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SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
continuous movement used to be very difficult due to the inherent instabilities in the movement. It was typically only possible in very limited cases with high assembly tolerances and using vision. However, new functionality makes it possible to automate many more assembly applications where the car body is in movement, enabling users to deploy robotic solutions without radically reworking current layouts or production flows. For example, ABB’s Dynamic Assembly Pack
enables complex tasks to be handled safely, quickly and with the highest precision in a moving line environment. It combines real time vision cameras on the robot gripper and arms with integrated force control sensors to allow the robot to precisely track the position of the car body as it enters the workstation. This enables it to install anything from seats, dashboards, and carpets inside vehicle bodies, to doors, bumpers, and wheels outside the vehicle.
INVENTORY MANAGEMENT The inherent benefits of robotic automation are ideally matched to the requirements of Just-In-Time processes. Parts can be identified, tracked, and counted more easily by linking robotic systems to wider control and inventory management systems. This makes it possible to see whether there will be sufficient components available for the duration of each
production run. The precision and
repeatability of robots also helps to minimise wastage through reduced breakages or incorrect handling. This helps ensure that parts are not lost from the process unnecessarily, enabling operators to count on having exactly what they need throughout production without the need for expensive overstocking.
WHY NOW? As more companies aim to realise the benefits of sourcing automotive components closer to home, Tier One suppliers will need to ramp up their productivity to meet demand and generate the best possible value for their own businesses and the OEMs they serve. The ability to deliver a combination of secure supply, increased capacity and consistent quality at the right price will be key. At the same time, the entire manufacturing sector continues to suffer from a chronic shortage of
engineers and other staff with the right technical skills. Robotic automation provides an effective to all these challenges. For more information about how robotic
automation is transforming the automotive industry, please visit the ABB website at
https://new.abb.com/products/robotics/indust ries/automotive
ABB
www.abb.com
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