About
Machine Tending Automation
Matrix Design delivers fully integrated machine tending automation systems using industrial robots. These systems are built to load and unload CNCs, mills, lathes, and specialty machines with high precision, speed, and flexibility — eliminating repetitive tasks and increasing machine uptime.
Whether you’re working with high-mix parts, short runs, or 24/7 production lines, Matrix systems are designed to adapt. Our turnkey cells improve throughput, reduce operator fatigue, and solve skilled labor challenges on your floor.
Why Automate Your Tending Processes?
Matrix doesn’t just deliver robots — we deliver proven, purpose-built solutions that solve real problems on the production floor. From labor shortages to part variability, the systems we design are crafted to simplify operations and ultimately drive ROI for your business.
WE HELP SOLVE YOUR MOST FREQUENT CHALLENGES:
- Skilled labor shortages for CNC and manual machine operation
- Inconsistent loading/unloading times that reduce spindle uptime
- Unreliable part presentation methods that lead to jams or downtime
- Operator fatigue and safety risks from repetitive machine tending tasks
- Difficulty scaling production due to bottlenecks in manual loading
- Lack of traceability or integration with ERP/MES systems for part tracking
- High-mix part handling that demands quick-changeover solutions
We bring deep experience in designing systems that are scalable, flexible, and built to meet your operational goals — not just automation for automation’s sake.
Industries Served
We support a wide range of industries with robotic finishing systems
Applications
Vision Guided Robots
We incorporate 2D and 3D vision systems to enable advanced robotic part handling:
- Vision-guided robot tending for picking randomly oriented parts
- 3D bin picking for bulk-loaded parts in dunnage
- Vision inspection systems for checking part features, orientation, or surface quality
- Part detection for tray validation or feature location
Traceability & ERP System Integration
Many manufacturers need end-to-end tracking and quality logging. Matrix integrates machine tending cells with your existing systems:
- ERP & MES integration to track production data
- Barcode scanning & vision-based ID systems
- Logging every step of a part’s journey: loading, processing, inspection, and unloading
- Integration with PLC, HMI, and plant-wide data systems
This allows for real-time quality control, part tracking, and full process transparency.
Secondary Operations
Robots don’t just load machines — they can do more while they’re there. Matrix designs cells that combine machine tending with additional robotic processes:
- Robotic wash station loading/unloading
- Inline gauging or CMM-style measurements
- Deburring, marking, or blowing off parts
- Robotic quick-change tooling to handle multiple part types or dunnage systems
This approach improves ROI by maximizing the robot’s utility in each cycle.
Automation Ready Part Presentation
We offer a wide range of part presentation solutions based on your operation’s layout, part size, and process flow. Matrix Presentation Systems include:
- Matrix Drawer System – High-density part storage in custom drawer modules
- Plastic & Metal Tray Handling – Including custom dunnage options
- Conveyor Systems – Fixtured or un-fixtured
- Cart Bay System – Movable carts loaded offline and docked into the cell
- Bulk Bins – Integrated with 3D vision for part picking
Our Partners
Our Machine Tool Partners
Matrix has experience integrating robotic systems with the most trusted names in machining.
Whether it’s a single spindle lathe or a multi-axis machining center,
we’ve likely automated a system just like it.
Free Evaluation
Free Automation Evaluation Process
Have you ever thought about automating but weren’t sure where to start?
Contact us to go through our completely free Automation Evaluation Process.
By the end of this proven process, you will have a better understanding of how and where automation could fit into your current manufacturing operations.
Contact us to start your free Automation Evaluation Process!
Customer Stories
Better Service Starts Here
As a Level 4 Fanuc Servicing Integrator, Matrix has the ability to work on any Fanuc robot system for emergency service, spare parts, or reprogramming needs.
