As industries across the Midwest continue to embrace automation, collaborative robots (cobots) are becoming a go-to solution for manufacturers looking to increase productivity, safety, and flexibility. At GCG Automation and Factory Solutions, we’re proud to be the first authorized Midwest distributor for FANUC cobots, including the advanced FANUC CRX cobot line.
To explore how cobots have evolved and where they’re headed next, I sat down with Jerry Perez, a business development professional at FANUC who’s been instrumental in driving the growth of the CRX series. Our conversation traced the journey from the early “DIY” days of cobot adoption to today’s more sophisticated, turnkey automation solutions — and why the partnership between FANUC and GCG is such a strong fit for manufacturers ready to take the next step.
This article will cover:
- The Early Days of Cobots
- From DIY to Real-World Deployment
- Why FANUC and GCG Make a Great Fit
- Shared Values: Safety, Service, and Quality
- Looking Ahead
The Early Days of Cobots
“When it started, manufacturers had this message of DIY — it’s just a product part number, it’s on a line card" Jerry recalled.
Back then, the concept of a collaborative robot, or “cobot,” was simple: a robot that could safely work alongside people without the need for cages or fences. “The idea was,” he said, “what if we could design a product that could work with people — quote unquote, safe.”
The promise of easy setup and “do-it-yourself” integration led many to believe that anyone could sell or install a cobot. But as the market matured, that perception evolved.
From DIY to Real-World Deployment
Over the past few years, the industry has seen a shift toward turnkey automation solutions — systems that are easier to program and deploy but still benefit from the expertise of automation professionals.
“What history has shown,” Jerry explained, “is that the people who’ve been successful deploying cobots are those who worked with companies that already had experience with automation. It’s still a technical solution.”
At GCG Automation and Factory Solutions, that’s exactly where we come in — helping manufacturers bridge the gap between ease of use and technical execution with the right equipment, training, and integration support.
Why FANUC and GCG Make the Right Fit
When I asked Jerry what excites him most about our partnership, he pointed to the reach and experience that GCG brings to the table.
“There are a lot of small and medium manufacturers — even some larger ones — that we may not reach,” he said. “GCG is a company serving a lot of customers already, and you have industrial automation experience. That’s the right fit for us.”
He emphasized that FANUC isn’t just interested in selling robots — they want to ensure those robots are working, safe, and productive once deployed. “We can count on your experience to make sure the right product gets sold, the right product gets deployed, and it’s out there working” Jerry emphasized.
Shared Values: Safety, Service, and Quality
Throughout our discussion, it became clear that safety, service, and quality are the pillars of this partnership.
“What really stuck with me,” Jerry said, “is your commitment to safety — that was loud and clear.”
FANUC, known as the world’s leading industrial robot manufacturer, designed its CRX cobots around the latest safety standards. “If the cobot detects you,” he explained, “I want to make sure it's going to stop safely.”
That shared commitment to creating a safer, more productive work environment is what makes this partnership so meaningful — and so promising for manufacturers across the Midwest.
Looking Ahead
As our collaboration continues to grow, both teams see a bright future for cobot adoption in manufacturing.
“I think the future is bright,” Jerry concluded. “Having a partner who respects and cares about safety as much as we do — that’s why we’re excited to keep working together.”
And I couldn’t agree more.
Watch the full conversation: The Evolution of Cobots | FANUC + GCG Automation
FANUC Cobots: GCG Is the First Authorized Midwest Distributor for FANUC Cobots