The Connected Future of Manufacturing

At the heart of these solutions is the use of connected edge technologies, such as sensors, to deliver AI-based autonomous control of individual equipment, the assembly line and wider production environment.

In the SMT area, we offer turnkey solutions for manufacturing challenges from our portfolio of hardware such as screen printing, SMT/THT/PTH equipment, odd form component placement as well as FATP solutions. In addition, we provide MES software for overall optimisation, flexible modular solutions for production planning and analysis, design and simulation, asset management, material management, product changeover and traceability.

An example of this progress in action is the Panasonic APC-5M assembly line system concept, which identifies variation and applies changes in the 5Ms to optimise production. The system includes an NPM-GP/L screen printing machine, which can automatically implement production line changes; the Auto Setting Feeder, an automated component supply system; and the NPM-GH modular mounter, which boasts industry-leading mounting accuracy. This new intelligent cyber-physical system brings these technologies together and enables autonomous control of 5M production process variables, resulting in optimal production.

The same approach can be seen in our Robot and Welding solutions. The integrated Welding Management System, called iWNB, delivers stable production and productivity improvements through the digitalisation and virtualisation of equipment operational status and quality information. As a result, the system helps the shop floor by eliminating failures and avoiding equipment failures. It also meets management needs by reducing production costs, saving on labour requirements and improving productivity.

Of course, manufacturers come in all shapes and sizes and the larger systems can be heavy initial investments for the ultimately large TCO returns. With this in mind, we have also introduced the modular PanaCIM Manufacturing Execution System as a software solution for any size manufacturer and mid-range production systems.