Pittsburgh-based aluminum engineered component manufacturer Gupta Permold had come to a crossroad in its beam sanding finishing. Between constant labor shortages and inconsistent surface quality in its manual operation, the company was having difficulty achieving desired production rates.

In order to maintain its longstanding commitment to quality and reliability, the company reached out to FANUC Authorized System Integrator Premier Automation, who partnered with PushCorp—a global leader in robotic sanding and surface finishing technology—to design a custom automation solution.

Together, partners Gupta Permold, PushCorp, and Premier Automation teams developed a fully integrated Robotic Sanding Cell, which incorporates the reach and flexibility of FANUC’s M-710iC/45M Robot, custom end-of-arm tooling by Premier Automation that securely grips and manipulates each beam throughout the sanding cycle, and a PushCorp SBS82 Servo Belt Stand that delivers consistent sanding, grinding and polishing via compliant force control and high-torque capability. Paired with 3D vision, AI guidance and an operator-friendly human-machine interface, the system automates the entire process—from identification of part position and orientation to accurate robotic picking and placement and real-time monitoring of performance. An automated alert system lets operators know if and when attention is required.

With the automated cell in place, operators can now focus on higher value tasks while the sanding process runs autonomously — improving throughput and reducing hands on labor.

The Robotic Sanding Cell produced measurable improvements across Gupta Permold’s sanding operation. By eliminating manual variability and introducing automated consistency, the system strengthened both production output and product quality.

Pittsburgh-based aluminum engineered component manufacturer Gupta Permold had come to a crossroad in its beam sanding finishing. Between constant labor shortages and inconsistent surface quality in its manual operation, the company was having difficulty achieving desired production rates.

In order to maintain its longstanding commitment to quality and reliability, the company reached out to FANUC Authorized System Integrator Premier Automation, who partnered with PushCorp—a global leader in robotic sanding and surface finishing technology—to design a custom automation solution.

Together, partners Gupta Permold, PushCorp, and Premier Automation teams developed a fully integrated Robotic Sanding Cell, which incorporates the reach and flexibility of FANUC’s M-710iC/45M Robot, custom end-of-arm tooling by Premier Automation that securely grips and manipulates each beam throughout the sanding cycle, and a PushCorp SBS82 Servo Belt Stand that delivers consistent sanding, grinding and polishing via compliant force control and high-torque capability. Paired with 3D vision, AI guidance and an operator-friendly human-machine interface, the system automates the entire process—from identification of part position and orientation to accurate robotic picking and placement and real-time monitoring of performance. An automated alert system lets operators know if and when attention is required.

With the automated cell in place, operators can now focus on higher value tasks while the sanding process runs autonomously — improving throughput and reducing hands on labor.

The Robotic Sanding Cell produced measurable improvements across Gupta Permold’s sanding operation. By eliminating manual variability and introducing automated consistency, the system strengthened both production output and product quality.