Systems
VW testing 5G network for ‘smart factories’ as carmakers push for more flexibility in EV production
The pilot project will initially cover the main production development centre and the pilot hall, assessing if 5G technology effectively meets the intricate requirements of vehicle production. A dedicated 5G radio frequency will be used to secure data transmissions. VW’s Transparent Factory in Dresden has also put a so-called “5G island” into operation.
Watch: 3D Vision Solutions for Automotive Challenges
Automotive inspection systems use 3D machine vision solutions to meet specific requirements and improve manufacturing quality.
Watch: Factory of the future Livestream – The software-defined assembly line
As automotive OEMs digitalise and connect factories, hear how the Audi Production Lab, ABB and Cosmotech are using real-time data, smart software and advanced automation to reshape vehicle production processes.
How the European automotive industry aims to build back semiconductor and chip supply
OEMs, suppliers and EU officials are considering how best to develop Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing to mitigate current and future shortages, but the broad gaps at many levels – including for older, larger chips – mean there will be no magic bullet
Global suppliers need modularity and flexibility in the EV age
Electric vehicles bring with them high development costs and large expenses for retooling plants. To get around that, OEMs and tier suppliers must work together to develop flexible, modular production systems, according to panellists from ZF and ABB at last week’s AMS Livestream on electrification.
Watch: Robotic Sanding Made Easy with ATI’s AOV-10 and 3M Abrasives
The Compliant Orbital Sander is the ideal solution for robotic surface treatment.
Securing semiconductor supply
A shortage of semiconductors is hampering global automotive production around the world. Bettina Weiss, chief of staff and global smart mobility lead at electronics association SEMI, tells Marcus Williams why this is happening and why OEMs need to forge more direct links with the chip manufacturers
AI and automation in automotive production need people and quality data to succeed
Experts from BMW, Ford, Symbio Robotics and Cosmo Tech discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in automotive production need fast ramp-up times and adoption by employees to succeed. High-quality data and use of simulation are also key.
Enterprise Digital Twins: Tackling Manufacturing Challenges with Simulation
How simulation can cut 30% of your costs
Watch: ATI’s AOV-10 Robotic Sander and 3M Abrasives can reshape material removal processes
The AOV-10 Axially-Compliant Random Orbital Sander from ATI Industrial Automation is the ideal robotic solution for surface preparation and finishing. The compact and lightweight design suits a variety of robot sizes and types, including collaborative robots. The AOV-10 also features built-in compliance which overcomes process variation due to part misalignment, part geometry inconsistency, or robot path deviations. This streamlines the programming process and improves overall process quality of sanding and finishing operations.
Watch: Your questions answered | Restarting automotive production in the new normal
In a follow up to our Livestream Hour episode on restarting production, we bring our guest panel back together to answer audience that we couldn’t get to during the live session, including topics on automation, inventory and future sourcing. Featuring Ralf Bechmann from ROI Management Consulting, and AMS editor Nick Holt, hosted by Christopher Ludwig
Viewed from the “lighthouse”: Renault plants connected to smart production
Recognised by the WEF Global Lighthouse Network, Renault’s deep dive into industry 4.0 has launched a plethora of active improvement projects
Your webinar questions answered: How tier 1 suppliers are responding to tough headwinds
You asked, we answer. We return to the questions from our audience that we didn’t have time to answer in our live webinar, ranging from which parts of automotive tier 1 suppliers’ business models are at risk of commodification, to how tier suppliers are changing manufacturing processes
Digital tools connect plants to low energy operations
Big opportunities to reduce energy consumption in car manufacturing facilities are waiting to be explored. AMS looks at carmakers taking the path to becoming more eco-friendly
Is Sony’s Vision S a scary sight, or a revelation for carmakers and suppliers?
Should automotive manufacturers fear or embrace this surprise announcement from the consumer technology giant?
Setting the pace – AP Racing speeds up smart production
A new €1m assembly line is helping UK-based high-performance brake component supplier AP Racing take a smarter approach to production
Tier Supplier Profit Analysis: Mitigating Margin Compression and Manufacturing Costs
Automotive tier 1 suppliers are facing unprecedented industry transformation in electrification along with economic uncertainty. Download this report on the top 20 global suppliers for a deep analysis of their historic margins, as well as solutions for how suppliers could cope with growing pressures and changes in manufacturing across the supply base
Building Volkswagen’s Industrial Cloud
Volkswagen Group’s landmark project with Amazon Web Services will help to connect all its global factories, and eventually the supply chain as well. At the core of the project is a drive to establish a standard software stack that will transform the way production IT is developed and implemented across Volkswagen locations.
Suppliers will charge the change: opportunities in the EV value chain
While much focus is put on OEM plans to launch more electric vehicles, a great deal of the technology, value, production and services will come from both existing and emerging suppliers across the value chain. We expect many new opportunities for these companies over the next decade.
A proactive approach
Predictive maintenance offers big gains in production efficiency. Mike Farish looks at some examples of how these systems have been developed and applied