Automation keeps Donk Industries running even when no one’s there
Donk Industries, one of the largest small-series aluminium parts manufacturers in the Benelux region, operates in a classic high-mix, low-volume environment. A wide product range, small batch sizes, and tight delivery expectations make efficiency difficult to scale, especially with an ongoing shortage of skilled operators.
To maintain output without increasing headcount, Donk Industries introduced a collaborative automation setup using an OnRobot RG6 gripper equipped with a HEX force/torque sensor. The system is used to automatically feed one of eight CNC machines, running continuously, including overnight.
Instead of relying on manual loading, the robotic cell keeps production moving outside normal working hours. This has effectively added a “night shift” without adding people.
Results
CNC output doubled on the automated machine
Failure rate reduced by 50%
More consistent product quality
Improved delivery reliability
Automated machine tending during night hours
Handles high-mix, low-volume production efficiently
Gripper fingertips can be changed in minutes
Increasing capacity without increasing complexity
By automating a single CNC machine, Donk Industries unlocked additional capacity without overhauling their entire production setup. The system handles part variation with minimal adjustment, allowing the same cell to support a wide range of components.
The RG6 gripper plays a key role here. Its adjustable grip and flexible configuration make it suitable for different shapes and sizes, reducing the need for custom tooling or constant manual intervention.
A practical approach to collaborative automation
“In contrast to conventional industrial robots, the combination of cobot and corresponding end-of-arm tooling can be used directly next to humans and works directly with them.”
Jaap Zentveld, Assistant Production Manager, Donk Industries
The collaborative setup allows operators and robots to work side by side without complex safety barriers. This makes it easier to integrate automation into existing production lines without major disruption.
Built for flexibility, not just volume
"With Donk Industries' specific requirements in mind, we recommended an OnRobot gripper. Because it is so flexible, we were able to adapt it individually to the application. The concept of the one-stop shop allows us to find the right solution for every application."
Peter van Olm, Founder, Olmia Robotics
Rather than optimizing for a single product, the solution is designed for variation. This is critical in environments where batch sizes are small and changeovers are frequent.
The ability to adjust grip, swap fingertips quickly, and reconfigure the setup means the system stays useful across different jobs instead of becoming a one-trick pony.
Easy to adapt, even for small batches
“We have to be flexible with our product variety and the small quantities involved and be able to convert our production lines quickly. Collaborative applications can be flexibly converted for new tasks and are easy to program.”
Jaap Zentveld, Assistant Production Manager, Donk Industries
Ease of programming and fast changeovers make automation viable even for smaller runs. What used to be too time-consuming to automate can now be handled efficiently, without slowing down production.
Where this actually matters
If you’re dealing with:
High product variation
Small batch sizes
Skilled labor shortages
Or machines sitting idle outside working hours
Then this type of setup isn’t “nice to have”, it’s the difference between scaling and stagnating.