Bosch makes factories smart, lean, and flexible
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
The only fixed elements are the floor, the walls, and the roof. Everything else is movable and connected. Machines drive in and out as needed, assembly lines grow longer or shorter, autonomous transport robots deliver components to workers. Robots work directly with human colleagues, relieving them of dangerous or strenuous tasks. Power is transmitted wirelessly via induction loops in the factory floor. Workers, machines, and components are connected via intelligent software systems and mobile devices.
An ultrafast 5G wireless network enables real-time data exchange, while artificial intelligence improves product quality through early fault detection. This reduces the burden on workers, leaving them with more time for other tasks, such as programming algorithms, developing new business models, or taking on other creative tasks. That is how Bosch imagines future factories will be.
People, machines, and data: the three pillars of success in the connected factory
Bringing connectivity to existing factories and equipment is also critical to the success of Industry 4.0. On 1,300 square meters of floor space at Hannover Messe, Bosch is showcasing both aspects: the smart, lean, and flexible factory of the future as well as connected solutions that are already in operation today in manufacturing and logistics.
Both scenarios have something in common: the interplay of hardware, software, and services – orchestrated by people. “The three pillars of success in the factory of the future are people, machines, and data,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, the Bosch board of management member whose responsibilities include the Industrial Technology business sector.
Steady sales growth with Industry 4.0
Connected solutions helped Bosch increase its sales of industrial technology by 7.7 percent to 6.7 billion euros in 2017. “Our portfolio of solutions for manufacturing and logistics is constantly growing, which means we can gradually turn our vision of a completely connected value stream into reality,” Hartung said.
The establishment in 2018 of the Bosch Connected Industry operating unit with 500 associates, plus the new Nexeed software portfolio, underline the importance of connectivity to Bosch. “We are getting closer and closer to achieving our aim of exploiting Industry 4.0 to increase overall sales by more than a billion euros by 2020,”
Hartung said. Outstanding results from Bosch Rexroth are also helping reach this milestone, with the drive and control technology specialist generating sales of 5.5 billion euros in 2017 – a year-on-year increase of 10.4 percent. Its strategic realignment in recent years has helped Bosch Rexroth improve its competitiveness and gain market share.