Nordbo force control supports 12 polishing cells at Amphenol Phoenix

Nordbo Robotics reported a 12-cell polishing installation at Amphenol Phoenix in Hangzhou in a case study published 15 August 2025. The system uses 12 Nachi MZ07L industrial robots with 12 Nordbo controllers and 12 NRS-6 force/torque sensors for rough and fine finishing of stainless-steel components used in consumer electronics. Nordbo said its point-to-point teaching method allowed paths to be programmed directly from the robot pendant, avoiding the need to develop each sequence from scratch.

The supplier attributed a 300% productivity and throughput increase, a 50% improvement in its quality ratio and a 1.5-year return on investment to the installation. These are customer and integrator-reported comparisons; the case study does not provide an independent baseline methodology or full cost breakdown. The multi-cell installation is a meaningful operational scale disclosure, distinct from a single demonstration robot, although no annual processed-parts figure was supplied.

The cells combine automated infeed and outfeed with force-controlled polishing, allowing the robots to maintain contact while following taught paths. Nordbo identifies stainless-steel components for the Microsoft Surface Duo hinge among the applications. The point-to-point method lets Amphenol’s engineers create new paths through the teach pendant, supporting changes between products within the 12-cell installation. The August date refers to publication of the case study, rather than a disclosed commissioning date.