EnglishNews
Smart factory: Continental plans largest investment in a decade in Korbach hose production
Automated and networked plant will optimize existing manufacturing and enable production of new products
New production technologies, new applications, new customers: Continental plans to invest around five million euros in a new plant for the production of industrial hoses at its Korbach site. The production line, which will operate around the clock seven days a week, is scheduled to start up at the end of 2023. This is the largest investment in Korbach in over ten years.
With the new line, the technology company can manufacture existing products even more efficiently, while at the same time expanding its portfolio and increasing its competitiveness. Goals: To optimally position the Korbach site for the future and further expand the business areas, particularly in the industrial sector. “The new line will improve our manufacturing process enormously. We are producing more sustainably, more flexibly, more safely and more ergonomically,” emphasizes Torsten Dietmann, head of the hose plant in Korbach, adding: “Networked and automated plant elements based on a smart factory approach guarantee energy-efficient production and ideal value creation in the process.” ContiTech reacted very prescient to house the new S-Line. Trough efficiency measures in one of the production halls space for the new plant and thus also for innovative technologies was already created at an early stage.
More efficient, flexible and sustainable production
With a capacity of around five million meters per year, the new production line in Korbach in northern Hesse will soon be able to manufacture industrial hoses with an inside diameter of up to 38 mm – for food and water, but also for fuels or coolants.
A major plus of the new line is its flexibility: It can produce hoses using different techniques, with inner layers of either rubber or plastic. Thus, both rubber hoses and hybrid hoses made of these two materials are produced on it.
“This gives us tremendous flexibility. On the new plant, we are continuing to manufacture standard products, but also adding new applications. This enables us to better adapt to rapidly changing market needs and expand our product portfolio in a focused manner,” says Dietmann.
Continental’s investment is not just about greater product diversity and increased competitiveness – it also focuses on the issue of sustainability. Thanks to the additional materials expertise and various recycling options, the Korbach site is taking an important step toward climate-neutral production, in line with the Group-wide strategy.
Similarly, the topic of sustainability is an important component of the new “Site Perspective” company agreement, which came into force in January. Following this, the Korbach site is striving for sustainable and self-sufficient production. To make the tires of the future even more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly in terms of production, use and recyclability, Continental is systematically investing in research and development of new technologies, alternative materials and environmentally compatible production processes. The company’s own cogeneration plant, which supplies the entire production facility with climate-friendly energy and heat, is just one of the projects that has already been implemented. Energy generation is based on recycling waste, which makes it possible to save fossil fuels and conserve natural resources.
모빌리티(Mobility)의 미래 비즈니스 전략을 찾다
- 모빌리티타임즈 (mobilitytimes.net)
EnglishNews
Teradyne Robotics and Siemens Showcase the Future of U.S. Automation at MxD
This collaboration is designed to highlight the future of automation in the U.S. through cutting-edge robotics and AI-driven industrial automation solutions.
Innovative robotics and AI-driven automation solutions highlight advancements in manufacturing technology
Teradyne Robotics, a division of Teradyne and a global leader in advanced robotics, has partnered with Siemens to establish an interactive robotics showcase at the MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) innovation center in Chicago, Illinois. This collaboration is designed to highlight the future of automation in the U.S. through cutting-edge robotics and AI-driven industrial automation solutions.
Located in Chicago, MxD serves as a central hub for digital manufacturing and cybersecurity in the United States, housing some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies in the world. Siemens, a founding member of MxD, will utilize its extensive expertise in digital threads and AI-powered robotics use cases to enhance the customer experience, creating an immersive environment for exploring the future of manufacturing.
“The groundbreaking automation innovations of the future won’t come from one single company but from close cross-technology ecosystem collaborations,” stated Ujjwal Kumar, Group President of Teradyne Robotics. “We are excited to deepen our strategic partnership with Siemens, as together, we continue to shape and accelerate the future of industrial automation.”
Building on previous collaborations, this initiative further strengthens Teradyne Robotics’ presence in North America. It aligns with Siemens’ commitment to expanding automation capabilities across industries. Teradyne Robotics, including collaborative robot (cobot) specialist Universal Robots and autonomous mobile robot (AMR) provider MiR, is positioned as a pivotal partner for Siemens in advanced robotics and automation.
Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens Digital Industries, commented, “Our collaboration with Teradyne Robotics comes to life at MxD, where we provide our customers with a view into the future of automation, powered by new AI-driven technologies. This partnership will create a seamless pathway between robotics and automation for our clients.”
At MxD, Teradyne Robotics companies Universal Robots and MiR will showcase various robotics and automation technologies, including the compact UR5e cobot, new-generation cobots UR20 and UR30, a MiR 250 autonomous mobile robot, and an innovative mobile cobot. The showcase is set to replicate real-world factory lines, covering diverse applications from consumer-packaged goods and aerospace to cleanroom and semiconductor manufacturing environments. Visitors to MxD will experience how these advanced technologies can be applied to drive efficiency and innovation in their operations.
Collaborating to enhance interoperability
In April of this year, Universal Robots announced it had integrated PI’s Standard Robot Command Interface (SRCI) into its software enhancing the connectivity capabilities of UR’s cobots and ensuring customers a frictionless integration with SIMATIC Automation system, which are supporting the PROFINET SRCI standard.
Similarly, MiR is currently working together with SIMOVE, the Siemens standardized platform for Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and AMRs applications and solutions, to define a VDA 5050 adapter. This collaboration will enhance interoperability at Siemens sites and Siemens’ customer sites, and ensure streamlined integration between MiR robots, other mobile equipment and the SIMOVE system.
Also in April this year, UR and Siemens introduced joint customer references for groundbreaking advancements in AI-enabled robotics, created to revolutionize intra-logistics fulfillment and address the challenges posed by a shrinking labor pool and rising operational costs. By combining Siemens’ advanced AI vision technology, SIMATIC Robot Pick AI, with UR’s industry-leading cobots the collaboration enables effortless robotic picking of any item.
모빌리티(Mobility)의 미래 비즈니스 전략을 찾다
- 모빌리티타임즈 (mobilitytimes.net)
EnglishNews
Bosch Introduces Real-Time Road Hazard Service to Enhance Traffic Safety
Bosch has launched an innovative road hazard service designed to significantly improve road safety by providing real-time warnings to drivers about potential dangers
Cloud-based real-time service increases road safety and considerably reduces the risk of accidents
Bosch has launched an innovative road hazard service designed to significantly improve road safety by providing real-time warnings to drivers about potential dangers. Initially rolled out in millions of passenger vehicles across Europe in June 2024, the service will be available in Mercedes-Benz Trucks starting in December 2024. This cloud-based system alerts drivers to various road hazards, including accidents, wrong-way drivers, slippery roads, poor visibility, heavy rain, and wind, as well as broken-down vehicles.
Dr. Markus Heyn, a member of Bosch’s board and chairman of its Mobility business sector, emphasized the importance of the service, stating, “Our predictive road hazard service alerts drivers to dangerous conditions well in advance, helping them avoid critical situations.” In commercial vehicles, the system can also assist in rerouting drivers to avoid emerging dangers, thus enhancing both safety and efficiency.
How Bosch’s Road Hazard Service Works
The system relies on anonymized data collected from millions of vehicles in Bosch’s global customer fleet, as well as data from third-party sources like weather services and road operators. Fleet vehicles equipped with the service provide real-time information such as local temperatures, the activation of windshield wipers, and accident reports. For instance, if several vehicles in an area have their wipers on at full speed, the system cross-checks this data with weather reports to determine whether conditions like aquaplaning might be a risk. If so, the driver is warned to reduce speed.
The system can also detect when visibility is compromised, such as in fog, by analyzing the use of rear fog lights in affected vehicles. Bosch’s algorithm then determines if a warning should be issued to help drivers navigate safely.
Additionally, the service includes a wrong-way driver alert, notifying drivers if they are at risk of encountering or becoming a wrong-way driver themselves.
Integrated with Bosch’s Connected Map Services
The road hazard service is part of Bosch’s broader connected map services, which aim to increase both safety and convenience for drivers. These services combine data from multiple vehicles to enhance driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. For instance, when roads are wet or slippery, the service helps the vehicle initiate emergency braking earlier than usual to prevent accidents.
Connected map services play a crucial role in advancing assisted and automated driving. They provide an extra layer of data beyond traditional radar and video sensors, ensuring that vehicles receive all the necessary information for safe driving, even in challenging conditions. This system enhances the vehicle’s ability to predict and respond to road conditions, making driving both safer and more efficient for everyone on the road.
모빌리티(Mobility)의 미래 비즈니스 전략을 찾다
- 모빌리티타임즈 (mobilitytimes.net)
EnglishNews
Semikron Danfoss and Headspring Develop Compact, High-Efficiency Power Conversion Systems Optimized for ESS Applications
Semikron Danfoss brings extensive expertise and innovation in power electronics to the ESS market
As the deployment of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) accelerates, there is a critical need for compact and high-efficiency Power Conversion Systems (PCS) optimized for ESS applications. To address this requirement, Semikron Danfoss K.K. (after this “Semikron Danfoss”) and Headspring Inc. (after this “Headspring”) have joined forces to develop advanced PCS solutions specifically for ESS, targeting mass production by 2026.
Energy Storage Systems are essential components for renewable energy and power grids, ensuring resilience and stable supply. The global ESS market is projected to grow by 20%-30% annually, with expectations to exceed 400 GWh of storage systems worldwide by 2030. This exponential growth is driven by the increasing share of renewable energy in the grid, necessitating the accelerated deployment of ESS solutions for stable grid operation.
To address this rapidly growing market, Semikron Danfoss is developing a series of adaptable power solutions. Central to this initiative is the ANPC (Active Neutral Point Clamping) topology for ESS, which demonstrates a significant performance improvement by reducing power loss by over 50% compared to traditional NPC/MLI topologies. However, to fully harness the potential of ANPC technology, collaboration with Headspring is crucial. Headspring’s expertise in high-speed controller technology is vital for effectively controlling ANPC systems and ensuring optimal performance.
Semikron Danfoss: Leading the Charge in ESS Technology
Semikron Danfoss brings extensive expertise and innovation in power electronics to the ESS market. Their ANPC technology in LF/HF configuration, featuring a hybrid circuit of silicon IGBTs and silicon carbide MOSFETs, significantly enhances efficiency and cost performance. The availability of ANPC power modules in PCB-mountable, industry-standard housings reduces both material and assembly costs, making them ideal for high-volume production. The ANPC power modules provided by the SEMITOP E2 platform offer superior thermal performance, contributing to the downsizing and high-capacity PCS for ESS. Semikron Danfoss aims to set new benchmarks in ESS performance and value with their comprehensive design package that supports improvements in both hardware and software.
Headspring: Mastering High-Speed Real-Time Control
Headspring excels in developing high-speed real-time controllers essential for power electronics applications. Headspring’s controllers combine commercial microcontrollers with FPGA technology, providing flexible programming tailored to the specific demands of power electronics applications. Headspring has participated in the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) “Energy Systems for an IoT Society by Japan’s Cabinet Office,” leading the development of ultra-high-speed controllers for power electronics. These controllers, integrating high-speed multi-core CPUs, high-performance FPGAs, and high-speed AD converters, achieve a feedback control performance of 50MHz, approximately 1000 times faster than conventional systems.
In This Collaboration
Semikron Danfoss and Headspring are collaborating to develop a compact, high-efficiency PCS tailored for large-scale, scalable ESS applications by integrating Semikron Danfoss’s ANPC technology-based power modules with Headspring’s advanced controller technology. Semikron Danfoss will offer the expertise for developing the power stack, which includes power modules, drive circuits, and coolers, while Headspring will be responsible for the controllers, peripheral circuits, software, and PCS integration.
This synergy aims to create an ESS-specific PCS with optimized cost, efficiency, and size. A primary goal is to enable containerized ESS solutions to increase storage capacity per 20-foot container from 3.3MWh to 5MWh. This will establish a roadmap setting hardware and software benchmarks for ESS performance, delivering superior ESS solutions that promote the advancement of renewable energy technologies.
모빌리티(Mobility)의 미래 비즈니스 전략을 찾다
- 모빌리티타임즈 (mobilitytimes.net)
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