Methods Machine Tools Introduces SIDEKICK for FANUC RoboDrill Automation!

Methods Machine Tools, one of North America’s leading providers of precision machine tools and automation systems, has unveiled The Sidekick — its latest collaborative automation solution designed specifically for the FANUC RoboDrill platform.

Developed to empower small and medium-sized shops, the Sidekick offers light, unattended machining through an integrated FANUC CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot mounted on a standardized table capable of holding up to 30 workpieces. This compact yet powerful setup enables shops to boost spindle uptime, streamline workflows, and take their first step toward smart automation.

“With the Sidekick, we’ve launched an easy-to-use, price-competitive automation solution so shops can expand their utilization and productivity,” said David Chesnutt, Senior Vice President of Sales at Methods. “The Sidekick is ideal for smaller shops looking to make their first leap into automation alongside the most trusted vertical machining center in the industry.”

Users can either customize the system by setting up their own end-of-arm tooling and programming or choose a ‘Ready-to-Run’ package from Methods that comes pre-configured with standardized grid plates, end-of-arm tooling, and infeed/outfeed setups — enabling fast deployment and minimal downtime.

According to Darren Wall, Product Manager for FANUC RoboDrill at Methods, “We created a solution that is as easy as possible for operators — lightweight, simple to set up, and designed to reduce manual intervention while maintaining the quality and reliability expected from Methods and FANUC.”

The Sidekick joins the Methods Night Crew portfolio, a suite of fully integrated automation solutions for FANUC RoboDrill, supporting both high-volume/low-mix and high-mix/low-volume production environments.

With this launch, Methods Machine Tools continues to make automation accessible, affordable, and operator-friendly, helping machine shops across North America unlock the power of lights-out manufacturing.