MILAN, May 29 (Class Editori) -- A new advancement in the Chinese innovation market for Comau, the Turin-based technology group, recently acquired by One Equity Partners. The company, led by Pietro Gorlier, has designed and developed cutting-edge automation technology for Li Auto's next-generation range extender line, allowing the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer to achieve an annual production capacity of up to 400,000 units.
The integrated automation solution, which covers the internal assembly line, external assembly line, cylinder head line, and piston and connecting rod line, has significantly improved reliability, operational efficiency, and flexibility. Characterized by a combination of 45 automatic and semi-automatic machines, along with 15 collaborative robots, the innovative solution has been designed to ensure rapid adaptability for future range extender models.
"By leveraging our ability to integrate robotics, patented technologies, and advanced digital tools to ensure superior performance and precision, we have achieved a high level of automation and flexibility that can be easily scaled as market needs change," explained Jeff Yuan, leader of Comau Apac.
Comau has been present in China since 1997 with a wholly-owned subsidiary, Comau China, which employs 750 staff -- all Chinese -- across its headquarters in Shanghai, separate locations in Kunshan and Dalian, and an innovation center in Shanghai, focused for several years on developing advanced technology systems for e-mobility (particularly electric motors), digital solutions for increasingly intelligent automation and robotics in their industrial applications, as well as assembly and processing systems for internal combustion engines.
It is thanks to this organization that Comau has become one of the main suppliers in the electric vehicle production chain in China, where it has contributed, with vision-guided robots, to the production of one million electric propulsion units for vehicles from Chinese brands Nio and Alps produced annually, 150,000 hybrid transmission systems annually for each assembly line operating at Hycet, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors, 400,000 variable compression ratio engines for Dongfeng Nissan, with cylinder heads assembled by robots. Additionally, 125,000 pick-ups for JMC Ford in Xiaolan, 200,000 electric vehicles for Hycan, and 60,000 heavy-duty Actros trucks for Foton Daimler.
A key advantage of Comau's solution for Li Auto has been the SmartCell technology. Incorporating quick-change tool features similar to those of a machining center, the system has achieved high-precision pressing of valve manifolds across a wide range of cylinder head variants, with a production pass rate exceeding 99%.
To enhance process stability and reduce manual errors, Comau has also implemented collaborative robots with vision systems for tasks such as installing spark plugs and connecting rod covers. This has improved accuracy and consistency, helping to reduce operational costs. Similarly, a six-axis robotic solution has replaced the traditional method of assembling the crankshaft, increasing flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency of the plant, all essential factors in managing product variation and accelerating production start-up.
Comau's success in China is opening new commercial avenues in other Pacific region countries. "By leveraging the Italy-China collaboration, which represents a strength for us," explained Gorlier, "we aim to extend our business in the Pacific area -- where we are already developing significant projects for our clients in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia". (All rights reserved)
(Source: Class Editori)
Notice: No person, organization and/or company shall disseminate or broadcast the above article on Xinhua Silk Road website without prior permission by Xinhua Silk Road.
A single purchase
