Vitesco Tecnologies Italy is one of the world's leading names in the production and development of key components for modern endothermic engines, manufacturing injectors, EGR valves, and particulate filter regeneration systems. To maintain its leadership and competitiveness, Vitesco has moved decisively down the automation route, implementing a wide range of solutions including 24 cobots from Universal Robots that now perform complex assembly of DDU (Drying and Distribution Units), fuel rails and RDU (Reduction Dosing Units). The versatile cobots also handle product inspection and palletize armatures on Vitesco’s production lines. The introduction of the cobots significantly cut cycle time and freed line operators from ergonomically unfriendly tasks.
The business transformation
Vitesco Technologies Italy has two production plants in the Pisa Province of Italy. The plants develop key elements for modern endothermic engines, relating specifically to fuel injection and management of exhaust emissions. These components present some of the most complex assembly challenges in the powertrain sector and require extremely flexible and precise automation solutions that guarantee high repeatability.
With its long experience in automation, the company was determined to adopt industry 4.0 solutions through robotics and automation, making extensive use of lean manufacturing and work cell design techniques. The applications implemented on the line were developed through pilot projects at the advanced technologies lab. For Vitesco Technologies Italy, it was essential that the robots should operate in open workspaces shared with the operators, to facilitate intervention, and guarantee flexibility and extreme precision. The solutions they chose are from Universal Robots.