Electric Powertrain Assembly Process & Work Cell Validation in VR

In this video, we highlight how VR solution IC.IDO lets engineers, ergonomists, and other manufacturing stakeholders review proposed assembly processes and production cells for a future EV product. By bringing together the early engineering designs of the product, assembly line, and tooling; we can experience the plant of tomorrow, today. For more info visit IC.IDO | Virtual Reality Engineering Software

Electrification of conventional powertrain for autos creates many opportunities (challenges) in planning the products and factories of the future. However, unlike ICE autos we lack the previous century of experience in laying out plants to produce these new and rapidly evolving electric vehicle products. Assembly line layout and assembly process order have evolved continuously since Henry Ford first used rope and chain to roll Model T chassis down the line from one assembly step to the next. Evolutionary changes to the automobile like Unibody construction instead of body on frame and front-wheel drive required rethinking what works best. The introduction of Electric powertrain similarly will reshape the auto assembly plant as well.

Without a pre-existing body of knowledge to inform industrial, manufacturing, or tooling engineering decisions, automakers might not find out if a proposed assembly line or assembly method is practical until long after Start-of-Production (SOP)—too late. Alternatively, they might need to build up fully functional mini assembly lines or pilot plants, where they could gain experience with novel product designs or cutting edge assembly processes—too expensive and too late.

By conducting pilot assembly process/line reviews in IC.IDO, stakeholders can experience the proposed product in the context of potential production lines with digital tooling designs long before the first tool is cut and prototype produced.