ABB has announced an expanded collaboration with Volvo Cars, providing more than 1,300 robots and functional packages to facilitate the production of the next generation of electric vehicles. This collaboration aligns with Volvo Cars’ sustainability goals amid the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles.
Supporting sustainability targets
Volvo Cars, in response to growing consumer demand for electric vehicles and a push for sustainable operations, has reinforced its partnership with ABB. The aim is to leverage ABB’s advanced robotics technology to enhance sustainable manufacturing processes. ABB Robotics President Marc Segura highlighted the transformative phase in the automotive industry and the shared commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Comprehensive solution packages
The collaboration entails the provision of functional packages catering to various production tasks, including spot-welding, riveting, dispensing, flow drilling, and ultrasonic weld inspection. These packages offer a comprehensive solution, encompassing hardware, software, and services, contributing to Volvo Cars’ production facilities in Torslanda, Sweden, and Daqing, China.
Energy efficiency and innovation
ABB’s commitment to energy efficiency is underscored by the inclusion of its latest OmniCore robot controllers in the agreement. These controllers are designed to deliver energy savings of up to 20%, incorporating highly efficient power electronics and regenerative braking within the robot systems. This aligns with the automotive industry’s push for greener manufacturing practices.
Continuous innovation with virtual planning
To ensure a seamless deployment process and uninterrupted production, ABB will utilize its RobotStudio planning and programming software platform. This tool enables Volvo Cars to visualize and optimize the robot deployment virtually before physical installation. By leveraging virtual space for development and validation, the collaboration aims to create scalable and repeatable automation solutions.
Longstanding partnership
Volvo Cars and ABB have a history of collaborative efforts to enhance production efficiency and advance industrial robotics capabilities. The current project is an extension of their longstanding partnership, with ongoing collaboration anticipated over the next few years. Initial robot deployments are expected in early 2024.
Contributing to automotive sustainability goals
ABB’s involvement in providing robotic solutions for Volvo Cars aligns with broader industry initiatives to meet ambitious sustainability targets and transition towards electric vehicle production. The partnership signifies a shared commitment to driving innovation in the automotive sector and fostering more sustainable manufacturing practices.