ABB Survey Urges Automotive Supply Chain To Embrace Automation For Growth

The automotive industry stands on the brink of a transformative era, with automation and robotics at the forefront of this evolution. A recent global survey, commissioned by ABB Robotics and conducted by Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS), sheds light on the pivotal role of automation in shaping the future of this sector. The findings reveal a near-unanimous consensus among industry experts on the critical impact of automation and digital technologies in the coming years.

According to the survey, a staggering 97% of respondents are convinced that automation and robotics will significantly alter the automotive industry within the next five years. Equally, 96% foresee software, digitalization, and data management playing a crucial role in this transformation. This shift towards automation is not just anticipated; it's already underway, with new OEMs and start-ups leading the investment charge.

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While new market entrants are rapidly embracing automation, with 38% investing 'very well' and 28% 'quite well', legacy OEMs are not far behind, with 31% perceived as investing 'very well' in this area. However, the survey highlights a concerning lag among suppliers, particularly Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, with only 7% and 3% respectively seen as making necessary investments in automation.

Joerg Reger, Managing Director of ABB Robotics Automotive Business Line, emphasizes that automation should not be exclusive to large manufacturers. ABB's extensive portfolio, including collaborative robots (cobots), industrial robots, and AI-powered Autonomous Mobile Robots, all integrated with advanced software solutions, is designed to tackle challenges faced by manufacturers of all sizes. This approach not only enhances resilience and efficiency but also introduces much-needed flexibility into production processes.

An example of this flexibility is seen in Japan’s SUS Corporation, a supplier of die-cast aluminum components. By incorporating ABB’s dual-armed YuMi® cobots into their assembly line, they achieved a 20% increase in productivity and reduced assembly times. This adaptation allows for a more dynamic response to demand fluctuations, with an expected return on investment within two years.

The Supply Chain Challenge

Daniel Harrison, an Automotive Analyst from AMS, points out a critical gap in the adoption of automation within the upstream supply chain. This lag could potentially escalate costs and delay the delivery of new and complex components for electric vehicles (EVs) and connected cars. Making affordable and practical automation solutions accessible to the entire industry is deemed essential for overcoming these challenges.

The survey compiled insights from nearly 400 industry experts across various levels of management and engineering within vehicle manufacturing and supply sectors. These insights underscore the urgent need for widespread adoption of automation technologies to ensure the automotive industry's sustainable growth and competitiveness.

ABB stands as a technology leader in electrification and automation, committed to driving industrial transformation through innovation. With over 130 years of excellence, ABB’s solutions are designed to optimize manufacturing processes, contributing to a more sustainable future. The company’s Robotics & Discrete Automation business area is uniquely positioned to support customers transitioning towards connected and collaborative factories of the future.

For further information on how ABB is shaping the future of automotive manufacturing through automation and robotics, interested parties can contact Rory Smith at [email protected] or visit go.abb/robotics.