Robotics: The Future Of Auto Manufacturing

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Robots have become more ubiquitous in automotive manufacturing factories across the world (including in India). For example, Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading vehicle maker, has deployed robots at its facilities mainly in the weld shop, the paint shop and the press shop (where automobile bodies are shaped). The car maker uses the most advanced robots, which are smaller in size, take up less space and are 15 percent faster than their predecessors.

Technological changes, addition of new features in automobiles, rising number of parts that go into each vehicle and the need for higher production are factors that have necessitated automation. “Increased competition, preference for good quality products, being globally competitive along with changes in consumer behaviour, etc are forcing companies to develop new products at a faster pace than ever before. All these factors are leading to increase in automation,” opines Amit Bhingurde, COO, TAL Manufacturing Solutions Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Motors.

As the market expands, automakers will have to deploy more robots to meet demands. As per the data released by the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), 2,100 industrial robots were sold in India in 2014, and this number is expected to double in the next two to three years.

OEMS TAKING THE LEAD