By Edwig Ban
Ford Romania continues to introduce new technologies in its plant in Craiova, and this time the EcoBoost engine factory with the capacity of one liter is targeted.
The American manufacturer has acquired 4 collaborative robots, also called cobots, produced by Universal Robots, which have the role of taking over a series of repetitive tasks on the assembly line.
The robots are integrated into the system that controls the assembly line, which means that human operators only intervene when certain changes occur.
“The robots have a small footprint on the ground, are easy to implement and can work with our people. We see that as we use them more, there are more applications that we identify. more, “explained Josephine Payne, Engine Plant Manager at Ford Romania.
On the other hand, Ford officials say that traditional jobs will not be affected by the integration of robots into the assembly line, as they will help ease repetitive work.
“When we implemented the cobots we did not start from the idea of replacing people but we wanted to help the operators where the activities are repetitive or raise some challenges. Thus, the cobot is like a colleague for the operator, not a substitute,” said Adrian Calangiu , Area Engine Engine Plant Ford Romania.
Currently, Ford Romania is also preparing to launch production for the new Puma SUV, which will start later this year.
