Optimizing Just-in-Time Manufacturing with Collaborative Robotics

Robot Manufacturing

Optimizing Just-in-Time Manufacturing with Collaborative Robotics Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing demands zero waste and instant adaptability. Collaborative robots (cobots) deliver both by combining consistent speed with rapid reconfiguration—turning bottlenecks into competitive advantages.

Why JIT Needs Flexible Automation

JIT succeeds when operations flow without delays or buffer inventory. Manual processes introduce variation and limit speed. Collaborative robots work alongside operators, handling repetitive tasks at consistent cycle times while humans manage quality oversight and complex decisions.

Link: Inquire about automation robots at Doosan Robotics

Assembly: Speed Meets Precision

Screw driving

Collaborative robots apply exact torque on every fastener, completing sequences like manual work. Product changeovers take 15-20 minutes instead of days of retraining.

Component insertion

Force-sensing technology ensures proper seating and rejects defects in real-time. A 6kg payload cobot handles most assemblies with ±0.0mm repeatability— achieving precision comparable to that achieved by hand.

Link: Learn more Assembly Applications

Material Handling: Eliminating Waste

Workstation transfer

Collaborative robots move parts between operations continuously, eliminating 2-3 minute manual delays that kill capacity. Consistent timing stabilizes takt time across production lines.

Palletizing

Robots stack finished goods at 8-12 cycles per minute without fatigue, optimizing container utilization and reducing shipping damage.

Bin picking

Vision-guided collaborative robots retrieve randomly oriented parts and feed them correctly oriented, eliminating sorting bottlenecks.

Link: Learn more Material Handling

Machine Tending: Maximum Utilization

CNC operations

A 10kg robot loads material and removes parts without interruption, recovering 30-40 minutes of capacity per shift per machine. The idle time between manual cycles simply disappears.

Injection molding

Immediate part removal enables faster cycles. The robot can insert components or inspect parts while the next piece cures—parallel processing manual work cannot achieve.

Stamping

Collaborative robots handle hot, noisy metal forming operations at consistent speeds, improving safety and throughput simultaneously.

Link: Learn more Machine Tending

Surface Finishing: Consistent Quality

Sandin

Collaborative robots complete sanding 2-3x faster than manual methods when accounting for eliminated rework. They operate at 100% efficiency continuously while manual productivity drops 25-30% per shift due to fatigue.

Deburrin

Consistent pressure and exact edge-following make cycle times predictable with uniform quality across all parts.

Polishin

Force control maintains precise contact on complex contours, producing finish quality manual operations struggle to match in high-volume runs.

Link: Learn more Surface Finishing

Quality Inspection: Inline Speed

Vision-equipped collaborative robots measure dimensions against CAD specs in real-time, rejecting non-conforming parts before they advance. Cameras detect surface defects manual inspection misses during repetitive production. Automated functional testing verifies performance while collecting data for continuous improvement.

Pick and Place

Real ROI Numbers

Throughput

Increasing production capacity during the same period eliminates the need for employee overtime and the purchase of additional equipment.

Quality

By reducing defect rates, these savings can be redirected to production or material purchases.

Inventory

A more predictable production cycle allows for less unnecessary inventory, allowing for more efficient and more flexible use of operating costs.

Payback

Effectively addressing bottlenecks in the production process can result in a payback of 12 to 18 months.

Doosan Robotics Solutions

P-SERIES

30kg payload for palletizing and heavy item handling.

H-SERIES

25kg payload for heavy-duty machine tending.

M-SERIES

6-15kg payload for assembly and material handling.

A-SERIES

±0.02mm repeatability for ultra-precise applications.

All models feature force-torque sensing, intuitive programming, and compact footprints that integrate without facility modifications. Collaborative operation means robots work directly alongside humans.

Start Smart

Pick your biggest bottleneck—the operation forcing buffer inventory or overtime. That's your first application. Prove ROI, build expertise, then expand. Operators who can program robots become your competitive advantage.

JIT manufacturing eliminates waste while maintaining flexibility. Collaborative robotics provides automation that adapts as fast as production needs change. The technology exists. The applications are proven. The advantage belongs to manufacturers who act decisively.