Automation is expensive. A simple rotary-indexing dial system with four to six stations might cost $300,000. A linear system with multiple assembly and test stations can easily top $1 million and take a year to execute.
The risks for both sides are high. OEMs want to be first to market, and they don’t want to be stuck with an expensive white elephant. Systems integrators don’t want to eat the costs of engineering underdeveloped parts or processes.