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Glue & Adhesive Automation

From structural bonding and NVH damping to trim attachment, adhesives are now a core part of automotive assembly. Joint performance depends on maintaining consistent bead size, accurate placement, and controlled interaction with the part surface.
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Advantages of Automated Glue & Adhesive Application in Automotive Manufacturing

Collaborative robots are used to stabilize glue and adhesive application by executing repeatable bead paths and controlled dispensing motions. This helps maintain consistent process execution across shifts and production volumes while supporting the flexibility required in automotive OEM and Tier supplier environments.

Why automate glue and adhesive application in automotive production

Manual adhesive application can be difficult to retrofit with traditional automation for automotive environments where humans are in the working areas, and where part geometries make for un-ergonomics applications. Inconsistent glue and adhesive application can lead to rework, quality defects, and line instability.

By integrating collaborative robots directly into manual adhesive work stations on the assembly line or sub-assemblies, auto manufacturers can better control motion, speed, and application paths. This supports predictable adhesive quality while complementing existing assembly processes without introducing rigid traditional automation.

Key outcomes include:

  • Consistent bead placement and application paths
  • Reduced variation across shifts and operators
  • Improved process stability for bonding and sealing tasks
  • Flexible deployment across multiple adhesive use cases
Josephine Payne, Ford Romania​. Engine Plant Manager​

Mercedes Benz Glue & Application Case Study

By shifting the glue application to a UR cobot, Mercedes-Benz improved ergonomics, reduced rework, and cut down on delays caused by inconsistent manual application. The robot brought stability to a process that had long depended on operator endurance, and the production line became more predictable as a result.​
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"The robot now delivers the perfect quality demanded by Mercedes-Benz and we can also take advantage of the workforce to further enhance the product.”
Rogério Dutra, Mercedes-Benz

Selecting the right robot for automotive glue and adhesive application

Automotive glue and adhesive processes require precise path control, consistent dispensing motion, and stable interaction with varying part surfaces. Collaborative robots are used in adhesive stations to apply repeatable bead paths and controlled material flow while fitting close to existing fixtures and assembly processes without disrupting established production layouts.

UR7e
Universal Robots

UR7e

Lightweight deployability: 7.5kg payload, 850mm reach, Ø 151mm footprint, only 20.6kg.
UR8 Long
Universal Robots

UR8 Long

Long reach – 10kg payload | 1750mm reach | Ø 204mm footprint diameter | 44.7kg weight
UR12e
Universal Robots

UR12e

Medium sized versatility: 12.5kg payload, 1300mm reach, Ø 190mm footprint, just 33.5kg.
UR15
Universal Robots

UR15

Outsized performance: 17.5kg payload, 1300mm reach, compact Ø 204mm footprint, just 40.7kg.
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Glue and adhesive application is notoriously sensitive to human factors. Even experienced operators can struggle to maintain perfect bead geometry over long shifts. UR cobots eliminate that variability:​

  • Uniform bead width and height across every part, every shift​
  • Stable robot speed and standoff distance, ensuring consistent material deposition​
  • Repeatable path execution for complex contours, curves, and multi‑plane surfaces​
  • Integrated flow‑rate control through direct communication with dispensing equipment​

Whether applying structural adhesives on body-in-white components or precision beads on interior trim, UR cobots deliver the same result every cycle.​

Related automotive Glue & Adhesive Automation applications

Automated Glue & Adhesive Automation is often deployed alongside other automotive assembly processes on the same production lines. These related applications support a more complete and flexible assembly strategy.

Automotive Assembly Applications

Automotive Assembly Applications

Broad robotic support for automotive assembly tasks, including part handling, positioning, and secondary operations across sub‑assemblies and production lines. Enables flexible automation without disrupting existing processes.

Automotive Clip Insertion

Automotive Clip Insertion

Automated clip insertion for interior and exterior assemblies, improving consistency while reducing part damage and operator strain. Ideal for high‑mix automotive assembly environments.

Automotive Press‑Fit Assembly

Automotive Press‑Fit Assembly

Robotic press‑fit operations for controlled insertion of bearings, bushings, and precision components. Ensures consistent force, accurate alignment, and repeatable quality in automotive production.

Automotive Parts Transportation

Automotive Parts Transportation

Automotive manufacturing relies on a continuous flow of materials. Components, kits, and containers need to reach the correct station precisely when required to ensure takt time and stable production.

Explore next steps in automotive

See Glue & Adhesive Before You Deploy It

See Glue & Adhesive Before You Deploy It

Step into our automotive virtual factory to see how UR cobots support Glue & Adhesive Automation and other assembly processes across modern production lines.

Enter the Virtual Factory
Automated Glue & Adhesive Automation Kits

Automated Glue & Adhesive Automation Kits

Cobots integrate with a wide range of certified Glue & Adhesive Automation tools available through the Marketplace.

Solutions & Kits available for you
Talk to an automotive automation expert

Talk to an automotive automation expert

Discuss your production challenges and identify where robotics can deliver the fastest impact.

Get a custom demo
Explore all Automotive Manufacturing Solutions

Explore all Automotive Manufacturing Solutions

Robotics that support just-in-time manufacturing, consistent assembly, and robust automotive processes.

Discover Automotive Manufacturing

Talk to an automotive automation expert

An automotive automation specialist will follow up to discuss your application and production requirements. The goal is to understand your setup and explore practical automation options, no commitment required.

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