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New Cars Need New Manufacturing Solutions

Sergio Bautista - ABB México
Local Division Manager of Discrete Automation & Motion and Local Business Unit Manager of Robotics

STORY INLINE POST

Thu, 09/01/2016 - 11:43

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Q: How are technological innovations expected to impact automotive OEMs?

A: Trucks and buses will maintain their traditional manufacturing approach until an integrated mobility strategy demands disruptive innovation in light vehicle production. Aluminum will replace steel as the heaviest material in a vehicle as carbon fiber and plastics penetrate the industry. Synthetic and recyclable fibers will become more common as electric vehicle manufacturers begin lobbying for lighter materials. All these new materials will require new joining methods and more flexible and adaptable automation solutions. Instead of using large equipment, we might evolve to a more compact and modular type of process, which will also be more efficient. All these changes will trickle down from manufacturers to equipment providers like ABB.

The BMW i3 is an example of modern manufacturing. Parts are becoming smaller and new materials are being used in vehicles. With time, companies are shifting from investing in large presses, specific manufacturing equipment and paint shops that might still use solvents.

Q: What new trends is ABB detecting in the robotics market and how are you applying them to the automotive industry?

A: Global investment in the country is pushing the industry forward, creating a need for specialized robotic solutions. As vehicle technology keeps evolving, all automation providers have the responsibility to continue innovating and adapting. Collaborative robots are among the most in-demand technologies for assembly applications. These solutions can be installed next to a human operator’s post without the need for a cage or a larger working space. ABB developed the YuMi robot to fill this niche and acquired the German company Gomtec to expand the company portfolio and to carry larger payloads.

Our SafeMove2 platform has been a focal point for human-machine integration. This system defines a safe area around the robot for a specific application, so it can lower its speed or come to a full stop if a person enters the safety zone. This means people can be as close as possible to the robots while ensuring both safety and productivity. ABB identified an area of opportunity regarding high-load capacity robots, leading us to develop the IRB 8700, which puts us ahead of the competition. This system is capable of lifting 800kg with the added value of a larger speed range.

Q: How does ABB intend to include these innovations in the company’s refurbishing strategy?

A: Our refurbishing efforts are focused on enabling Mexico’s SMEs to introduce advanced technology at a manageable cost. A solution as sophisticated as this would require a company to elevate its entire production equipment to the same level, implying a large investment. Benefits of quality and productivity would temporarily cause a company to sacrifice any competitive cost advantage.

The goal of our refurbishing program is to introduce advanced technology to these SMEs. We want to help our customers make the journey from analog to digital production so they can remain competitive in the market. Renovation cycles are becoming shorter. The eight years it used to take SMEs to receive new technology will shorten to no more than four years. Automation platforms are unlikely to evolve as fast as mobile communication, but technology will certainly start to change faster. If cars continue to change platforms frequently, robots will need to evolve.

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