States Industries teamed with 7robotics on a Robotic Drilling & Screwing System to boost precision, consistency, and capacity without sacrificing quality.
The Challenge
Prior to automation, States Industries assembled all components manually using a combination of pilot hole drilling and handheld screw guns. Although CNC machines were used for some drilling operations, inconsistent setups led to misalignments and variable quality. As production needs grew, the company sought a solution that would:
- Eliminate manual inconsistencies in drilling and screwing
- Increase production speed without sacrificing accuracy
- Reduce operator strain while maintaining safety standards
- Prepare for scaling without dramatically increasing labor costs
Additionally, the team faced space constraints in their plant and needed a robotic system that could be engineered to fit their evolving layout.
7robotics worked closely with the States Industries team to develop and implement a Robotic Drilling & Screwing System tailored to the plant’s existing constraints and performance goals. Key features of the solution included:
- Precision & Consistency: The robot integrates drilling and screwing into one seamless operation. With its ability to maintain tight tolerances (targeting 0.5mm and max 0.7mm), it ensures each product is assembled to spec, even for long installations like interior corridors.
- Continuous Operation: The system enables uninterrupted task flow, keeping operators focused on value-added work. Parts are loaded and processed in a clear, structured sequence that maximizes uptime and throughput.
- Workforce Optimization: Instead of floating between manual tasks, one operator now manages the robotic cell, reducing physical strain and increasing role specialization. This change has improved reliability, compensation, and team morale.
- Flexibility & Scalability: The system is adaptable to alternative product lines, thanks to interchangeable jigs and framing systems. As States Industries expands their product offering, the robotic cell is equipped to keep pace.
- Support & Partnership: From initial layout planning to fine-tuning and service support, 7robotics provided hands-on guidance every step of the way. Having a local, trusted team available for testing and troubleshooting helped the solution ramp up quickly.
States Industries has realized significant benefits from the robotic system, including nearly doubling their production rate and achieving consistent assembly precision. Based on the success of the first installation, States has already placed an order for a second Robotic Drilling & Screwing System—a clear sign of the value and reliability the technology brings to their operations.
Key outcomes include:
- Zero product claims since implementation, thanks to consistent alignment and drilling.
- Improved safety and ergonomics by automating repetitive screwing tasks.
- Reduced costs through faster production and minimized rework.
- Increased employee retention and skill development, with staff managing advanced automation tools.
- Streamlined troubleshooting and maintenance, thanks to direct access to 7robotics technicians and support providers.
The collaboration between States Industries and 7robotics highlights how the right automation solution—delivered by a team committed to understanding the customer’s goals—can accelerate production, support the workforce, and scale with confidence.
