I've found that some silicone lube makes for easier handling, especially with robots doing the work.
Not even a joke. A double entendre, okay, I'll grant you that.
I bought this cube (http://amzn.com/B008U6V50U) a while back when seeking a cube that I could use in my Lego Mindstorms Rubik's cube solver. The solver wasn't of my own design, but I wanted to experiment with different brick programs for solving, and needed a cube that would reliably turn with little effort (to minimize time spent resetting). Silicone lube was recommended for rejuvenating the lubricated parts, since that's what the maker used anyway. Apparently, petroleum based products could eat away at the plastics in most cubes.
Just thought I'd toss it in, in case someone searching for Rubik's Cube in the future happens across this thread. :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who drilled a hole in it.