blanks on a four-minute cycle gives more than 13 hours — a full lights-out night.
Who programmes new parts?
Your operators. New parts are added as recipes from the HMI, and gripper changes are tool-free. Training is part of the handover.
Can one robot serve two machines?
Yes. A robot placed between two machines, or on a short track, can tend both — often the strongest business case because idle robot time is eliminated.
Related applications
Robot palletizing
A robot palletizing cell stacks cases, sacks, crates or trays onto pallets automatically.
Read moreRobot welding cells
A robot welding cell combines a welding robot, power source, torch cleaning and a fixture or positioner to weld parts automatically.
Read moreWarehouse automation
AMR fleets, cube storage and goods-to-person picking.
Read moreNot sure which application fits? Start with our ROI guide for collaborative robots or compare cobots against industrial robots.
Send us your part — we will tell you if a robot can handle it.
Drawings, a photo of the line or a short description is enough for a first assessment. No cost, no obligation.
Talk to an application engineer