Yaskawa Deploys Fully Automated Multi‑Stage Injection Moulding Line for 1.4M Radomes in Germany

Why It Matters

The new Yaskawa line directly addresses a bottleneck in the supply chain for radar sensors, a cornerstone of ADAS and autonomous‑driving technologies. By delivering 1.4 million radomes annually with built‑in traceability, manufacturers can guarantee the safety‑critical performance required for premium vehicles, reducing reliance on fragmented, lower‑volume suppliers. Moreover, the integration of AI‑enabled process control showcases how advanced robotics can evolve from simple automation to intelligent, self‑optimising production, setting a benchmark for high‑precision plastic components across the automotive sector. The system also illustrates a broader industry trend: the convergence of robotics, data analytics and modular design to create manufacturing cells that are both high‑throughput and highly adaptable. As vehicle electronics become more complex, such integrated solutions will be essential for meeting escalating volume targets while maintaining the stringent quality standards demanded by regulators and consumers alike.

Key Takeaways

• Yaskawa delivered a fully automated multi‑stage injection moulding line for radome production in Germany.
• The line produces approximately 1.4 million radomes per year across two interconnected lines.
• Six‑axis robots with vacuum grippers handle winding, over‑moulding and inspection; a SCARA robot manages intra‑cell transfers.
• Laser‑marked data matrix codes provide full traceability for each radome.
• Future AI integration aims to enable predictive adjustments and self‑optimising process control.

Pulse Analysis

Yaskawa’s deployment marks a decisive step in the evolution of injection moulding from batch‑oriented operations to continuous, intelligent factories. Historically, high‑precision plastic components required multiple, loosely coupled machines and extensive manual handling, which introduced variability and limited scalability. By embedding six‑axis and SCARA robots within a single, synchronized 2K moulding line, Yaskawa eliminates hand‑offs, reduces cycle time variance, and creates a data‑rich environment where every part is logged and inspected in real time.

The strategic partnership with EGS Automation underscores the growing importance of system integrators that can translate robotic capabilities into end‑to‑end production solutions. Their focus on modularity means the line can be re‑engineered for new part geometries or material mixes without costly downtime—a capability that will be increasingly valuable as vehicle manufacturers iterate on sensor designs.

From a market perspective, the ability to reliably supply millions of radomes positions Weißer + Grießhaber as a preferred tier‑1 supplier for premium OEMs. Competitors that rely on traditional, less‑integrated moulding setups may struggle to meet the same quality and volume benchmarks, potentially accelerating consolidation in the automotive plastics sector. The forthcoming AI layer could further widen the gap, delivering predictive maintenance that minimizes unplanned outages and dynamic process tuning that squeezes additional throughput from existing hardware. In short, Yaskawa’s line is not just a new piece of equipment; it is a template for the next generation of high‑mix, high‑volume manufacturing that blends robotics, data, and flexibility into a single, competitive advantage.