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ŠKODA AUTO is pressing ahead with the automation of its manufacturing processes in the Czech Republic. In gearbox production at the Vrchlabí component plant, a new smart handling robot has taken over the complex task of moving forged parts for the workforce. ŠKODA AUTO has developed this system in-house to build up expertise in production automation.

The manager of the Vrchlabí plant, Ivan Slimák, said: “At our state-of-the-art Vrchlabí site, we are setting benchmarks in the digitalisation of our production methods. We have now taken the next step with our new smart handling robot. Advanced algorithms and image recognition capabilities make our processes as efficient as possible while continuing to improve workplace ergonomics for our staff. We will roll out the principle of smart handling to other areas of production.”

At the beginning of the manufacturing process, autonomous robots deliver forged blanks for transmission shafts in bins to the CNC machining lines. They are guided by sensor technologies of the Internet of Things (IoT). The new smart handling robot picks the blanks from the bins and places them onto the CNC machine’s conveyor. When processed, it removes the transmission parts and puts them into a transport bin. The robot handles a total weight of 900 kg per shift across both these production steps. The employees who previously carried out this physically demanding work are now assigned to tasks such as tool changes and measuring processes.

The technology behind this new process is based on the principle of digital image recognition. A 3D camera scans the position of the randomly arranged forged parts in the bin. Based on the camera image, an algorithm then determines which of the parts is optimal for the gripper to grab and works out the movements required. The robot positions the blank ready for processing, then picks it up again to place it into a transport bin. As soon as this is full, the robot changes its gripper and prepares the bin for collection. The entire process is highly efficient and fully automated.

It took only eleven months from the first feasibility study to deploying the system in series operation. Several departments worked together to design and implement this smart handling solution. It’s just one of a number of automation projects at the Vrchlabí plant.

Another autonomous transport system brings machined parts from the mechanical processing area to another part of the facility for high-precision measurement.
Blanks for shafts and gears are brought to the CNC machines by an autonomous robot, with ordering and retrieval of the parts also taking place automatically. Each day, the robot transports approximately 50,000 blanks.

 

At the Vrchlabí site, the carmaker produces more than 2,300 units of the DQ200 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) every day, which is used in numerous ŠKODA models as well as in other vehicles from Volkswagen Group. 

Article source: https://www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO is testing an augmented reality application – known as HoloLens glasses – to assist with production line maintenance. For example, manuals, maintenance checklists and other documents can be projected as holographic images into the user’s immediate field of vision. The view through the AR glasses can also be shared during video conferences and used for training purposes.

Miroslav Kroupa, Head of Brand Management at ŠKODA AUTO, explained: “As part of our current pilot project, we are relying on augmented reality to optimize the maintenance and repair of our machines and to minimize the error rate. With the HoloLens glasses, our technicians have all the relevant information at a glance at all times and can concentrate fully on their work at the same time. In this way, the AR glasses help to further increase work safety. The tool makes it possible to exchange information flexibly anywhere and at any time, even with colleagues at other locations or in different time zones. This speeds up maintenance processes significantly and is an enormous advantage, especially in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the glasses add gamification elements to everyday work and inspire young candidates for technical professions.”

The carmaker’s Central Technical Service department and the ŠKODA AUTO FabLab are testing the use of augmented reality technologies in production line maintenance as part of a pilot project. During video calls, technicians can use the HoloLens glasses to show what they see on the line and consult with colleagues who are not on site. The glasses can also be used to share technical files and other documents.

Furthermore, the AR glasses can display holograms of manuals, checklists and instructions during technical maintenance. Once the staff have scanned a QR code on the respective equipment, the embedded documents interactively guide them through the maintenance work step by step with photos and videos, among other things. This allows the technicians to be hands-free at all times. Once a task has been completed, the technician ticks it off with a hand movement in the hologram.

This AR technology reduces the likelihood of making a mistake, enables service intervals to be carried out on a more flexible basis, and speeds up the maintenance process. Any remaining service requirement is recorded on the internal system via the Wi-Fi connection. HoloLens glasses also make repair work much easier as – thanks to the video instructions – it is no longer necessary to refer to bulky technical manuals.

The HoloLens consists of the actual glasses, which make holograms visible, and a camera-projector unit. The lenses allow for excellent peripheral vision, with virtual displays complementing the real surroundings. The visor can be flipped up at any time to step out of the mixed reality.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO is delivering the first of a total of about 2,000 SUPERB COMBIs to the New Zealand Police. The Czech car manufacturer outperformed its competitors in the tender process. During comprehensive test drives, the SUPERB impressed the New Zealand police officers with its handling characteristics, high safety standards and generous amount of room.

 

Martin Jahn, Board Member for Sales and Marketing, emphasises, “The SUPERB COMBI demonstrates its reliability and robustness every day as a police and emergency vehicle in numerous countries. We are delighted that the New Zealand police also appreciate these qualities and will be relying on ŠKODA vehicles in their daily work for years to come.”

Law officers in New Zealand were looking for new patrol and police cars for their fleet as part of a tender process last year. After a rigorous selection process, the ŠKODA SUPERB COMBI emerged as the winning vehicle. Seven vehicle manufacturers took part in the tender with a total of 27 different models. Twelve vehicles were shortlisted and tested by the law enforcement officers under real-life conditions. The selection criteria included performance and braking, emissions and serviceability as well as total running costs. The ŠKODA SUPERB came out on top overall; its driving characteristics, safety and space were particularly convincing.

The New Zealand police’s current fleet of 2,000 vehicles are now gradually being replaced by two- and four-wheel-drive ŠKODA SUPERB COMBIs. The first 100 are expected to be in service by the end of June, with nearly 400 more to follow by the end of the year. Delivery of all 2,000 SUPERBs is scheduled within a maximum of four years.

Police and emergency services in other countries also rely on ŠKODA models in their daily operations. The brand is represented in the fleets of 30 European authorities, including Austria, Serbia, Croatia, Portugal, France, the Netherlands and the UK. The SUPERB and OCTAVIA are the most common choices; in the UK, the compact SCALA is also in police service. In its home country, the Czech Republic, the carmaker has delivered more than 20,000 vehicles to the police and the Ministry of the Interior since 1993. Today, the OCTAVIA, SUPERB and KODIAQ are the main vehicles in use in the region.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

Triple victory for ŠKODA: The readers of ‘Auto Bild Allrad’ have voted three of the car manufacturer’s models as ‘All-Wheel Drive Cars of the Year’. The AWD ENYAQ iV hit the ground running, winning the all-wheel-drive category for imported cars in its first appearance. The OCTAVIA 4×4 took first place in the import category of ‘four-wheel drive cars under 40,000 euros’ while the SUPERB 4×4 went all the way to the top in the imported ‘four-wheel drive cars over 40,000 euros’ category. This is the sixth award for the OCTAVIA in the readers’ poll, and the SUPERB now claims the title for the twelfth time.

 

The ŠKODA ENYAQ iV impressed the readers of the magazine the very first time it took part; they voted the all-electric SUV first among all the ‘all-wheel drive electric cars’ entered. With its first production model based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB), ŠKODA has taken the biggest step so far in implementing its electromobility strategy. The two most powerful variants of the Czech carmaker’s flagship model – the ENYAQ iV 80x and ENYAQ iV RS – feature all-wheel drive with a second electric motor on the front axle. The ŠKODA ENYAQ iV has been in the showrooms of ŠKODA’s European dealers since mid-April. 

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA took first place as the best imported car in its class in 2014, 2015, 2019 and 2020. Last year, the model also secured overall victory in the ‘All-wheel drive passenger cars up to 40,000 euros’ category. This year’s success brings the OCTAVIA 4×4 to a total of six victories in the well-respected readers’ poll.

The second-generation ŠKODA SUPERB consistently took first place among the import winners in its class from 2009 to 2013. In 2015, the current generation of the model continued this success story. Readers also voted the SUPERB the best import vehicle in its category between 2016 and 2020. Its victory this year marks the twelfth time the mid-class model has won the All-Wheel Drive Readers’ Choice title.

Readers had the opportunity to vote online for their favourites from among 237 models in ten categories between 7 January and 21 February. This year, the poll for the ‘All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year’ was held for the 20th time.

ŠKODA’s 4×4 portfolio currently includes the KAROQ, KODIAQ, OCTAVIA and SUPERB model series. Depending on the model variant, the all-electric SUV ENYAQ iV is also available with all-wheel drive.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

ŠKODA AUTO reveals further details of the new FABIA and gives a first impression of the interior of the fourth model generation in an official design sketch. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0, the interior of the popular small car offers even more room, an enhanced sense of spaciousness and fresh colours. Technologies from higher vehicle classes have also been incorporated. The Czech car manufacturer is systematically refining the interior concept already implemented in the current ŠKODA OCTAVIA by introducing new details in the FABIA. The new ŠKODA FABIA will be celebrating its world premiere at the beginning of May.

 

The new, fourth generation of the ŠKODA FABIA is based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Transverse Toolkit MQB-A0, making it longer and wider than its predecessor. This extra room creates a more spacious atmosphere for passengers. The symmetrically designed instrument panel with its central, free-standing display and a coloured horizontal decorative trim accentuates the width of the interior, and the character line beneath the display mirrors the ŠKODA grille. Large round air outlets on the right and left create new accents, as do the coloured elements in the centre console and door handles along with the newly designed chrome door openers. One of the design sketches also reveals prominent FABIA lettering on the side of the instrument panel.

Large touch display as a central element
The large, free-standing display dominates the aesthetic of the new ŠKODA FABIA’s interior. The touch screen enables the modern infotainment systems as well as many other vehicle functions to be controlled with ease. The design sketch also shows the customisable Virtual Cockpit, which is a key feature of larger ŠKODA models and is now making its debut as an option for the FABIA. The world premiere of the fourth FABIA generation is set for beginning of May.

Article source: www.skoda-storyboard.com

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