More than 70 cobots automate several tasks at Siemens' factory in Erlangen

As a pioneer in digitalization and automation, the Siemens Gerätewerk Erlangen (GWE) uses both its own products and the collaborative robots from Universal Robots (UR). Today, more than 70 cobots relieve employees from repetitive and tiring tasks. The starting point for each application is a digital twin. Through virtual commissioning, Siemens prevents planning errors and ensures high process and product quality.

Like many other German production companies, the Siemens Gerätewerk Erlangen (GWE) has faced several challenges in recent years – from labor shortage to increasing cost pressure.
In order not only to react but also to actively shape an increasingly digital future, the electronics plant relies on its own products – and on automation with the help of cobots. The company designs the processes itself. After all, Siemens stands for excellent technical know-how and innovative strength.

“When we first discussed the automation of the plant in 2016, we only knew about classic industrial robots. But we can’t profitably operate them in our small to medium volume production”, explains Maximilian Metzner, Global Lead Manufacturing Electronics at Siemens Gerätewerk Erlangen. They needed an alternative solution.

With the UR cobots the team at Siemens found a suitable solution. “The cobots from Universal Robots are extremely compact, versatile, and, above all, easy to operate,” says Maximilian Metzner. “And the biggest advantage is the flexibility we gain from the technology being intuitive to program and to handle.”

In 2017, the first cobot started operating at GWE – a UR10. Its task was to transfer cardboard boxes from a delivery stack to a pallet. It was the beginning of a success story. Today, more than 70 cobots automate tasks at GWE – and the trend is even rising. For smooth integration, the company relies on planning with digital twins. This means that Siemens plans every step of the value chain virtually in advance and simulates it in their VR lab.