Linked logistics concepts for future automobile manufacturing using innovative equipment

Abstract

In this article we present the necessary changes in production logistics of automobile manufacturing for the upcoming years. Based on the higher amount of car models and the continuing growth of variations in the premium car segment, it has become difficult to produce vehicles economically using Henry Ford’s idea conveyor-based techniques. While this method has advantages regarding the high amount of output, changes will be necessary in order to cope with high variant productions tending to lot size one. Therefore the research project ARENA2036 (Active Research Environment for the Next Generation of Automobiles) and specifically the members of the “research factory” is focuses on developing new concepts for assembly and logistics including technologies such as human-robot interaction (HRI), virtual security fences and transparent information.

This paper describes the recent research results while illustrating upcoming changes in production logistics for the automotive industry.