21.10.2021: Innovation is paving the road to electrification with industrial transformation solutions
SEAT S.A. and Eurecat are working on an innovative project that uses drones to transport parts autonomously on the production line
Innovation is paving the road to electrification with industrial transformation solutions
SEAT S.A. and Eurecat are working on an innovative project that uses drones to transport parts autonomously on the production line
More than 25 innovative initiatives will be presented October 27th and 28th on SEAT S.A. Innovation Day
The road to electrification requires industrial transformation at all levels. For this to happen, innovation is key. In Martorell’s Workshop 9, a drone flies above the production lines. It’s the testing phase of a pioneering new project between SEAT S.A. and the Eurecat centre to explore the possibility of using drones to optimise logistics supplying.
Innovation flying over the line. “Our goal with this innovation project is to explore the advantages of autonomous vertical mobility to clear up space on the floor and shift light-weight parts in a faster, cleaner and more efficient way” explains Alba Gavilán, head of Digital Execution & Delivery in the Production Strategy department. “In the future, drones could autonomously transport components directly to the line” she adds.
Flying on their own. Currently in its pilot phase, this innovative formula was designed to be applied to an entire fleet of drones programmed to fly autonomously, without the need of a remote control. To move around the factory, the drones are built with a system of sensors that can detect the features on the shop floor.
“This involves a lot of mapping, programming and hours and hours of testing during the pilot project, also with obstacles, to train the drone for any kind of situation” says Alba. The project first took shape in 2019, and has already logged more than 1,500 hours of work, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Goal: to optimise logistics. The SEAT Martorell facilities are already home to other groups of robots that move independently around the workshops, the AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) and the outdoor drone for components’ supplying.
The team working on the drones, called SEAT S.A. Squadrone, realised early on that factory logistics could be further optimised by taking advantage of indoor airspace: “The advantage of drones is that they have unhindered vertical movement, which will greatly facilitate the transport of parts and complement the function that the AGVs perform on the ground” Alba explains.
The future, fast approaching. For Jorge Luis Martínez, responsible for SEAT S.A. Logistics Innovation, the future will see an intergration of the company’s current outdoor drones with the indoor drones to improve parts transportation both inside and outside the workshop.
“We could connect nearby suppliers with the factory, extending their supply line directly to the production line and without having to rely on warehousing options for certain electric car components in the future” he explains.
“This project is an example of collaboration that operationalises our knowledge transfer on smart drones to industrial applications at SEAT S.A.” says Daniel Serrano, director of the Robotics and Automation Unit at Eurecat.
“It’s a revolution in the logistics paradigm to prepare us for the electric challenge” concludes Martínez.
Innovation Day
The ‘Indoor: Autonomous Flying Platform’ project is just one of the initiatives presented at the third edition of SEAT S.A. Innovation Day, which will take place October 27th and 28th at SEAT Martorell facilities. The event recognises and promotes innovation among the company’s employees.
More than 25 projects will be presented this year , inluding an augmented reality software initiative, a system that tests the safety protocol simulations for driving assistants, and a self-driving electric competition car designed and manufactured by university students.
Pilot project at the Wolfsburg plant: Volkswagen launches local 5G network for its production operations The Transparent Factory in Dresden tests control of driverless transportation systems using 5G Fast and reliable data transfer will increase efficiency and flexibility in production Setup and operation of the 5G more >>
BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Our Next Energy Inc. (ONE), a Michigan-based energy storage solutions company working to develop longer range, lower cost batteries for electric vehicles. “Our Next Energy more >>
J.D. Power designated Genesis as its highest ranked brand overall and in the premium segment in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, released this week. Genesis earned the top Innovation Index score of 634 by offering a high level of advanced technologies across its product lineup. more >>
The CAKE anti-poaching system, including the specifically engineered Kalk AP off-road bikes and “mobile solar panels-in the field charging power stations”, are now on duty in Africa.CAKE, the Swedish electric motorbike manufacturer, has succe more >>
The BMW Group is stepping up its expansion of electromobility and will be releasing about ten million fully-electric vehicles onto the roads over the next ten years or so. By 2030, at least half the BMW Group’s global sales are expected to come from fully-electric vehicles. This will also increase the need for lithium, an important raw material for production of battery cells. more >>
Ford Motor Company and Redwood Materials, a leading battery materials company, are collaborating to make electric vehicles more sustainable and affordable for Americans by localizing the complex supply chain network, creating recycling options for end-of-life vehicles, ramping lithium-ion recycling and increasing U.S. battery production &n more >>
Asahi Kasei’s wholly owned subsidiary Polypore International, LP (Polypore) and Shanghai Energy New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. (SEMCORP) established a joint venture for dry-process lithium-ion battery separators in China.
more >>
Airspeeder explores Telstra 5G to take flight • Telstra and Airspeeder enter into multi-million dollar technical partnership • Telstra to enable flying car racing through implementation of 5G network &bu more >>
Asahi Kasei is introducing the halogen and red-phosphorous free flame retardant Polyamide 66 LEONA™ SN to the European market. This semi-aromatic material combines high levels of safety, surface quality and laser printability. more >>
• LG Energy Solution to host international ‘Battery Innovation Contest’ inviting innovative technology ideas; open for entry from Aug. 9th until Sept. 30th • Prizewinning research institution be granted with USD $150,000 R&D expenses, annually • “LGES will provide various opportu more >>
Ford, Bedrock, Bosch and State of Michigan create lab; Enterprise to conduct first lab project and American Center for Mobility to run daily operations Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) – hosted at Bedrock’s Assemb more >>
Tobii today announces its entry into mass market automotive integrations with the release of its Driver Monitoring System, Tobii DMS, the acquisition of Phasya, and several new partnerships. Over the past 20 years, Tobii has b more >>
On July 9, 2021, GAC Group officially announced an exciting joint project with tech giant Huawei: the two firms will work together to develop a “smart SUV”, aiming to hit the market in mass production by the end of 2023. The SUV will be the first join more >>
Another Milestone in the Industrialization of Innovative TechnologiesContemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. (CATL) successfully held its first online launch event “Tech Zone” on July 29. Dr. Robin Zeng, chairman of CATL, unveiled the company’s first-generation sodium- more >>
… as it Prepares for Production in 2023 REE U.S. HQ to capitalize on growing market demand for EVs in North America REE Austin is expected to generate more than 150 jobs in the region in the next few years more >>
…and Call for Additional ResearchRubber modified asphalt is a proven circular solution for scrap tires that provides cost savings, extends pavement life and reduces noise; more research needed to close data gapsThe U.S. Tire Ma more >>
EAV release image of new game-changing ‘lincs’ mid-mile urban transport vehicle the eav lightweight INNER-CITY solution (lincs) will be able to provide a uniquely versatile light cargo transport capability.Electric Assisted Vehicles Lim more >>
Norbert Weber, Head of Interior Design; Marc Lichte, Head of Design; Philipp Römers, Head of Exterior Design. The head of Audi Design on the future of individual mobility more >>
A vehicle that remains continuously connected even when in remote areas is being road tested in Cornwall in the south west of the UK.
The test vehicle will use ubiquitous communications technology to switch seamlessly between 5 more >>
The “Brembo Inspiration Lab” will focus on software development, data science and artificial intelligenceBrembo, a global leader in the development and production of brake systems, announces the opening of its first center of excellence, in Calif more >>
Porsche is continuing its digital offensive and is presenting three exciting projects on Startup Autobahn, Europe’s largest innovation platform. On Expo Day 10 on 21 July, the sports car manufacturer will provide an insight into its data strategy with the Porsche Data Cup and Porsche Connect Partner Services. more >>
A technological shift is revolutionizing vehicle design The interior is becoming the heart chamber of automotive design 3-D visualizations are increasing quality in the design process more >>
– Call for quantum computing solutions to specific industrial challenges – Follow-up project for the winning team Starting today, researchers, start-ups and pioneering companies from the global quan more >>
… for automotive vehicle and motorsport development • Dynisma reveals details of its market-leading new DMG-1 and DMG-1C systems aimed at global automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers and all levels of motorsport more >>
2021 ZER01NE Accelerator open innovation platform invites startups to collaborate with Hyundai Motor Group on future technologies Applications can be submitted under eight differe more >>
In November 2020, the MINI brand revealed the MINI Vision Urbanaut virtual concept vehicle, an all-new interpretation of mobility through an innovative vision of space. Now, the BMW Group has made a physical model of the vehicle showcas more >>
BMW i Ventures announced today an investment in Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a leading developer of self-driving long-haul trucking technology. The funds from the BMW i Ventures investment help Kodiak expand its team and fleet, as well as continue to develop its indust more >>
– At Europe’s biggest startup and tech event, Live Video Shopping to be showcased among solutions driving the future of customer experiencesBambuser today announced its participation in VivaTech, Europe’s biggest startup and tech event. Hosted by more >>
Today, Eco Wave Power (Stock Symbol: ECOWVE) is pleased to announce that our wave energy conversion unit has arrived on site at the Port of Jaffa, Israel. With preparations underway for the unit’s installation the project is proceeding on schedule.”We are delighted with t more >>
First-of-its-kind initiative allows artists and collectors to trade art for a Polestar 1 Low volume, hand-built Polestar 1 production coming to an end later in 2021 Initiative is a collaboration with internationally leading art advisor Theodor Dalenson more >>
Polestar launches second annual Design Contest for student and professional designers The contest sets out to find the most creative, design-led ideas that drive electric mobility into a more socially progressive a more >>
… combining the serenity of Scandinavian nature with the confidence of electric ambitionIn many ways, the Volvo C40 Recharge represents the future of Volvo Cars: it is the first Volvo model in his more >>
Richard Welford, a seasoned strategic automotive industry executive, has been appointed as a non-executive director at innovative EV range prediction specialist, Spark EV Technology.Spark is a cate more >>
• Effective protection against viruses, bacteria and fine dust through HEPA H13 filters and patented photo catalysis sluice.• Handy air cleaner for the vehicle interior.• Tested cleaning performance in a smart design more >>
There is more to being a drone pilot than just buying a machine and flying in your backyard. It can be that simple, but most of us will need to understand some drone laws before we try to take to the sky.
