• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

CSD & Integration, Inc

Moving the Industry Forward Through Innovative Engineering

Discuss a Project Opportunity
  • About
    • Our Process
    • Blog
  • Industries
  • Forging
    • Forging Automation
    • 3D Bin Picking
  • Services
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Software Development
    • Controls Engineering
    • Rockwell Automation
    • Project Management
    • Material Handling
    • Coding and Marking
  • Case Studies
  • Contact

December 8, 2021

The Difference Between Fixed & Flexible Automation

The Difference Between Fixed & Flexible Automation

December 8, 2021

The Difference Between Fixed & Flexible Automation

There are a few key factors to consider for manufacturers who are just starting out or experienced businesses who are looking to diversify their production with either fixed or flexible automation. By understanding the difference between fixed and flexible automation, you can decide which one is right for your facility.

Flexible Automation Advantages

Flexible automation refers to robotic devices that can be programmed to perform various tasks and functions. Its multifaceted functionality means that the same robot used to produce toys can be making plastic trucks on one day and action figures on the next. Flexible automation allows manufacturers to diversify their portfolios to adjust their production to the market’s demands. Once upon a time, if an industry collapsed, the manufacturers did too. But with flexible automation, those facilities would have been able to pivot to new emerging sectors. As markets evolve, so too can your product.

Flexible Automation Disadvantages

The advanced robotics of flexible automation doesn’t come without a cost; it is more expensive than opting for fixed automation. This means high startup costs. However, you will be able to make your money back by reducing production costs with the help of the effect robots. So, younger businesses will have to weigh their options to decide if they can weather the storm of expensive startup costs.

Fixed Automation Advantages

Fixed automation describes a robot made to complete one specific task or preset sequence of duties. It’s also known as hard automation because the program is done through wiring and gears.

Since they can’t be used for other purposes than their original function, they cost less than flexible automation. The low costs are ideal for manufacturers who are just starting out and need to cut costs to keep their doors open.

Fixed Automation Disadvantages

The biggest drawback of fixed automation is that it can’t be used for other functions, limiting the uses of the machine. So, if your facility plans on producing a variety of products, fixed automation isn’t a realistic choice.

After reading about the difference between fixed and flexible automation, you can make an informed decision on which type of robotic technology will be best for your facility. When you require assistance establishing and programming your robotic technology, reach out to Control Systems design, an expert in industrial controls engineering.

Filed Under: blog

Avery Wardrup

Primary Sidebar

Want to improve your process?

Schedule an assessment

Outsourcing In Today's Markets?

Free Guide

Planning a Shutdown?
You Need a Checklist.

Download Yours

Our Comprehensive Guide

Download

Footer

About

Our Process

Industries Served

Case Studies

Contact

Industrial Engineering

Software Development

Controls Engineering

Rockwell Automation

Project Management

Material Handling

Contact Us

5237 Nashville Rd. Bldg 1
Bowling Green, KY 42101

 

Phone: 270.843.7423
Fax: 270.842.9303

Email: admin@csdautomation.com

Copyright © 2025 · CSD & Integration, Inc
Website Design by The Marketing Squad