Introducing the Sidekick: New FANUC RoboDrill Automation
Methods Machine Tools Releases the New SIDEKICK Automation Solution
User-friendly, unattended machining package pairs with any FANUC RoboDrill
SUDBURY, Mass., October 15, 2025 — Methods Machine Tools, Inc., North America’s foremost supplier of leading-edge precision machine tools and automation solutions, has released the newest version of The Sidekick, the company’s latest solution for FANUC RoboDrill automation.
A collaborative system engineered for small- and medium-sized shops, the Sidekick offers light, unattended machining on the FANUC RoboDrill, supported by FANUC CRX-10iA/L robot mounted to a standardized table design that holds up to 30 workpieces.
“With the Sidekick, we have launched an easy-to-use, price competitive, complete automation solution so shops can expand their utilization and productivity,” said David Chesnutt, Methods’ Senior Vice President of Sales.
“We’ve represented FANUC RoboDrill for more than 30 years and currently support more than 15,000 RoboDrills in the field. In that time, we’ve created various automation designs for the RoboDrill.” Chesnutt continued. “The Sidekick is ideal for those smaller shops looking to make their first leap into automation alongside the most trusted and proven vertical machining center in the industry.”
The Sidekick provides users the option to either setup end of arm tooling, part grid plates, and programming on their own; or purchase a “Ready-to-Run” package from Methods that comes pre-programmed with a standardized infeed/outfeed grid plate and end of arm tooling on the robot.
“We created a solution that is as easy as possible for operators. A lightweight solution with minimal setup and automated processes to further cut down on manual intervention, built with the longevity and quality you expect from Methods and FANUC solutions.” added Darren Wall, Methods’ Product Manager for FANUC RoboDrill. “
The Sidekick is the latest addition to the Methods Night Crew portfolio, a comprehensive suite of fully-integrated FANUC RoboDrill solutions for high-volume/low-mix and/or high-mix/low-volume production.
About Methods Automation from Existing Customers:
“We’re running about 100 hours of automated parts per week. We’re quoting faster timelines, and that gives us a huge competitive advantage. Methods depth of knowledge on the support and applications side has been the reason we’ve operated with zero downtime in the last three years, and why we’ll be more profitable than we have ever been.” – Nick Squillace, Co-Founder, NS Precision
“The envelope fits perfect for the size part we make and the RoboDrill is lightning fast. The specific product we’re running on this machine, it’s the one product that has grown the fastest on the mill side of business with our largest customer.” Ted Force, Director of Milling and Programming, SpiTrex Orthopedics.
The Sidekick is now ready to order through all Methods and Methods’ dealer-partner locations, with delivery scheduled to begin at the end of October.
About Methods Machine Tools
Methods Machine Tools, Inc. supplies high-quality, high-precision machine tools, automation solutions, and designs integrated, custom machining processes and services. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958, Methods operates seven technical centers, and a one-of-a-kind precision center. Methods has installed more than 45,000 machine tools throughout North America. For more information, call 877-668-4262 or visit www.methodsmachine.com.