The translation. Very interesting. Remember Ford is a very secretive EAP. If Brainchip's AKIDA technology is good enough for Mercedes Benz you would have to think it would be good enough for most other automobile manufacturers:
it for the factory of the future: Ford presents technical innovations at the "TechDays" in Cologne
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Fit for the factory of the future: Ford presents technical innovations at the "TechDays" in Cologne
Updated: 05/13/2022, 12:14 PM | Reading time: 9 minutes
Two Ford employees present a virtual reality application at the "Manufacturing TechDays" technology exhibition in the Cologne Ford plant. / More text via ots and
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Cologne (ots) - - Self-learning machines, autonomously driving transport systems and data acquisition in real time - in a technology exhibition, Ford employees get insights into the latest and future Industry 4.0 applications at the Cologne location - New cognitive robots, exoskeletons and augmented reality- Glasses, which will be used in the Electrification Center in Cologne in the future, bring many advantages for the workforce - Great innovative strength at Ford in Cologne: "Manufacturing TechDays" also present in-house developments from the workforce
Augmented reality, collaborating cognitive robots or self-propelled intelligent transport systems for material replenishment - all these technical solutions are no longer dreams of the future. The Ford works in Cologne are already using them and they will play an even greater role in the factory of the future. The manufacturer is currently undergoing the biggest transformation in its company history. The Cologne plant is preparing for the production of the first all-electric volume model from Ford in Europe, which will roll off the assembly line here from 2023. The conversion of the site into Ford's first European Electrification Center - at two billion US dollars the largest investment in the 91-year history of the plant - not only involves structural changes.
The latest systems and technologies will be used in the future and a large-scale training offensive for the workforce is in the starting blocks. At the "Manufacturing TechDays", the Ford employees in Cologne were given their first comprehensive insights into the innovative Industry 4.0 applications. At this technology exhibition in the historic Hall A of the Niehler plant, Ford production experts presented various innovations from different production areas, some of which are already in use. Others will increasingly use Ford employees in production in the future.
Some of these innovations are actually the automobile manufacturer's own developments: "Of course, we always keep a very close eye on which technical innovations are emerging in the automobile industry," says Rene Wolf, Managing Director for Production at Ford-Werke. "But in some cases the solutions offered are simply not sufficient - it takes the experience and know-how of our employees to develop our own solutions or to be able to use existing technologies in completely new areas of work," emphasizes Wolf.
Here is an overview of the technical highlights presented at the "TechDays":
Extended Reality (ER)
Among other things, this virtual technology brings many advantages in the training of employees - practical training can be carried out with the help of augmented reality (AR) glasses, for example, without using up material or wearing out tools. These glasses expand the visible reality virtually with three-dimensional and interactive elements. Collaboration in different Ford plants or with suppliers can also be simplified using virtual technology - in real time: via live video stream and in 3D, for example, colleagues in the Valencia plant can see exactly how a specific work step is carried out in Cologne will. Employees can support and advise each other. In addition, this technology also enables production lines to be controlled using movable 3D CAD objects, i.e. flexible virtual planning through computer-aided design. AR applications are already being used in the Cologne training center: trainees can practice welding virtually. In the Cologne engine plant, the AR glasses have recently been used for safety training and for live streaming of audits on the line.
Cobots (collaborating robots)
Collaborating robots are force-sensitive lightweight robots that, thanks to integrated force-torque sensors, can work side by side with the employee without additional protective equipment. They often take on supporting activities that relieve people ergonomically, so that the physical strain decreases. Cobots are used, among other things, in the assembly station in the engine plant and in the door line of the Fiesta final assembly.
cognitive robots
Ford is currently examining the future use of cognitive robots in Cologne: Compared to previous cobots, this type of robot has even more sensors and uses artificial intelligence. Thanks to these cognitive abilities, the robot can perceive the environment and react to changes and potential dangers. In contrast to the regular cobot, it not only carries out clearly defined supporting activities, but can also actively work together in interaction with the employee.
AGVs
Automated Guide Vehicles (AGV) are driverless transport systems that drive on fixed or predefined routes based on floor markings or laser navigation. Obstacles on the way are detected by built-in sensors, so the AGV can react and stop on its own. AGVs are currently being used in various areas of production - initially in underbody production in the body shell and now also in door production in the body shell and final assembly.
AMR's
So-called Autonomous Mobile Robots - AMR form the next level of mobile transport systems. The route of the AMR can be predefined, which means it can be easily set up using a computer, tablet or smartphone. Certain areas can also be blocked. Alternatively, the transport robot can navigate freely and look for the most efficient route. This distinguishes it from conventional AGVs: AMRs are autonomous systems. If there is an obstacle in the way, they can not only stop, but also calculate a new route and avoid the obstacle. In Cologne, Ford engineers paired this system with their own new development: In the body shell, they developed a special locking mechanism based on a standard transport frame.
APS rack
The All-Parts-Standard (APS) rack is also a very successful innovation from the Cologne body shop. It may appear simple, but it brings a great deal of added value: the area of application is the stacking and unstacking of sometimes sharp-edged and heavy components. This activity involves a risk of injury and is also not ergonomically ideal. Normally, special packaging and cameras are required for the automation of such tasks, so that production robots can grip the components fully automatically.
However, the engineers at the Cologne shell construction have succeeded in developing this special rack: The basis is a metal plate with holes. Depending on which part is to be stacked, this plate is fitted with bars at specified positions. In this way, components can be stored one on top of the other in a defined position without them slipping. The correspondingly stored parts are then pushed into a fully automated system and the robot on site can remove the components accordingly. With the next component, the metal rods are simply plugged in at a different point. This system is now used in the press shop and body shop and, following a successful pilot in Cologne, has also found its way to other European Ford plants.
Mobile Artificial Intelligence Vision System (MAIVS)
The so-called MAIVS is a visual system that captures images of the vehicle at certain stations in real time and then compares this image material with stored information. In this way, defects are immediately detected with the help of artificial intelligence. This system is controlled via apps on the smartphone or tablet. These learning applications will be used for the first time this year in Cologne.
exoskeleton
Exoskeletons are external support structures that provide employees with individual mechanical support, thereby avoiding potential hazards or incorrect ergonomic loads during certain physical work. They are used when other technical or organizational solutions cannot be used. The first tests at the Ford plant in Valencia have already started - two new types of exoskeletons were used: a so-called Schlüter-Exo for overhead work and a back-exo for stations where employees have to bend forward.
Ford-Werke GmbH
Ford-Werke GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer and mobility provider based in Cologne.
The company employs around 19,800 people at its locations in Cologne, Saarlouis and Aachen. Since its founding in 1925, Ford plants have produced more than 47 million vehicles. Further press information can be found at
www.media.ford.com (
https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/feu/de/de.html).
Press contact:
Marko Belser Ford-Werke GmbH 0221/90-17520
mbelser@ford.com
Original content from: Ford-Werke GmbH, transmitted by news aktuell
I'm quite excited. Even Kuka in its production plants of MANY car companies. up early for my morning coffee and brn morning read 
