Stopping Factory Glue Defects Before They Happen
Coherix and Kawasaki combine a flexible 7-axis robot with AI-driven lasers to eliminate the need for expensive manual rework.
Published June 28, 2026
Steven Pagalos, Coherix technical account manager, configures Coherix’s 3D adhesive inspection technology on a door skin during setup for the Kawasaki Robotics exhibit at Automate 2026.
Coherix, a supplier of automated dispensing solutions, joined Kawasaki Robotics at AUTOMATE 2026 to demonstrate how manufacturers can eliminate adhesive defects in real-time while reducing material and labor costs by 25 percent or more.
A Kawasaki 7-axis BU015X Series robot showcased Coherix's 3D laser-based Adaptive Process Control technology in a closed-loop dispensing demonstration that showed how manufacturers can detect and correct adhesive application issues before defects occur.
Designed to emulate a real-world automotive production environment, the system will simulate the application of sealants on a Ford F-150 door skin while continuously measuring and automatically adjusting adhesive bead placement in real time at speeds of up to 400 times per second.
Combining Coherix Adaptive Process Control software with Kawasaki Robotics' flexible hollow-arm robot design, the system transforms traditional post-process inspection into an intelligent, real-time manufacturing solution capable of reducing material waste, lowering labor costs and minimizing rework while operating at full production-line speeds.
The Kawasaki BU015X robot was specifically designed for high-precision dispensing applications in difficult-to-access spaces such as automotive body structures and underbody assemblies. Its 7-axis configuration and hollow-arm architecture simplify installation, reduce cable wear and improve long-term reliability in demanding manufacturing environments.
Dwight Carlson, Coherix chairman and CEO, noted that Coherix has partnered with Kawasaki Robotics on a number of projects, including a "factory of the future" program at Eastern Michigan University for mechanical engineering students.
The company's new Innovation Center in Ann Arbor features two robot stations equipped with Kawasaki robots integrated with a range of dispensing equipment to enable the rapid development and validation of advanced adhesive-dispensing solutions.
Carlson pointed out that Coherix technology allows manufacturers to automatically inspect and control the application of adhesives at full production-line speeds. Its 3D laser-based systems combine machine learning, AI and adaptive process control to continuously optimize dispensing to help customers reduce material usage, improve quality and eliminate rework.
