How are Technological Advancements Boosting the Automotive Manufacturing Industry?

Although the automotive manufacturing industry is not new to automation, the advent of new robotics technology can help in making the factories safer and the employees more efficient.

Fremont, CA: New technologies like robotics are making automotive manufacturing factories safer and more efficient. The automotive industry began to use industrial robots in the 1960s, and since the 1980s, it has been close to impossible to find out an automotive manufacturer who has not yet incorporated some robotic solution to its manufacturing facilities. New opportunities are coming up for the use of innovative robotics in automotive manufacturing due to technological advancements such as collaborative robots, drones, and exoskeletons.

Drones Help Keep Humans Safe

Drones are one of the popular new technologies used to inspect material delivery pipes which run high above factory floors. Pipe inspection, like pipe repair, is often dangerous work for humans, and now drones are able to fly along with the piping and spots cracks, corrosion, and other potential problems. They can capture images and information about the environment surrounding the issue and transmit that to the artificial intelligence and operators so that they can identify what work needs to be done. Human workers can go to the problem area, which is already prepared for the specific job required. This process reduces the amount of time humans spend in dangerous environments and helps them be more prepared for the needed work.

Expanding the Reach with Collaborative Robots

Robots have been undertaking tasks, such as welding and painting, for a long time. However, with the introduction of collaborative robots (cobots), they are now moving onto the assembly line. Cobots are capable of stopping safely or working with deficient force, posing minimal risk to humans. This is boosting their use in innovative ways, such as delivering materials to the workers or assisting them with lifting heavy objects.

Exoskeletons Improve Human Capabilities

Exoskeletons, or wearable robots, are now incorporated to the production line to perform repetitive tasks. In automotive manufacturing, workers generally need to perform specific tasks within a minute or less repeatedly, and here exoskeletons can support the body and distribute a load of heavy items, protecting the worker from physical injury. Exoskeletons have gained importance because of the world’s aging workforce. 

Technology is advancing and evolving simultaneously. Automotive manufacturing continues to gain from innovative robotics in return, enhancing the production in ways that keep them competitive.

See also: Top Industrial Robotics Solution Companies