Latest smart factory stories – Page 15
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NewsPorsche and Ericsson announce partnership for 5G network in Leipzig
Porsche has signed a deal with Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson for a pilot project using 5G wireless technology to improve production capabilities at the OEM’s plant in Leipzig, Germany.
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ArticleVW 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.
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ArticleWatch: Shopfloor revolution – how data, software and AI are rebooting production
OEMs and suppliers are transforming vehicle production through data and connectivity as much as hardware, with new artificial intelligence opportunities emerging. Watch this AMS Livestream Hour featuring VDMA, Fraunhofer IPA and Symbio to hear about the standards, systems and applications underpinning these changes.
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ArticleAluminium applications
Electric vehicles battery enclosures are increasing overall vehicle weight, with lightweight materials for structural components, such as castings, can offset the rise. Rio Tinto’s Jerome Fourmann tells Nick Holt about new opportunities and production innovations
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ArticleStress test: new modelling approach for component fatigue testing
The development of lightweight structures and components for electric vehicles has created a demand for more comprehensive and modern test-and-measurement processes to evaluate component fatigue and service life. Lucia Barbu, research professor and project coordinator at Fatigue4light gives insight into the challenges and solutions
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ArticlePorsche production: moving faster around the bend
Porsche’s manufacturing chief, Albrecht Reimold, explains the carmaker’s progress towards sustainable, connected manufacturing as it gears up to build more electric vehicles.
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ArticleBMW expands plant in Mexico to build 2 Series Coupé
The 2 Series Coupé will be produced exclusively in Mexico for the global market. The plant has seen further investments of $125 million over the last 2 years, which has expanded its operations significantly.
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VoiceRoll forming: supporting the production of new vehicle structures
Electric vehicle architectures offer both challenges and opportunities when creating strong, lightweight body structures. Dreistern’s Automotive sales manager, Christoph Grüllich looks at the current build of EVs and discusses some of the solutions offered by roll forming
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ArticleVolkswagen’s plan to digitise its global production network
Volkswagen will overhaul its North American manufacturing through digitalisation, using AI, cobots, and integrated cloud systems to enhance connected manufacturing and supply chains.
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ArticleAI, apps, and automation: How Volkswagen aims to transform North American manufacturing with digital drive
Digitalisation is the word of the day when it comes to streamlining the production process and making data more transparent. While cars themselves have rapidly developed and become more advanced, the manufacturing process is now following suit.
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ArticleCost and opportunity: experts unveil the contradictions at the core of lightweighting EVs
Lightweighting has become one of the most important features when it comes to designing EVs. As calls for more sustainable production practices become louder, creators are looking at new innovative ways to lighten the load.
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ArticleA production transformation that will last 20 years at Volkswagen
Christian Vollmer at Volkswagen discusses how virtual tools have helped production move during the pandemic, why cross-plant collaboration has accelerated and VW’s evolving manufacturing strategies to ramp up EV production.
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WebinarWatch recording: Fast, Flexible and Sustainable: the Paintshop of the future
Watch this session to discover GeicoTaikisha insights on automotive manufacturing trends, time reduction for paintshop production and new ways to adapt production output to meet market needs
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ArticleLightweighting the EV is a challenge to celebrate
There is a new impetus to save weight as vehicles become powered by electric powertrains. Reducing the weight of a vehicle by optimising the mix of materials and the application in design is now a key focus.
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ArticleWatch: Vehicle lightweighting rises to the top of the agenda for designers and engineers
This livestream investigates how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating lightweight architectures, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
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ArticleMaking shopfloor management an asset in the smart factory
No matter how comprehensive the digitalisation and automation, the human factor still drives the modern smart factory. And yet, the intersection of man and machine, the shopfloor management, needs a rethink to become an asset in the data driven production line. Report by Chris Löwer
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WebinarWebinar recording: Planning & Scheduling for Automotive Industry – Boost your visibility!
Discover the benefits of using an Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) system
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VoiceSmarter, greener paintshops
Efficiency, flexibility and sustainability are now more important than ever in automotive manufacturing operations. Geico Taikisha explains how new developments in the digital management of paintshop systems and processes can deliver on these requirements
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ArticleVR training for assembly operations
Introducing a completely new model to the production line and ramping up to mass production is a challenge. The team at Honda’s East liberty Auto plant have deployed a VR training system to support the assembly line workers with impressive results
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ArticleVW and Ford invest in flexible production for an uncertain future
The speed of change in the technology of cars and rapid electrification requires new manufacturing equipment and is making expensive old machines redundant, but exactly where the industry is going next is hard to predict. More flexible manufacturing is the answer.