MICRO AUTOMATION
Micro Automation Solutions for Manufacturing
Precision Meets Efficiency in a Compact Footprint
At Sure Controls, we specialize in micro automation solutions that deliver big results in small spaces. Our approach combines advanced robotics with flexible feeding technology to seamlessly handle small, lightweight components with unmatched precision, speed, and reliability.
Whether you’re streamlining delicate assembly tasks or scaling high-mix, low-volume production, micro-automation bridges the gap between manual handling and full-scale automation—helping you boost throughput, improve quality, and maximize floor space.
What is Micro Automation?
Micro automation is the use of robotics, vision systems, and flexible feeding technology to automate manufacturing processes involving small, lightweight, or delicate components. These systems are commonly used when traditional automation methods struggle to achieve the precision, flexibility, or repeatability required for small-part handling.
At Sure Controls, micro automation solutions typically handle components ranging from approximately 6 inches (150 mm) down to 0.2 inches (5 mm) and weighing less than two pounds. These systems help manufacturers improve productivity, increase quality, and reduce manual labor requirements.
Benefits of Micro-Automation Solutions
Lower Overall Investment
- Complete cells can be re-purposed with simple cost-effective End Of Arm Tooling (EOAT) changes and recipe changes
- No need to purchase new capital (part feeder) to run different parts
Added Flexibility (one cell can handle multiple parts)
- One of our customers is running 1000+ part numbers on the same cell
Quick Changeover
- Custom trays can be designed for nesting of parts with changeover in minutes vs. hours
Automate Where Not Previously Possible
- Part orientation for assembly with vision guided picking
- Spring detangling
Reduced Manufacturing Real Estate (on average 30-50%)
- Integrate multiple processes (feeding, handling, assembly) into a single footprint
- Eliminates the need for multiple large machines or manual workstations
Custom Micro Automation in Action
This aerospace and defense application showcases the power of our precision micro automation solutions—from the delivery of a 16-foot tube to laser wire cutting with zero internal debris. Vision guidance, customizable HMI, and integrated safety features make this solution a standout example of Sure Controls engineering in motion.
Common Applications for Micro Automation
Micro automation is commonly used in industries where small parts, precision assembly, and repeatability are critical. Common applications include:
- Medical device assembly
- Electronics manufacturing
- Aerospace components
- Automotive assemblies
- Plastics manufacturing
- Precision inspection systems
- Packaging and material handling
These applications benefit from improved consistency, reduced labor requirements, and increased production efficiency.
Flexible Collaborative Systems
As manufacturing shifts toward shorter production runs and greater product variation, flexible automation systems are becoming increasingly important. Sure Controls designs collaborative systems that can adapt to changing production needs while maintaining high levels of productivity and precision. Learn more about our flexible collaborative systems today.
Flexible Part Feeding for Small-Part Automation
There are many factors to take into consideration when approaching system automation. These may include: product in-feed, product out-feed, cycle rate, and quality inspection. Perhaps the most important factor is a clear definition of success and a shared vision on how to reach it. Sure Controls values these partnerships. Your success is our success.
Applications that involve handling small parts “micro-parts” introduce an additional level of complexity. This is due to challenges in handling the parts on the in-feed side. Traditionally, the in-feed of parts into an automation cell is done with products like a bowl feeder. Bowl feeders have limitations including: changeover (each bowl feeder is designed for a specific part), high investment that can’t be easily re-purposed, difficulty handling delicate material, jamming and part re-circulation.
Affordable Micro-Automation
At Sure Controls we want to offer our customers the best solution for their application requirements. This is why we offer Aysril, and Mecademic micro-automation robotic solutions. For example, Asyril has a 3-axis vibration “Asycube” flexible part feeding solution that is easily integrated into robotic automation cells.
Not only do we sell these products but we work to create the best possible solutions by integrating these products into your set up. This may mean a product or a solution that includes an Asyril robot and a Mecademic robot working together. Our robotic integration designers can help customers automate in areas where, in the past, it may not have been economically or technically feasible.
Integrating Flexible Part-Feeders
Sure Controls has successfully provided systems in the electronics, medical, automotive, and plastics industries with the integration of flexible part-feeders. In each of these markets, we were able to introduce a technology that allowed the customer to improve the automation cell or entirely rethink how they could better automate, allowing them to secure new business opportunities.
At Sure Controls we define success by delivering smiles. It’s that simple, when we deliver a solution our customers need, we leave them smiling.
At Sure Controls we define success by delivering smiles. It’s that simple, when we deliver a solution our customers need, we leave them smiling.
Not Sure if Micro Automation Is Right for Your Application?
Our engineers can review your process, evaluate automation opportunities, and recommend solutions tailored to your production goals. From flexible part feeding and precision robotics to complete micro automation systems, we help manufacturers find practical solutions that deliver measurable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is micro automation?
Micro automation is the use of robotics, vision systems, and flexible feeding technology to automate processes involving small or delicate parts.
What industries use micro automation?
Micro automation is commonly used in medical device manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, automotive, plastics, and precision assembly applications.
What are the benefits of micro automation?
Micro automation improves precision, reduces labor requirements, increases throughput, reduces cycle times, and improves product quality.
What is flexible part feeding?
Flexible part feeding uses programmable vibration technology and vision systems to orient and present parts to robots for automated handling and assembly.
How small of a part can be automated?
Depending on the application, micro automation systems can handle parts as small as 0.2 inches (5 mm) while maintaining high levels of precision and repeatability.