Automation as a response to the shortage of skilled workers: The role of the rotary table

The DIHK Skills Report 2025/2026 confirms that the shortage of qualified CNC operators represents one of the biggest threats to Germany as an industrial location. Automation is the only way forward here to maintain or even increase throughput despite the staff shortage. pL LEHMANN CNC rotary tables are designed from the ground up for unmanned operation („lights-out manufacturing“).

Integrated rotary joints and clamping cylinders (hydraulic or pneumatic) allow clamping devices to be controlled directly from the robot control. The pL-smartBox monitors in the background whether the clamping pressure is sufficient for safe processing and only releases the start signal when the values are correct. This enables a single employee to look after three or more machines simultaneously, as they are only responsible for material provision and quality control, while the robot handles loading and unloading. The ROI (Return on Investment) for such robot cells is often less than seven months if the additional 1,300 to 1,400 productive hours per year are fully utilised.