Premier Nissan of San Jose: Future in Production
Nissan Motors has certainly proved its capability of innovation when looking at its constantly evolving vehicle lineup. Their group of engineers have taken every leap possible when it comes to the future of the automotive industry. More recently, Nissan has taken an inward look at their facilities and invested resources in innovation and automation in its own manufacturing plants. While the presence and development of AI and robotics within factories may seem to forecast a downsizing of human employees, the reality could not be more different. Nissan looks to a better, brighter future for its staff by incorporating automated procedures for an all-around better end result.
Nissan is looking to introduce an all-new series of automation and robotics in order to reduce inefficiencies and minimize mistakes to save time, money, and a better, safer vehicle. Many would consider these systems to replace the duties of employees, when in fact they are mostly designed to work hand-in-hand with them. The more dangerous tasks such as heavy assembly and welding are set aside for industrial sized robots, a job which gets increasingly complicated as technology develops. The manufacturing plants aren’t just looking at pure robotic innovation, but mechanical improvements that involve ropes, pulleys, counterweights and more to aid their existing employees. Through these systems, heavy objects can be moved quickly over long distances, and deliveries can be automated to be sent directly to employees. Engineers across all manufacturing plants use these systems, and outfitting areas with such devices is proving to be a fun new way to look at improving their facilities.
Nissan has committed to researching and developing systems dealing with ergonomics to better aid their employees physical well-being while performing work-related tasks. Motions such as bending, twisting, reaching, crouching, and more can take its toll on the human body over time, and Nissan engineers are using every avenue to help employees limit such movements. They introduced a series of exoskeletons at their plant in Barcelona, and they are quickly proving to reduce muscle tension while assisting in arduous tasks. Engineers also have introduced a series of “Cobots,” or collaborative robots, to help with menial tasks to prevent both physical and mental fatigue. While these machines are programmable, they lack the range of motion, reaction time, and lifting power that human employees provide.
Nissan has found that some jobs are simply better when done by robots. One prime example is the installation of the interior headliner onto the roof of the vehicle. As vehicles increase in devices and capabilities, the technology involved in this area of the car gets more and more complicated and as such takes its toll on the human employee during installation. Navigation of tight spaces, unnatural positions, all cause harm on their employees and a robot is much better suited to the task. The employee role is then shifted into other areas that are much easier and safer.
Nissan understands that technology is the way of the future, but recognizes that there is no replacement for its current base of outstanding employees. Using automation to maintain a better, safer workplace ensures that only the best product is driven out of their dealerships.
