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“FCA SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT AND SPREAD OF THE MINDSET AND KNOW-HOW NECESSARY TO DEPLOY INDUSTRY 4.0 ”ADVANCED PROCESSES AND TOOLS AS PARTNERS At the heart of this FCA approach is the concept that collaboration between humans and technology can unlock opportunities in terms of efficiencies, ergonomics, quality and the empowerment of employees. Collaborative Robots are the newcomers in the current era of industrial automation. FCA is exploring various areas which demonstrate that humans and robots can work together in the same space, and interact seamlessly during the various stages of production, particularly during assembly. One of the most recent advances in technological excellence at FCA is the Advanced Use Robotic Arm (AURA), the collaborative robot engineered by COMAU, an FCA company, and launched in 2017. AURA can detect the proximity of a human collaborator – or of any other component in the automation process – as well as actual contact and the level of intensity. AURA is inspired by typical human interactions. With this Industry 4.0 solution, FCA is the only automaker whose in-house automation company has succeeded in developing a unique collaborative robot (COBOT) solution with the highest payload in the market.COBOTs such as AURA can contribute to the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), which is a key element in Industry 4.0. In fact, sensors installed on collaborative robots enable the acquisition of data that can be used to perform virtual simulations and improve process accuracy and predictive maintenance.The I4.0 challenge requires not only innovative and connected manufacturing solutions, but also: the active involvement of employees in generating change;the development of specialized know-how that enables employees leading in the collaboration with technology.FCA is at the forefront in supporting the development and spread of the mindset and know-how necessary to deploy I4.0 by offering extensive training to employees. In addition to imparting internal know-how, FCA collaborates with business schools and universities to prepare the next generation of managers to advance I4.0 solutions in an effective and sustainable way. One such initiative is the “Manufacturing Automation & Digital Transformation” Executive International Master’s programme launched with the support of Comau Academy managers and the ESCP Europe Business School. WORLD CLASS MANUFACTURING: THE FCA ‘NET FOR THINGS’The implementation of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) at FCA plants worldwide has provided a strong foundation for this progressive transition to a smart factory model. WCM provides specific language for deployment of the concepts of lean, smart and digital production across the Group’s manufacturing operations globally. Examples include the Operator Terminal at each workstation, the Digital Quality Book, e-Cost Deployment and Predictive Maintenance Applications. Aimed first and foremost at improving production processes, it helps improve product quality, which ultimately is fundamental to meeting and even exceeding customer expectations.In place for more than 10 years, WCM is a structured, rigorous and integrated methodology that covers every aspect of the process: from workplace safety to environmental protection, from maintenance to logistics and quality, from people development to process innovation.Above: Digital simulation of the factory line and internal view of the FCA plant in Cassino (Italy) where Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio are manufacturedLeft: Increased interaction between operator and product achieved through adoption of smart devices104 TRANSPORT AND MOBILITY
