SEAT S.A and Eurecat have collaborated in developing the pioneering project “Drones in the factory of the future”, which explores the opportunities and advantages of drone autonomous vertical navigation inside the factory to move light parts more quickly, sustainably, and efficiently.
The pioneering pilot project carried out by Eurecat and SEAT S.A. explores the possibilities of drones to optimize the logistics supply in the factory of the future located at the headquarters plant in Martorell.
The automobile brand SEAT S.A., member of the Volkswagen group, has been operating in its plant in Martorell since 1993.
The drones have a sensors system that detects fixed and mobile elements of the plant, an energy autonomy system and intelligent recharging, and a control interface that allow autonomous navigation inside the factory.
“Our goal with this innovation project is to explore the advantages of autonomous vertical mobility to clear up space on the floor and shift light-weight parts in a faster, cleaner and more efficient way” explains Alba Gavilán, head of Digital Execution & Delivery in the Production Strategy department. “In the future, drones could autonomously transport components directly to the line” she adds.
To move around the factory, the drones are built with a system of sensors that can detect the features on the shop floor.
“This involves a lot of mapping, programming and hours and hours of testing during the pilot project, also with obstacles, to train the drone for any kind of situation”
says Alba.
The project first took shape in 2019, and has already logged more than 1,500 hours of work, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Press Release