Systems News
OEMs keen to explore renewable power sources
Vehicle manufacturers are keen to explore energy supplies from renewable sources as they look to reduce and offset emissions from their large-scale production operations
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
Switched on to the data age
Siemens explains why new smart automotive factories are presenting huge opportunity to electronics component suppliers
At the centre of change for Volkswagen Group
Martin Hofmann, chief information office of the Volkswagen Group (pictured, right), explains how the carmaker is transforming its IT system backbone and legacy infrastructure across manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain and engineering – and how Volkswagen is now able to attract top software talent.
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.
Map: Volkswagen’s growing network of IT expertise
Volkswagen Group IT has opened or expanded global IT and software centers, with growing significance across the company’s IT research and operations. Check out a map of their key locations and functions.
A program of change for Volkswagen Group IT
Over the past two years, Volkswagen’s central Group IT division, led by CIO Martin Hofmann, has been expanding staff numbers, investment and digital projects across the group’s business processes, and working more closely with brands like Audi, Porsche and Skoda. In the first of a multi-part article special on Group IT, we explain the evolving shape of the organisation.
Design by data
Mike Farish looks at two examples of how increasingly sophisticated data management is transforming manufacturing outcomes
Volkswagen enhances plant productivity
Germany - Volkswagen is implementing a number of various strategies to enhance its global production network by 30%
VinFast deploys Siemens tech in new plant
Vietnam - VinFast is using a suite of Siemens software at its new plant in Hai Phong
Quick learners
From training, quality and work station design, OEMs are seeing a host of applications that can benefit from virtual and augmented reality technology
Digitalised energy saving
Vehicle production has become increasingly digitalised, with a variety of different tools helping workers on production lines. These tools can also help reduce energy usage. Michael Nash provides an insight
BMW Research & Innovation Centre Pilot Plant
BMW provides a glimpse inside its Research & Innovation Centre Pilot Plant, which is located in Munich, Germany
5G networking spreads in car production
Certain companies have started leveraging 5G in their car manufacturing facilities in China with the hope of drastically increasing efficiency. Michael Nash provides an insight
Parts sorting and storage system
Said to have been developed to meet the needs of the automotive industry, Daifuku’s SPDR temporary storage and sortation systems for spare parts features an automated robotic arm, which automatically lowers and raises to grasp a range of tote sizes, and it’s claimed is suitable for kitting operations. Daifuku says ...
New piston developments
MAHLE says it is developing a new generation of piston coatings that are intended to guide and reduce the heat entering the pistons. The company claims this initially reduces the demand for piston cooling, and the increased exhaust gas temperature allows a higher quantity of energy to be extracted by ...
Variable valve timing system
Variable valve timing that is adapted to the different engine operating conditions can be achieved with its Shifting Roller system, claims Mahle. It features an adjustable cam follower, that can be brought into contact with one of the two cam lobes, which have different profiles, says the company. Depending on ...
Sealant dispensing system
The preeflow eco-DUO600 is a volumetric metering, mixing and dispensing unit which uses a progressive cavity pump principle to deliver precise amounts of the mixed sealant, says Intertronics. The company claims these systems provide precision control of the material output (which can be dynamically changed). This means that the FIP ...
Assembly line automation
Nextsense says its Calipri systems can be used to monitor the process of car assembly from body-in-white to end-of-line final assembly. The company claims its fully automatic C12 cobot systems allows human workers and robots to work side by side in a continuous production line – without separation, mechanical barriers ...
On a twinning streak
Creating a digital twin of manufacturing operations can deliver development and efficiency benefits. Mike Farish reports
