Which machines can a robot tend?

CNC lathes and mills, injection molding machines, presses, and other equipment where parts are loaded and unloaded. We review your machine and how it connects to a robot during the assessment.

Do I need a new machine to add a robot?

Usually not. Most tending cells are added to existing machines, with the robot connected to the machine's controls so they run in sequence. We confirm what your machine supports during the assessment.

Should I use a cobot or an industrial robot for machine tending?

It depends on part weight, cycle time, and how much space and guarding the cell can have. Cobots suit compact, flexible cells; industrial robots handle heavier parts and faster cycles. We recommend one after reviewing your application.

Can the robot handle more than one part number?

Yes. We design the grippers, fixtures, and robot programs for the family of parts you run, so changeovers are part of the cell design.

Is a tending robot safe to work around?

Every cell goes through a safety review. Depending on the robot and application, that means guarding, light curtains or area scanners, or a collaborative setup.

Can I see the cell before it is built?

Yes. Every project starts with a concept and a 3D simulation of the cell, so you can review the layout and robot motion before we build anything.

VECTORAutomation

Machine Tending & Pick-and-Place

Robotic Machine Tending & Pick-and-Place

Robots that load and unload CNC machines, unload injection molding machines, and move parts between bins, conveyors, and fixtures, so your machines keep running and your people can focus on higher-value work.

Discuss Your Tending Project See Our Projects

The Challenge

Machines Waiting on People

Loading and unloading parts is repetitive work that ties skilled operators to a single machine. When that position goes unfilled, spindles and presses sit idle.

A tending robot keeps the machine fed and unloaded on every shift, handling each part the same way every cycle.

Skilled operators tied up loading and unloading parts

Machines idle during breaks, shift changes, and unfilled shifts

Inconsistent part handling and placement

Repetitive motions that create ergonomic risk

What We Build

Machine Tending & Pick-and-Place Solutions

CNC Machine Tending

Robots that load raw parts into CNC lathes and mills and unload finished parts, connected to the machine so they run in sequence.

Injection Molding Unloading

Robots that take molded parts out of the press and place them into bins, totes, or onto conveyors.

Bin Unloading

Robots that pick parts out of bins and totes to feed machines, conveyors, or the next process, with vision where parts arrive unoriented.

Pick-and-Place

Moving parts between conveyors, fixtures, trays, and packaging with consistent placement.

Cobot Tending Cells

Universal Robots cobots for compact, flexible tending cells that can be redeployed as your production changes.

Grippers & Part Presentation

End-of-arm tooling, fixtures, and part presentation designed around your parts and changeovers.

Robot Platforms

Robots We Integrate

FANUC America

World's leading manufacturer of industrial robots. As an authorized FANUC robotic system integrator, we specialize in M-series palletizers, LR Mate, and CRX cobots with expert industrial robot programming.

Universal Robots

Pioneer in collaborative robotics. We deploy UR5e, UR10e, and UR20 cobots for flexible automation in manufacturing and logistics.

How a Project Works

From Concept to Long-Term Support

Concept & 3D Simulation

We study your parts, products, and floor space, then show the proposed cell in a 3D simulation so you can review the layout and robot motion before anything is built.

Engineering & Build

We engineer the cell, build it in our facility, program the robot and PLC, and test it before it ships.

Installation & Commissioning

On-site installation, integration with your existing equipment, commissioning, and operator training.

Support

After startup we stay available for adjustments, new products, and support in English or Spanish.

References

Machine Tending Projects

Automotive

Injection Molding Machine Unloading into Bins

A robot that unloads plastic parts from an injection molding machine and places them into bins, for an automotive application.

Related Services

FAQ

Common Questions About Machine Tending

Ready to Keep Your Machines Running?

Tell us about your machines, parts, and volumes. We will review your application and propose a tending or pick-and-place cell that fits.

Request a Consultation

We typically respond within 1 business day.