Esys Automation Completes Robotic Glass Urethane System for Ford Motor Company in Record Time

The system required a design that could accommodate eight glass styles for two vehicle models with a common, single unload point. Projects of this size and scale have a typical lead time of twenty-six weeks.

Esys Automation, a JR Automation company, set a new project delivery record when, in just nine weeks, they fully designed, built, and installed an automated robotic system for applying urethane to automotive glass. The system required a design that could accommodate eight glass styles for two vehicle models with a common, single unload point. Projects of this size and scale have a typical lead time of twenty-six weeks.


Esys leveraged its extensive expertise from past glass projects to meet the tight deadline. To date, Esys has installed automated glass systems in nine Ford facilities, including Ford's first collaborative robot system for applying urethane to automotive glass. Leveraging the previous designs allowed the cell design to be completed in only two weeks.

"We are proud of our expert team in glass sealing systems and technology. Executing this aggressive project is a testament to all who contributed," said Scott Claxton, Vice President of Esys Automation. "We completed designs quickly and achieved expedited lead times on major cell components, which helped immensely in achieving the nine-week delivery goal."

Esys installed the robotic glass urethane system in Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant and achieved a production ready state in only five on-site days. Even with the compressed time frame, Esys incorporated enhanced operator interface features to ensure plant operator success. Additionally, Esys provided four weeks of 24/7­­­ support after start of production, including robotic and PLC engineering training.

About Esys Automation, LLC
Esys Automation, a JR Automation company, is a leading full-service automation solutions provider, specializing in vehicle assembly applications in areas such as press, powertrain, plastics, body assembly, paint, sealer, final assembly, and tire & wheel. Located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Esys Automation delivers sophisticated automation systems to customers around the world. Visit www.esysautomation.com for more information.

About JR Automation
Established in 1980, JR Automation is a leading provider of intelligent automated manufacturing and technology solutions that solve customers' key operational and productivity challenges. JR Automation serves customers across the globe in a variety of industries, including automotive, life sciences, aerospace, and more.

In 2019, JR Automation was acquired by Hitachi, Ltd. In a strategic effort towards offering a seamless connection between the physical and cyber space for industrial manufacturers and distributers worldwide. With this partnership, JR Automation provides customers a unique, single-source solution for complete integration of their physical assets and data information; offering greater speed, flexibility, and efficiencies towards achieving their Industry 4.0 visions. JR Automation employs over 2,000 people at 23 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.jrautomation.com.

Featured Product

Zimmer Group - THE PREMIUM GRIPPER NOW WITH IO-LINK

Zimmer Group - THE PREMIUM GRIPPER NOW WITH IO-LINK

IO-Link is the first standardized IO technology worldwide for communication from the control system to the lowest level of automation.