As automakers prepare for electric and autonomous vehicles, they have the opportunity to increase automation and benefit from it. ABB Group announced today that it has received an order for 800 industrial robots from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to support the production of a new generation of electric vehicles at the Volkswagen plant in Hanover, Germany.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is modernizing its Hanover plant and installing advanced facilities to build all-electric ID. The Buzz van will start production in 2022. ABB stated that its robots will be installed in the body shop to handle a range of body manufacturing tasks.

ABB President of Robotics & Discrete Automation, Sami Atiya, said: "We are pleased to expand our long-standing business relationship with Volkswagen by supporting its expansion into the electric vehicle business. ABB's robotic solutions will provide Volkswagen's production processes with flexibility previously unavailable, helping them adapt to trends and changing customer demands."

Volkswagen improves automation efficiency

In addition to robots and specialized equipment, ABB provides services to automakers, such as the design, planning, and implementation of standardized manufacturing cells and complete production lines for Volkswagen. The company stated that its customers can use the ABB Ability platform to benefit from various digital services, including process optimization, robot fleet management, and predictive maintenance.

Atiya said: "The rapid expansion of the EV (electric vehicle) segment requires innovative manufacturing solutions." "With our extensive experience in this field, we are helping our automotive customers master this important strategic transition to achieve more sustainable transportation."

This year, ABB launched many new technologies to support automakers in improving productivity and environmental performance, such as its PixelPaint solution for custom automotive painting.

PixelPaint uses inkjet heads to eliminate overspray and ensure two-color coatings and personalized designs are applied in a single pass without masking and demasking. According to ABB, this can reduce cycle time by approximately 50% and improve sustainability, with 100% of the paint used on the body.