Automation in HMLV: Knowing When to Build and When to Let Go

Automation in HMLV manufacturing isn’t a question of if - it's how much, when, and why. In this episode, Jay Patel, CEO at Amtech, explores how automation can reduce waste, improve yield, and streamline operations, but only when applied with intention.

Used well, automation removes friction from workflows. It reduces manual strain, improves consistency, and gives teams the space to focus on solving problems instead of managing processes. But without purpose and prioritization, automation can create complexity without payoff. It can introduce rigidity, mask inefficiencies, and drain resources trying to solve the wrong problem faster.

In this episode, we explore the trade-offs between automation and manual processes, the rise of AI-powered tools, and how technologies like vision systems and 3D-printed fixturing are creating new efficiencies in low-volume builds. Jay shares examples of when automation can improve throughput and when it makes more sense to walk it back.

Join us in a real-world conversation about the mindset, discipline, and situational awareness required to automate in a way that supports your HMLV operations.