Supporting a smart manufacturing shift across industry sectors by offering robot systems, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobility solutions (mobile platforms, mobile robots etc.) and technologies (arc welding, assembly, bonding and sealing, die casting, extrusion etc.), Kuka is confident of its new operating ecosystem iiQKA significantly simplifying robot use. Forming the base of an entire ecosystem that provides access to a powerful selection of components, programmes, apps, services and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use, iiQKA is designed and developed to facilitate newcomers to implement automation without specialised training. Also announcing the upgradation of its simulation software Kuka.Sim.4.0, Kuka is confident of automation benefitting in the medium-term against Covid-19 disruption. As per Peter Mohnen, CEO, Kuka AG, automation can be beneficial in the medium-term against the Covid-19 disruption for manufacturers rethinking their vulnerable, globally networked production and supply chains.

Big shift to flexible automation systems

Stating in his address to the shareholders in the 2020 annual report that the company implemented a cost-cutting drive and focused on a stable financial position, Mohnen averred that Kuka was one of the very few ‘full-range’ suppliers. Keeping a close eye on the developments taking place across the world markets that it is presently in, the company – with sales revenues of EUR 2.6 billion and an employee strength of 14,000 – is confident of its Kuka.Sim.4.0 software to help reach a new level of planning reliability, simplicity and cost efficiency. Stressing on the upgraded software facilitating easy offline programming of the robot and fast cycle time analysis, Kuka is anticipating a big shift to flexible automation solutions with quickly adaptable production cells instead of rigid systems. It is highlighting the prowess of Kuka.Sim.4.0 software in its ability to support the import of CAD data that aids configuration of safety spaces graphically in 3D and to simulate the stopping behaviour of robots.

Affected in 2020 as projects were postponed or abandoned completely, Kuka is of the view that the auto industry is facing a fundamental structural transformation that offers opportunities but poses enormous challenges at the same time. Confident that the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software will particularly aid components suppliers with its ability to facilitate the planning of robot applications across industry sectors, including auto, the company is looking at a growing use of new technologies such as AGVs and AI-based software solutions. Helped by China’s auto industry’s tremendous thrust on robot installation since 2016 in terms of growth, Kuka is banking on the upgraded software’s capability in significantly reducing the area required by a cell. Roland Ritter, Portfolio Manager, Kuka AG, mentioned that it also contains a new robot language called the ‘Kuka Robot Language’ (KRL), which provides two user views for programming the robot. One view is for the experts and the other is for beginners. Ensuring same data is being worked upon by the virtual controller and the real controller, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 supports the new KR Scara and KR Delta robots from its manufacturer. It also assures 100 percent data consistency.

Features, and more features

Aiding the creation of a customised component library using own CAD data along with Kuka.Sim.Modeling add-on, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software is also supported by a new ‘Connectivity’ add-on that allows users to commission the cell virtually and create a digital twin for greater planning reliability and the best possible implementation. Interestingly, the customised component library could be as kinematic systems, sensors, material flow or physical behaviour. Using behavioural emulators such as WinMOD and SIMIT, the software, with the Arc Welding add-on, aids users to speed up their offline programming for welding applications. The approach positions or the optimum orientation of the robot for the welding process can be defined, for example. A big advantage of the new software, according to Ritter, is export possibilities. Integrators, he adds, will benefit from the ability to export the simulation as a 3D PDF, which can be simply opened with an Acrobat Reader.

Detailed information in 2D for mechanical commissioning can also be provided via the export feature. One of the highlights of this is product presentation using a virtual reality headset. Tablets and smartphones also deliver impressive simulation results on the go via the Mobile Viewer app, informs Ritter. Signing a major contract with Daimler to supply four-figure number of robots and linear units (KR Fortec and KR Quantec), and other Kuka technologies such as software and controllers, the company has maintained a positive outlook despite Covid-19. Working towards strengthening its position as a global player, Kuka is driving the goal of making automation available to everyone. Looking at conquering new areas and new markets, it is stressing on the potential for cobots – sensitive robots – in the auto industry.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

French automotive supplier Valeo has joined the Automotive Plastics Circularity project, a flagship initiative of the Global Impact Coalition (GIC). The move marks a strategic expansion of the coalition, connecting chemical producers directly with component design and manufacturing to create a closed-loop system for automotive plastics.

As a tier-one supplier, Valeo occupies a critical position between raw material producers and vehicle manufacturers (OEMs). Its involvement is expected to bridge the gap between technical feasibility and large-scale commercial adoption of recycled materials.

As part of the commitment, Valeo will help establish the rigorous performance standards required for recycled plastics to be used in high-performance automotive components. The collaboration focuses on ‘circular design’ – ensuring that components are engineered from the start to be easily recovered and reused at a vehicle's end-of-life (ELV). Moving beyond ‘proof of concept’ to create a predictable and affordable supply chain for high-quality recycled polymers. It will address the increasing global pressure and evolving regulations that mandate a higher percentage of recycled content in new vehicles.

Christophe Le Ligne, Group Vice President Research & Development, Valeo, said, “Circularity is central to Valeo’s strategy, and joining the Global Impact Coalition is a promising next step in our sustainability journey. True scaling of circularity requires deep cooperation across the entire value chain. Our focus is on tackling the challenge of integrating high-quality recycled materials from End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) into demanding applications, building a new circular value chain that ensures long-term material affordability and accessibility.”

Charlie Tan, CEO, GIC, added, “Valeo brings the perspective of where design and material decisions are actually made, and that is vital. This strengthens our ability to move from proof of concept to something that can be implemented across the industry.”

The Automotive Plastics Circularity project has already proven that recovering plastics from ELVs is technically possible. The current phase, now bolstered by Valeo’s engineering expertise, focuses on economic viability. By aligning the incentives of chemical companies and component designers, the project aims to ensure that circularity becomes a standard operational model rather than a niche sustainability project.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has selected six startups from the 10th Cohort of its flagship Accelerator Program to co-create advanced business solutions.

The selected companies have been awarded paid Proof of Concepts (PoCs) to develop AI-based and technology-driven tools aimed at enhancing plant safety, streamlining product development and improving customer engagement.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Startup India’ program, providing growth-stage startups with mentorship and access to real-world industrial environments to scale their innovations.

The six start-ups selected include Goat Robotics, which is working on safe and efficient movement of materials within facilities. SheerDrive, which provides a real-time, market-linked used car price visualiser for transparent valuations. Schijnenn Digital is working on technologies to shorten the product design and development cycle. GenbaNEXT, an advanced material traceability system to support circular economy and recycling efforts. Swayatt Drishtigochar that provides predictive maintenance and safe operation of industrial equipment. And Swiftex, a sales assistance platform to help dealer executives engage customers more efficiently.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “As our operations continue to grow, the solutions that we are co-creating with these startups will enable us to further improve safety in our plants, help reduce product design and development lead time, and strengthen material traceability.”

Over the last seven years, Maruti Suzuki’s innovation programs have screened more than 6,800 startups. To date, the company has engaged with over 250 startups, and 34 have been officially onboarded as business partners. The company currently operates four distinct programs to support the startup ecosystem at various stages:

Accelerator: Focuses on growth-stage startups for co-creating technological solutions.

Incubation Program: Early-stage support in partnership with NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore.

Mobility Challenge: For mature-stage startups to showcase cutting-edge mobility tech.

Nurture: A pre-incubation program for idea-stage entrepreneurs.

The integration of these new technologies, particularly in circularity and predictive maintenance, is expected to make Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing and sales operations more future-ready as the company expands its production capacity in India.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

SPARX Group Co., (SPARX) has announced the establishment of the Mirai Creation Fund IV (Fund IV), with initial capital from major Japanese financial institutions and Toyota Motor Corporation. The fund targets total commitments of JPY 100 billion by March 2027 and is scheduled to begin investment operations in June 2026.

The fund marks a strategic evolution from its predecessors by integrating the investment scope of the Space Frontier Fund into the Mirai Creation framework. Consequently, Fund IV will focus on four key technology categories: Intelligent Technologies (including AI), Robotics, Carbon Neutrality and Space.

Fund IV is backed by five core participating companies – Toyota Motor Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank and SPARX – with an initial combined investment of approximately JPY 15 billion. The fund will be managed by SPARX Asset Management Co, a subsidiary of SPARX.

The fund aims to accelerate innovation by investing in unlisted venture companies, both within Japan and internationally, that possess transformative technologies. The inclusion of Space as a core category reflects a broader strategic integration, following the 2024 launch of the Space Frontier Fund II, aimed at leveraging space-related technologies to drive terrestrial growth and sustainability.

This move continues a decade-long partnership between SPARX and Toyota, which began with the first Mirai Creation Fund in 2015. Since then, the funds have raised over JPY 177 billion and invested in more than 150 companies globally, focusing on technologies that address critical social issues and promote human well-being

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced the launch of DesignXathon 2026, the second edition of its flagship automotive design challenge.

The competition is open to students from Indian and global design institutes based in India, offering a platform to showcase futuristic mobility concepts.

The theme for this year's challenge is ‘Envision an iconic vehicle, Gen Z and Alpha aspire to own in 2036.’ Participants are tasked with designing a vehicle tailored for the 2035-2040 period, focusing on lifestyle relevance, sustainability and the integration of design philosophy with emerging technology.

DesignXathon 2026 will have cash rewards of up to INR 450,000, the winners have the opportunity to secure a 6-month internship with the Maruti Suzuki design team. The top 25 shortlisted teams will receive direct mentorship from experienced automotive design professionals. The last date for application submission is 13 July 2026.

The inaugural 2025 edition saw participation from over 400 students across 70 institutes, with winners emerging from the MIT Institute of Design, VIT Vellore and Strate School of Design. Currently, eight students from the first edition are undergoing internships with the company.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Automotive design goes far beyond aesthetics; it is a blend of innovation, creativity, and fresh perspectives. I strongly believe that young minds play a pivotal role in challenging conventional design thinking and shaping the future of mobility. Through DesignXathon, we aim to nurture emerging talent and lay the foundation of a strong design ecosystem in India.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!