EffiBOT: the autonomous mobile robots in SEAT's Martorell plant
EffiBOTs use innovative technology and adapt to the needs of the employees, making their work easier and boosting their efficiency. It’s another step towards increasingly smarter production.
SEAT’s Martorell plant is becoming increasingly smarter thanks to the development and application of innovative digital tools and solutions. These include two new autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that adapt to the needs of the employees to help them with tasks such as transporting parts.
SEAT uses EffiBOTs, robots specifically designed to adapt to production processes and to manage resources and communication between the different areas of the company more efficiently.
Industry 4.0
“Autonomous mobile robots place us at the forefront of innovation in the automotive sector. They’re also a clear example of how robots can collaborate with employees to make their work easier. Incorporating these robots contributes to driving Industry 4.0 and making us more efficient, flexible, agile and competitive,” commented Herbert Steiner, SEAT Vice-President for Production and Logistics.
EffiBOT was developed by the French firm Effidence in collaboration with SEAT to adapt the robot's operation to the processes at the Martorell plant.
EffiBOT: the intelligent robot
The EffiBOTs process 360º readings in real time, therefore they are able to follow the person who tapped their touchscreen as they move around the factory; they don’t require any external device, even if they come across a person or object in their way.
They can also transport all kinds of materials needed for car assembly, and are able to carry up to 250 kilos or pull up to 500 kilos. This saves employees from struggling with heavy loads.
Collaborative robots
Initially, SEAT has introduced two EffiBOTs as part of an experimental phase – but this could be expanded in the future. Unlike automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which require a track to function properly, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) can recognise their surroundings and map their route to a defined destination, avoiding obstacles along the way.
In addition to the EffiBOTs, the plant currently has availlable around 20 collaborative robots in the assembly areas, such as the “cobots” that are responsible for applying the lettering to the Ibiza and Arona models.
Technological innovations
In recent years, SEAT has a implemented a number of innovations throughout its entire production cycle. In addition to the EffiBOTs, AGVs have been introduced in indoor and outdoor areas, and drones are used for logistics transport. All this, combined with more efficient data management resulting from the use of artificial intelligence, big data and blockchain, enables more efficient, flexible and agile processes.
SEAT can count on a team focused on innovation, made up of people from different areas working on the implementation of new Industry 4.0 projects.
Source: SEAT S.A.