Robotics
Keeping in focus
Ford has invested in its Saarlouis plant to produce the latest generation of its popular Focus model. Nick Holt visited the plant to get a look at the upgrades to the production process
ABB to provide robots for SAIC VW
China - ABB has signed an agreement with SAIC Volkswagen to provide robotics painting solutions for a new factory being built in Shanghai. The plant will become the first new energy vehicle (NEV) factory of the VW Group based on the modular electric drive (MEB) platform.
The imitation game
Working with a local robotics start-up in Germany, Volkswagen is exploring a new programming technique that allows assembly workers to teach a cobot all the right moves
Embedded 3D image processing
Vision Components claims its VCnano3D-Z-series, 3D laser scanners are compact and can be easily integrated into OEM applications. The scanners are said to feature a dual-core ARM processor and an FPGA, which calculates a point cloud in order to determine line coordinates in laser triangulation. The company says the laser ...
Hyundai/Kia test wearables
South Korea - The companies have recently demonstrated the use of the Hyundai chairless exoskeleton (H-CEX), and now plans on testing the Hyundai vest exoskeleton (H-VEX) technology. These could then be used at plants across North America before the end of 2018.
The $83,330 article
To combat the dread and burden of unplanned stoppages, ABB explores the potential of machine learning, advanced analytics and connected services
On the plus side
Dermot Healy speaks to Daryush Arabnia, COO of Geico, about the new Ctrl + PAINT vehicle body quality scanning system, the latest element in the Smart Paintshop Concept
How to outrun the competition
Precision engineering and manufacturing technology specialist Renishaw is poised to support North American customers in tackling a new breed of production challenges
Out now: North America 2018
When it comes to America and automotive manufacturing, some things are impossible to ignore. Foremost among them are: The Big Three, the light truck segment and Trump. In our latest global region supplement, we bring you the full set.
Forging the deals
Ian Henry examines the key trends in the North American automotive supplier sector where technological progress and feisty trade policies continue to present a range of business challenges
Centre of operations
Investment in new plants and expansion of existing facilities shows central Europe to be at the heart of vehicle manufacturers’ regional strategies
Kamaz teams up with Kuka
Munich - The two companies have signed a global strategic agreement that will give the vehicle maker exclusive rights to purchase certain industrial robots and technologies from Kuka. Although they have been working together for 25 years, the companies think that the agreement "takes the cooperation of the two companies ...
Out now: Electric Vehicles 2018
As governments and vehicle-makers turn away from combustion engines, the time for EVs is now