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. 

HETHEL, UK— British sports car manufacturer Lotus has refurbished and modernized its assembly plant here with the help of The Dürr Group.

MARTORELL, Spain—SEAT S.A. is using autonomous mobile robots to deliver parts to workers at its automotive assembly plant here.