Traditionally a labor-intensive industry, the lack of skilled workers and precision requirements of the watchmaking space push Swiss manufacturers to automate. However, most industrial robots are too large and bulky to handle parts weighing just a few grams. Collaborative robots and other small non-industrial robots lack the needed high precision to handle such delicate and precise parts. Furthermore, the systems must be small enough to fit on existing workshop benches. Although custom linear XYZ stages can be considered in some applications, many require at least 5 or 6 degrees of freedom, so an articulated robot arm is necessary. The systems also need to be modular, easily programmable, and able to integrate and communicate with many other types of equipment.​