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.

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ContiTech is expanding its research and development capabilities at its Surface Solutions facility in Pune through investments in a dedicated Colour Lab and prototype development infrastructure, alongside the addition of four roles to its local engineering team. The company has also appointed Alok Pandey as Head of Plant Management Pune to oversee site operations.

The Colour Lab will handle colour development, colour matching, appearance evaluation and material testing for vehicle interiors. While primarily serving automotive manufacturers in India, the facility will also support development projects across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions. Coupled with prototype testing equipment, the site will enable validation of surface materials for passenger cars and two-wheelers.

Alexander Scholz, Head of Business India, Surface Solutions at ContiTech, said, “India is a key growth market for our business and an important pillar of our long-term development strategy. As automotive manufacturers increasingly seek localised development support, faster response times and closer technical collaboration, these enhanced local capabilities will help us better support our customers' evolving needs. This investment reinforces our ‘In India, for India’ approach and reflects our confidence in the continued growth potential of the Indian automotive industry.”

Burak Uzel, Head of Design, Surface Solutions at ContiTech, said, “Automotive interiors have become a key differentiator for vehicle brands. Customers increasingly expect premium, comfortable and individualized interior experiences, while OEMs seek innovative and sustainable material solutions. This investment will strengthen our ability to develop and validate colour concepts locally, enabling closer collaboration with customers and supporting the next generation of interior design and material solutions for the Indian market.”

Jan-Philipp Behrndt, Head of Operations Automotive Plants, Surface Solutions at ContiTech, said, “The expertise and dedication of our local teams are key to our success. With the planned expansion of our R&D organization, enhanced technical capabilities and strong local leadership, Pune will continue to grow as an important contributor to our global innovation network. I am confident that the team's expertise and commitment will support our future growth and create additional value for customers.”

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South Korean auto major Kia India and its supplier partners will invest USD 2 billion to establish a second manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

The new facility is scheduled to commence production in early 2030. It will add an annual installed capacity of 200,000 units, taking Kia India's combined production capacity beyond 600,000 units per year.

Spread across 465 acres for Kia and its suppliers, the facility will handle stamping, welding, painting and assembly operations for models across internal combustion engine and electric vehicle powertrains.

The project is expected to generate approximately 12,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, adding to the 24,237 personnel employed across the company's existing 945-acre plant, which holds a production capacity of 430,000 units annually. With the addition of this facility, cumulative investments by Kia and its suppliers across both plants in the state will reach USD 5 billion.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “India is central to Kia’s long-term growth ambitions, and the trust our customers have placed in us since we began operations in Anantapur has been instrumental in our journey. Our second manufacturing plant marks a significant new chapter, strengthening our ability to respond to customer demand with greater speed and flexibility, while supporting the introduction of new models across ICE and EV powertrains. As we enter our next phase of growth, we remain committed to contributing to India’s automotive ecosystem and building on the strong foundation we have created here. This will further expand our Made-in-India footprint, strengthening our ability to serve both domestic and overseas markets.”

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Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ultraviolette Automotive is strengthening its senior leadership with the appointment of Abhijit Singh Brar as Head of Marketing.

In this role, Brar will oversee brand positioning, product launch strategies and demand generation as the electric motorcycle manufacturer expands its product portfolio across India and export markets.

Brar brings more than two decades of experience across consumer and automotive sectors. He previously spent over eight years at Royal Enfield, where he established the domestic marketing function and subsequently led marketing operations across Europe, North America, Australia, Latin America and Southeast Asia, managing product introductions and market entries.

Prior to joining Ultraviolette, he held marketing and business strategy positions at Lodha, following earlier brand and commercial leadership roles at Bacardi and Diageo.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO and Co-Founder, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, "We are excited to welcome Abhijit to Ultraviolette at a significant stage in our growth journey. His role in shaping Royal Enfield's brand journey and supporting its successful expansion across global markets will be particularly valuable as we broaden our product portfolio and reach new segments of riders. Alongside his extensive experience across consumer industries, he brings a deep understanding of consumer aspirations and a proven ability to build brands at scale. We look forward to leveraging his expertise to further strengthen Ultraviolette's position and accelerate our next phase of growth in India and international markets."

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Maruti Suzuki India has concluded the second edition of DesignXathon, an automotive design competition for students. The event drew participation from over 450 students across more than 70 design institutes in India and abroad, who were tasked with creating concepts for a vehicle that Generation Z and Generation Alpha consumers would aspire to own in 2036.

Following evaluation rounds and mentorship sessions led by Maruti Suzuki's Design Studio personnel, 10 finalist teams presented 1:8-scale prototypes during the finale at the company's India Design Studio in Gurugram.

Team IED Torino won the competition, while teams from the National Institute of Design in Gandhinagar secured the first and second runner-up positions.

The three winning teams received cash prizes and six-month internships at Maruti Suzuki's India Design Studio, with teams ranked fourth through tenth eligible for internship consideration pending evaluation.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Customer aspirations, lifestyles and automotive technology are evolving. I believe young minds, with their fresh perspectives and unconventional thinking, will play an important role in shaping the future of mobility. As the world’s third-largest passenger vehicle market, India has immense young talent and creative potential to shape the future of mobility. At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to connecting this talent with the industry. Through DesignXathon, we aim to foster open innovation and collaboration, nurture emerging designers, and lay the foundation for a strong design ecosystem in India. I congratulate the winning teams for their innovative concepts, bringing together technology and sustainability and commend all participants for their creativity and enthusiasm.”

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