#China #Automation #Chery Automobile #Dalian #ForwardX Robotics

Transforming Automobile Manufacturing in Dalian

In an unprecedented move, ForwardX Robotics has successfully integrated 435 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) within Chery Automobile's state-of-the-art Dalian factory. This deployment represents the largest just-in-time automation installation in the automotive sector, significantly enhancing Chery's operational capabilities.

Meeting Industry Demands

As automotive manufacturers grapple with increasing pressure to cut costs while also increasing efficiency and flexibility, ForwardX stands out with its innovative solutions. The company's AMRs are tailored to the complex workflows of automotive production, ensuring that Chery can maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicle manufacturing.

Just-in-Time Production Model: With the capability to produce a new car every 100 seconds, these AMRs help streamline operations across various manufacturing processes, including welding and assembly. This efficiency is crucial as it aligns with the industry's demand for quicker turnaround times without compromising quality.

Advanced Robotic Systems

The deployment includes three distinct AMR series, each designed to cater to specific tasks within the production line:

• - Flex Series AMRs: These robots are excellent for maneuvering through tight spaces and adeptly move materials across welding and assembly zones. They have increased material handling efficiency by 40% and reduced labor costs by 30% during the initial deployment phase.
• - Max Series AMRs: Equipped to support heavy payloads, these robots work alongside robotic arms, effectively transporting large racks and components. With a payload capacity of 5,500 lbs for the Max1500L and 2.5 tons for the Max2500O, these AMRs optimized delivery workflows across the factory floor.
• - Lynx Series AMRs: Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, these intelligent towing robots are particularly beneficial in high-mix, narrow-space environments, a common challenge in automotive manufacturing.

The Benefits of Automation

The implementation of these robots has led to significant improvements in operations. Some notable benefits include:

• - Reduced Manual Touchpoints: By automating repetitive tasks, the flow of materials has become more reliable, minimizing errors and downtime.
• - Operational Agility: The modularity of ForwardX's solutions allows Chery to adapt to varying production needs swiftly, illustrating the scalability that modern manufacturing demands.
• - Sustainability and Safety: With enhanced safety protocols built into the operations, the potential for workplace accidents has significantly decreased, making the factory not only more efficient but also safer for employees.

ForwardX and Chery: Partners in Innovation

The partnership between ForwardX and Chery is a testament to how automation can evolve seamlessly as manufacturing demands change. According to Nicolas Chee, CEO of ForwardX, the journey began with a deployment of over 100 AMRs at Chery's Super One factory in 2023, and it has now blossomed into the current milestone at the Dalian facility. This partnership not only meets immediate production goals but prepares both companies for future advancements in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Looking Ahead

ForwardX Robotics plans to showcase its innovations at Automate 2025, inviting industry professionals to explore their AMR portfolio and the groundbreaking deployment at Chery's factory. This exhibition will highlight how automation can drive efficiency and transformation across manufacturing operations.

Join ForwardX at booth #5632 from May 12 to 15, 2025, at Huntington Place, Detroit, MI, to witness the future of manufacturing!

To learn more about ForwardX and their suite of automation technologies, visit their official site at ForwardX Robotics.