COMAU POWERS THE EFFICIENT AUTOMATION PRODUCTION OF NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR NIO
The high-performance lines enable co-line production of the customer’s two electric drive systems and are expected to reach a full-scale capacity of 1 million units by the end of 2024
Grugliasco (Turin), Oct 11, 2023 - Comau has implemented a high-performance turnkey solution to automate manufacturing of NIO's next-generation electric drive
the electric vehicle manufacturer's third-gen induction and permanent magnet motors,
both of which are integral parts of its proprietary electric drive systems (EDS). The
comprehensive solution includes primary lines such as e-motor assembly lines, gearbox
manufacturing and inverter assembly lines, as well as EOL (End of Line) testing
processes. It is designed to support a large-scale annual production capacity of 1 million
units, to be used within NIO's electric sedans, coupes and SUVs, as well as select
models of its sub-brand ALPS.
Comau's advanced automation solution delivers optimal flexibility and scalability, allowing
the customer to adjust its production environment to accommodate different process
parameters as needed for new products. To further increase production line flexibility and
enable co-line production of the two electric drive systems, Comau has collaboratively
developed a new adapter with zero-point positioner together with NIO's e-drive team.
This innovative accessory effectively unifies design, process, and control standards,
allowing different assembly requirements to be met while maintaining maximum flexibility.
Comau's highly automated manufacturing environment also features 3D vision-guided
robots, AGVs for autonomous material supply, and automatic tool-end loading, which
have helped significantly enhance the customer's production efficiency. Furthermore, the
widespread use of quadnocular stereovision 3D cameras has allowed Comau to
successfully overcome the limitations of vision guidance technology in terms of field of
view and gripping range, granting automatic part positioning and assembly in addition to
excellent repeatability.
"When it comes to implementing cutting-edge technological solutions, experience and
know-how play a decisive role in success. We have been deeply impressed by Comau's
extensive expertise in electric drive systems assembly throughout our partnership. The
innovative solution has reliably supported the project, helping us overcome various
challenges and achieve our desired results," said Alan Zeng, Senior Vice President of
NIO and CEO of XPT. "Our collaboration follows a simultaneous engineering approach,
which promotes close cooperation between both parties and drives project progress
efficiently. This approach not only ensures progress and cost control but also guarantees
the quality, performance and reliability of the final product."
"Considering the rapid growth of new energy vehicles in China, a market in which
production rates and sales volumes in the first half of 2023 have increased by 42.4% and
44.1% respectively1, the demand for electric drive systems has increased significantly,"
explained Jeff Yuan, Comau Head of Countries Cluster APAC. "Our joint effort with NIO
to create a highly automated production environment has allowed the customer to
enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the performance of its next-generation
EDS technology."
ABOUT COMAU
Comau, a Stellantis company, is a worldwide leader in delivering sustainable advanced
automation solutions. With 50 years of experience and a global presence, Comau is
helping companies of all sizes in almost any industry leverage the benefits of automation.
Backed by a continuous commitment to designing and developing innovative and easy to
use technologies, its portfolio includes products and systems for vehicle manufacturing,
with a strong presence in e-Mobility, as well as advanced robotics and digital solutions to
address rapidly growing markets in industrial sectors. The company's offering also
extends to project management and consultancy. Through the training activities
organized by its Academy, Comau is committed to advancing the technical and
managerial knowledge necessary to face the challenges related to automation and
leverage the opportunities of a constantly changing marketplace. Headquartered in Turin,
Italy, Comau has an international network of 5 innovation centers, 5 digital hubs, and 12
manufacturing plants that span 13 countries and employ 3,700 people. Together with its
wide network of distributors and partners, the company is able to respond quickly to the
needs of its customers, no matter where they are located throughout the world.
www.comau.com
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