Carmakers and their sub suppliers are overlooking a massive automation likely that can enable them overcome the labour and efficiency issues facing the business.
We are utilised to considering about the automotive sector as a front runner for robots and automation. In many ways, it also is: If you glance at the international statistics from the International Federation of Robots (IFR), 21 % of all robotic installations took place in this sector in 2020 building it the 2nd-most significant consumer base for automation. But, digging a small further, these statistics are masking an market continue to very reliant on handbook labour.
As independent advisors on robots and automation, my colleagues and I frequently pay a visit to the factories of OEM’s and their sub suppliers to scout for new automation chances. For illustration, when they wrestle with obtaining sufficient human operators.
What we frequently discover is that many duties that probably really should have been automatic extended ago, are nevertheless left untouched by robots.
This does not have to be a dilemma in alone. However, in a planet of labour shortages, closely afflicted by two years of pandemic, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical turmoil, securing the continued creation at a aggressive level is critical. For this, automation plays a crucial role.
Automation is seriously concentrated in a couple of essential spots
To realize the automobile industry’s automation paradox, we have to glimpse closer at the places in which robots are currently utilized, particularly at the primary vehicle factories and with the several sub suppliers of vehicle parts.
Most robot installations in the automotive industry are located in the car or truck physique output. This involves converting metallic sheets into a entire car system that is then painted. There are frequently around 200 to 300 robots dedicated to this procedure by itself at just about every vehicle company. On the other hand, the remaining processes on the assembly line, as well as the transport, buying and getting ready of auto areas, are only sporadically automatic.
When it will come to the sub suppliers, they as well have numerous options. They are usually undertaking a lot of the machining and welding of the automobile elements (with the welding of the car overall body, which transpires at the automobile manufacturing facility, becoming an exception). In these regions, we also really frequently find possibilities to automate. There are now lots of robotic methods catering to these processes, producing automating them usually reduced-hazard and obtainable.
Just-in-time delivery is very important
The assembly of cars and trucks when they transfer by means of the assembly line depends on just-in-time shipping and delivery. It is vital for assembly line staff to have the correct suitable car aspect available at the precise suitable time.
The intralogistics of the car or truck manufacturing facility is an spot in the automotive business in which we usually see superior possible for automation. Though substantial variance will make making use of automation remedies for kitting tricky, there are other confirmed remedies for
