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Siemens and Audi partner to implement ‘next level’ software-defined automation

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Engineering giant Siemens and automotive company Audi say they are “revolutionizing manufacturing processes” with “next level” software-defined automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

The long-standing partnership is accelerating innovation for the automotive industry by focusing on integrating virtual and hardware controllers, enhancing safety functions, and streamlining production processes.

Audi has also implemented AI-driven automation for optical inspection based on the Siemens portfolio. The goal is to automate detection and removal of weld spatter on vehicle bodies using a customer-trained AI algorithm and high-resolution images. [Read more…] about Siemens and Audi partner to implement ‘next level’ software-defined automation

ROCIN-ECO consortium takes ‘major step’ towards hands-free EV charging

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Rocsys, a provider of hands-free charging solutions, together with partners Ionity, Audi, TÜV SÜD and affiliated partners Porsche, BMW, Ford, Marquardt, AVL, and Huber+Suhner, as part of the ROCIN-ECO consortium, has developed and demonstrated what they say is “the first interoperable automatic conductive charging solution for passenger electric vehicles”.

The solution both uses and contributes to international standards (ISO and IEC) for automatic charging.

The partners worked together to create an ecosystem where any car can charge automatically regardless of brand or type, and which Rocsys will adopt in early 2025. [Read more…] about ROCIN-ECO consortium takes ‘major step’ towards hands-free EV charging

Automotive software company TTTech Auto raises $285 million investment from Aptiv and Audi

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TTTech Auto, an Austria-based automotive safety technology startup, has raised $285 million (€250 million) from Aptiv and Audi in its latest funding round.

Aptiv is investing $228 million (€200 million), while Audi is increasing its existing stake by $57 million (€50 million).

With this latest funding round and a valuation of more than $1 billion, TTTech Auto confirms its strong position amid a growing number of auto tech unicorns. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close within the next two months. [Read more…] about Automotive software company TTTech Auto raises $285 million investment from Aptiv and Audi

Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in Use at Audi

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State-of-the-art automotive manufacturing calls for modularity and versatility when it comes to planning and implementing material supply trolleys for intralogistics. (See video below.)

This is especially clear if you explore the Audi site in Neckarsulm, Germany, where the Audi A8 is manufactured over several floors.

Top-of-the-range models such as the Audi A8 allow customers to choose from a wide range of design options and additional extras to customize their vehicle however they want.

This means that the production teams must stock different types of components in the warehouse and utilize precise advance planning to have the required materials arrive at the line in sufficient quantities and, most importantly, in the right order. [Read more…] about Automated Guided Vehicle Systems in Use at Audi

VW electric vehicle sales increase more than 400 percent

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Volkswagen’s electric vehicle sales have increased more than 400 percent over the past year, according to the German auto giant’s latest figures.

The Volkswagen Group says its “e-offensive is gaining traction”. Deliveries of electric models in the EU including the UK, Norway and Iceland increased “more than fourfold in the year now ended to a total of 315,400 electric vehicles (2019: 72,600)”.

The proportion of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in-hybrids (PHEVs) in the total deliveries rose to 9.7 percent (2019: 1.7 percent). [Read more…] about VW electric vehicle sales increase more than 400 percent

Audi turns to augmented reality for logistics planning

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Audi is turning to augmented reality to plan complex logistics processes: Virtual presentation of three dimensional holograms that are shown in their actual environment helps planners to better evaluate the future situation.

Because of this, prototypes of containers or equipment, and so on, which are elaborate to produce, are no longer necessary. Audi uses the new generation of Microsoft’s “HoloLens 2” device for this.

The “LayAR” system (short for “layout” and “augmented reality”) supports Audi logistics planners when setting up new logistics structures in an existing production hall. [Read more…] about Audi turns to augmented reality for logistics planning

Top Future Car Technologies with Great Odds

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Today, technology is the answer to everything, thanks to the many opportunities it presents. For the automotive industry, it’s been from one glory to another. Even movies and TV shows feature driverless cars.

This means the automotive industry is growing and not looking back. We saw the emergence of electric vehicles, solar-powered machines, manual and self-driving cars, among other innovations.

The trend continues as innovators look into having more technology advancements soon. As time goes by, AI might overtake human minds in operating automobiles. [Read more…] about Top Future Car Technologies with Great Odds

Kuka showcases new fully automated sealing and damping system at Audi

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Kuka is showcasing a new “fully automated sealing and damping system” that the company has implemented at Audi.

In the automotive industry, it is becoming increasingly important to produce sustainably and efficiently.

As an alternative joining method, adhesive and sealing technology in body-in-white production makes it possible to reliably join a wide variety of materials. [Read more…] about Kuka showcases new fully automated sealing and damping system at Audi

Hydrogen vs electric vs petrol: How will cars be powered in the future?

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Electric vehicles sales have seen sustained increases in the past few years and significant milestones have been reached in many countries.

According to data published on Wikipedia by independent researcher Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz, cumulative global plug-in electric vehicle sales passed 5 million units in December 2018.

Five million is just a drop in the ocean in terms of the number of all the “light-duty” vehicles – vehicles weighing 4,500 kg or less, which includes cars, vans, and small trucks – on the roads worldwide, which, according to a Guidehouse Insights report, numbers around 1.2 billion in total. Other researchers estimate the figure to be around 2.5 billion. [Read more…] about Hydrogen vs electric vs petrol: How will cars be powered in the future?

Audi to ‘gradually restart production’ in Europe

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Audi will gradually initiate the restart of production at its plants in Europe during the coming weeks.

The company had announced the temporary suspension of production at its European sites in mid-March.

The background to the decision was supply bottlenecks and a drop in demand due to the corona pandemic. [Read more…] about Audi to ‘gradually restart production’ in Europe