Scania tests new technologies in its production
Scania has established the Smart Factory Lab to pilot new digital technologies and the internet of things before their introduction into production. The aim is to improve productivity, quality, and employee health.
Swedish truck manufacturer Scania has set up the Smart Factory Lab to evaluate and pilot emerging digital technologies and the Internet of Things before integrating them into industrial production. The lab focuses on exploring technologies like IoT and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, quality, and employee well-being.
A multinational team of 15 engineers, trainees, and thesis workers operates within the lab. Their trials include assessing the capability of robots to assist production line workers with heavy loads, using virtual reality for training, and employing robots for component picking.
Scania collaborates closely with the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and many of the lab's young engineers are recruited directly after graduation. Their role involves not only testing new technologies and adapting them to Scania's production system but also disseminating knowledge and expertise throughout the company.
The lab provides a safe environment for experimenting with new ideas without disrupting ongoing production. Failed attempts do not cause significant issues, while promising concepts can be further developed and piloted on a larger scale. The objective is to ensure Scania remains competitive by adopting the latest industrial technologies.