Car Workers Buddy Up With Robots – Man and Machine Work Hand-in-Hand as Ford Applies Industry 4.0 Automation
July 14 2016 - 4:00AM
Business Wire
- Ford is among the first automakers to
develop a new, closely integrated approach to car workers and
robots working together on the assembly line
- Workers use collaborative robots, also
known as co-bots, to help fit shock absorbers to Fiesta cars in
Cologne, Germany; ensures perfect fit, avoids workers having to
access hard-to-reach places
- Robots use high-tech sensors to detect
when hands or fingers are in their path and stop immediately,
ensuring worker safety
- Ford is now reviewing further use of
collaborative robots, which can be programmed to do anything from
making a coffee to shaking hands, and are used in pharmaceutical
and electronics industries
More than 100 years after the first cars rolled off Henry Ford’s
pioneering assembly line, Ford Motor Company is breaking new ground
in the way workers and robots are collaborating to manufacture
vehicles.
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Ford Motor Company workers use
collaborative robots, also known as co-bots, to help fit shock
absorbers to Fiesta cars in Cologne, Germany. The co-bots ensures
perfect fit, and help workers avoid having to access hard to reach
places on the assembly line. (Photo: Business Wire)
New collaborative robots, also known as co-bots, are first being
used to help workers fit shock absorbers to Fiesta cars, a task
that requires pinpoint accuracy, strength, and a high level of
dexterity. Employees work hand-in-hand with the robots to ensure a
perfect fit every time.
The trial at Ford’s assembly plant in Cologne, Germany, is part
of the company’s investigations into Industry 4.0, a term coined to
describe a fourth industrial revolution, embracing automation, data
exchange and manufacturing technologies. Ford sought feedback from
more than 1,000 production line workers to identify tasks for which
the new robots would best be suited.
“Robots are helping make tasks easier, safer and quicker,
complementing our employees with abilities that open up unlimited
worlds of production and design for new Ford models,” said Karl
Anton, director, vehicle operations, Ford of Europe.
Measuring a little more than 3 feet high, the new robots work
hand-in-hand with the line workers at two work stations. Rather
than manipulate a heavy shock absorber and installation tool,
workers can now use the robot to lift and automatically position
the shock absorber into the wheel arch, before pushing a button to
complete installation.
“Working overhead with heavy air-powered tools is a tough job
that requires strength, stamina, and accuracy. The robot is a real
help,” said Ngali Bongongo, a production worker at Ford’s Cologne
plant.
Equipped with high-tech sensors, the co-bots stop immediately if
they detect an arm or even a finger in their path, ensuring worker
safety. Similar technology also is used in the pharmaceutical and
electronics industries. Developed over two years, the robot program
was carried out in close partnership with German robot
manufacturer, KUKA Roboter GmbH.
Ford is now reviewing further use of collaborative robots that
can be programmed to perform tasks ranging from shaking “hands” to
making a coffee.
“We are proud to show the capabilities of our new generation of
sensitive robots that are supporting and collaborating with Ford
workers by carrying out ergonomically difficult and technically
challenging tasks,” said Klaus Link, key account manager, Ford,
KUKA Roboter GmbH. “As part of our close partnership with Ford and
based on the feedback from employees, we are looking forward to
further challenges.”
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company
based in Dearborn, Mich. With about 201,000 employees and 67 plants
worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing financing and servicing a full line of
Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as
Lincoln luxury vehicles. At the same time, Ford is aggressively
pursuing emerging opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the
company’s plan to be a leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous
vehicles, the customer experience and data and analytics. For more
information regarding Ford, its products worldwide or Ford Motor
Credit Company, visit www.corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and
servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs
approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and
approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated
businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company,
Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and
24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint
venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities).
The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year
Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in
1911.
For news releases, related materials, photos
and video, visit www.fordmedia.eu or www.media.ford.com.
Follow www.twitter.com/FordEu or
www.youtube.com/fordofeurope
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Ford of EuropeAlessio Franco+49 (0)221 901
9039afranco7@ford.com
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