Bosch Retools Assembly Operations for Industry 4.0
As a leading supplier of connected products and solutions to the industrial marketplace, Bosch Rexroth also leads in the implementation of Industry 4.0 methodologies and technologies in own manufacturing processes. In this presentation, i4.0 Business Leader Rodney Rusk provides a detailed look into how the new “Multi Product Line” at the company’s Bethlehem, Penn., provides greater flexibility to cope with fast-changing market conditions while simultaneously enhancing productivity and efficiency in assembly operations, parts supply, worker guidance and quality control. The smart and connected assembly line, for instance, uses projected work instructions to guide workers from one task to the next, while machine vision captures operator movements and helps to ensure each task is done correctly before moving on to the next. An automated gantry system assures the proper torqueing of bolts as assemblies move down the line, allowing operators to focus on other essential tasks. All these activities are managed by RFID technologies that help to coordinate logistics, ensure traceability and provide operator support.