Industrial Robotics: From Assembly Lines to AI Dogs at JLR
The concept of using machines to automate tasks dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the first industrial robot, Unimate, was installed in a General Motors factory, marking the beginning of a revolution in manufacturing.
Initially, industrial robots were primarily used for repetitive tasks in assembly lines, such as welding, painting and material handling. These early robots were large, stationary machines programmed to perform specific, repetitive tasks with high precision and speed.
As technology advanced, so did the capabilities of industrial robots. The 21st century has ushered in a new age of robotics, characterised by increased autonomy, mobility, and artificial intelligence. Modern industrial robots are no longer confined to cages on factory floors. They now come in various forms, from collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside humans to autonomous mobile robots that can navigate complex environments.
One company at the forefront of this new wave of robotics is Boston Dynamics. Founded in 1992 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston Dynamics has gained fame for its advanced mobile robots. While the company initially focused on developing robots for military applications, it has since expanded its scope to create robots for various industries.
Now, automaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has taken a significant step in its journey towards electrification by introducing a four-legged robotic dog named ‘Rover’ to its electric vehicle (EV) build and test facility in Coventry. This move is part of JLR's £18 billion (US$22.5bn) investment in its Reimagine strategy, which aims to electrify all of the company's brands by 2030.
Industrial robotics enabling tasks beyond human capabilities
The Boston Dynamics-developed quadruped is now an integral part of JLR’s EV development process, conducting up to 24 patrols each day in the complex and energy-dense environment of the test facility. ‘Rover’ is tasked with constantly monitoring high-tech equipment, allowing human engineers to focus on maintenance and analysis.
Dr Gonzalo Ejarque-Rinaldini, PhD in Automation and Robotics at JLR, explains: “Key to JLR's Reimagine strategy is a continual collaboration with the industry's brightest minds, developing advanced robotics solutions that work in harmony with our employees for the uncompromising benefit of our clients.”
Unlike its biological counterparts, ‘Rover’ can operate around the clock without distraction. The robot uses artificial intelligence to navigate the facility, opening doors, climbing stairs and moving through high-traffic areas. Its advanced sensors allow it to perform tasks beyond human capabilities, such as detecting potential gas leaks inaudible to human ears and using thermal sensors to quickly evaluate battery temperatures.
These capabilities are crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in the EV development process, particularly as JLR ramps up battery testing ahead of the Range Rover Electric launch.
JLR is also testing plasma cleaning robots at its Lyons Park facility. These robots play a critical role in the battery manufacturing process, removing microscopic dust particles from battery cells before bonding – a task that requires precision beyond human capabilities.
The success of 'Rover' at the Coventry facility has prompted JLR to consider expanding its robotic workforce. The company is now exploring potential use cases for a fleet of robotic quadrupeds across its entire global industrial footprint, including at its Solihull plant where preparations are underway for the launch of Range Rover Electric.
As Dr Ejarque-Rinaldini says: “Not only are they essential in realising our ambition to electrify our Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands by 2030, they also have an important role to play in ensuring that the final vehicles that roll off the line have only the very best EV battery technology within them.”
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