BDIH- AIC Automotive Intelligence Center

AIC is a value generation centre for the automotive sector, based on an open innovation model. From the very start we have been working tirelessly on the complete process of acceleration and innovation, towards the vehicle of the future, a vehicle that will be cleaner, and as such working towards electrification. A safer vehicle moving towards autonomous driving and above all to be able to produce this vehicle in a distinctive way, applying strategies of advanced manufacturing. ASF is a competence centre within the different centres we have here in the AIC Automotive Smart Factory, as a focused initiative, specialised in advanced manufacturing to guide clients through the transformation process to be competitive in a global market. ASF possesses a fully integrated physical and virtual environment, with state-of-the-art equipment such as presses, welding cells, AGUV inspection technologies and a digital manufacturing intelligence platform.

01:43 - ASF is an intelligent factory, fully automated and which can also be managed remotely. It is a digitised factory, allowing for paperless, proactive, real-time management with a visual, user-friendly interface to assist decision-making. It is a very robust factory, capable of manufacturing well the first run with zero defects. It is an intelligent factory, allowing us to produce a model for the entire production line and identifying which parameters are most important, which are the least, and quantifying the relationship between the variables and their impact on the resulting final part. This means we can gain an in-depth knowledge of the process, contributing to the ultimate aim of optimising, simulating and eventually self-regulating the production line in an autonomous fashion.

02:27 - At ASF we are working towards our vision of the factory of the future, a factory which has to be more agile, flexible, robust, reducing the variability of the production processes, while integrating the whole value chain. The factory of the future will be a more intelligent factory with greater levels of prediction, a more digital factory and also a factory which also considers the human factor, with different or new skills that workers will have. In terms of the human element, the factory of the future requires a complete paradigm shift. Rather than having people loading and unloading parts, workers supervise, anticipate and evolve with the model, performing tasks with much more added value. In this specific example we are manufacturing a safety part for a car, which comes with high levels of process and quality requirements.

03:39 - To this end, two critical functions have been integrated into the production line: process intelligence and unitary traceability. These allow for real time control over the process, as well as the ability to predict and anticipate problems in the process, and therefore act in advance where needed. Therefore, our strategic focus is highly oriented to maximising the quality of the product. As a key elements, I would highlight an integral approach, which covers the organisational aspects of processes using digital manufacturing technologies. I would highlight the capacity for inspiration which helps to open the eyes, to see real applications which respond to the needs and concerns of the companies, and a focus on results.

04:22 - Our motivation is not the technology within itself, but rather fulfilling the real needs of industrial customers, particularly in the automotive sector, and I would like to highlight our capacity to adapt to the different levels of maturity when working with advanced 4.0 solutions, as well as with conventional solutions where necessary to achieve a successful digital transformation. We at ASF are making this effort to help companies become more competitive, in a very demanding global market, to be able to anticipate the demands of a fast-moving sector, where we have to be able to bring new products to market in a way that is more agile, faster, and flexible where margins are key. .