# Robot-Lean: Synthesizing Automation and Lean Manufacturing w/ Alex Webster

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2025-06-03
- Episode: 260
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-ca69d4af-fd1e-43ca-8570-d3302c503f9e

## Summary

Alex Webster, Founder and CEO of SDMS Robotics, explains how machine shops can synthesize traditional lean manufacturing principles with robotic automation to address labor shortages and high operational costs. He details the technical shift from traditional pallet pool systems to flexible, programmable workholding and gripping that enables high-mix, low-volume automation. Webster also discusses the role of industrial policy in reshoring and provides practical advice for manufacturers seeking to integrate robots from CNC machine integrators like Fanuc.

## Chapters

- [0:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=34) Introduction: Alex Webster and SDMS Robotics
- [3:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=222) Webster's Journey from Film School to CNC Machinist
- [8:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=492) Labor Shortages and the Case for Automation
- [11:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=701) Industrial Policy, Tariffs, and Reshoring
- [14:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=856) Overcoming Resistance to Change in Machine Shops
- [16:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=993) Evolution of Automation: From Pallet Pools to Flexible Fixturing
- [20:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=1224) Case Study: Automating Aluminum Components with 3D Vision
- [22:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-06-03-robot-lean-synthesizing-automation-and-lean-manufacturing-w-alex-webster#t=1371) Advice for Manufacturers and Integrator Resources

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- SDMS Robotics (company)
- Fanuc (company)
- Universal Robots (company)
- San Diego City College (other)
- UC Santa Barbara (other)
- Gorilla 76 (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How a Prototyping Shop is Shattering the Status Quo with Automation, Ep #3](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-a-prototyping-shop-is-shattering-the-status-quo-with-automation-ep-3) (Lights Out)
- [The Throughput Mindset: How Automation and Culture Drive Success, Ep #11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-01-22-the-throughput-mindset-how-automation-and-culture-drive-success-ep-11) (Lights Out)
- [How to Prioritize Flexibility when You Invest in Automation, Ep #4](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2024-11-20-how-to-prioritize-flexibility-when-you-invest-in-automation-ep-4) (Lights Out)
- [Facing the Future: Automation Truths from 40 Years on the Shop Floor with Mike Gamache, Ep #29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-11-28-facing-the-future-automation-truths-from-40-years-on-the-shop-floor-with-mike-ga) (Lights Out)
- [243: Inside Automate 2025: Robotics, Automation Trends, and Expert Insights from Automate LIVE](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-01-243-inside-automate-2025-robotics-automation-trends-and-expert-insights-from-aut) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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