In today’s manufacturing environment, which is characterized by change and unpredictable demand, the traditional assembly line is no longer convenient. New, flexible assembly systems are needed to deal with high production variety.
CLARKSVILLE, TN—LG Electronics’ appliance assembly plant here has been named as a world-leading “Lighthouse Factory” by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The current paradigm of car manufacturing, which provides a variety of models, colors and options, is called mass customization. However, mass customization is now transforming into mass individualization. In mass individualization, products are uniquely catered to consumers’ desires. For example, some car buyers may want to replace ordinary car seats with luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, to differentiate themselves.
CHANGWON, South Korea—Automation has enabled LG Electronics to boost productivity, decrease defects and increase safety at its appliance assembly plant here.
Automotive OEMs love to show off their automated body-in-white assembly lines. Commercials invariably feature dozens of six-axis robots producing showers of sparks in choreographed routines.
TOKYO—Mitsubishi Electric Corp. says it has acquired 42,000 square meters of land in Owariasahi City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where
it will build a new plant to manufacture factory automation control system products starting in April 2025.
Automotive supplier Continental AG has developed its own line of autonomous automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for transporting parts in its assembly plants and warehouses. The autonomous AGVs can transport loads weighing more than a ton.
Lotus Cars Ltd. has been famous for cutting-edge technology for more than 60 years. For decades, the British company founded by legendary engineer Colin Chapman was synonymous with Formula 1 motor racing.