Home · Industries · Automotive
Industry

Automotive

Automation for body shops, joining processes, battery handling and assembly lines — from small series to EV mass production.

Context

Modular automation for the Automotive industry

The automotive industry is the innovation engine of industrial automation — and at the same time its greatest challenge. The transition to electric mobility, shorter model cycles and the pressure to produce locally in Europe force OEMs and suppliers into more flexible and quickly adaptable production structures.

Classic, rigidly linked transfer lines are often too inflexible for today's batch sizes. Modular cell concepts take over defined sub-processes — welding, bonding, component handling, battery cell assembly — and can be reconfigured on model changes instead of being rebuilt.

This is exactly where NEXOS comes in: standardized cells for the recurring tasks, combinable with industry-specific tools and integrated safety technology.

Challenges

What makes this industry challenging to automate

EV transformation breaks up existing lines

The phase-out of combustion-engine production and the ramp-up of battery, inverter and e-axle production requires fundamentally new cell concepts — under simultaneous cost pressure per vehicle.

Model variety at falling volumes

Where a model series used to run for five years, today it runs for three — with significantly more variants. Rigidly linked lines become ballast, modular cells a prerequisite.

Localization pressure

European OEMs are expected to produce in Europe again — but competitively with Asia. This only succeeds with a very high level of automation and lean cell concepts.

Typical applications

What NEXOS automates in the Automotive industry

Relevant products

Components that make these applications possible

Why NEXOS for Automotive

Three reasons for modularity in this industry

Repeatable for series production

Identical cells for identical processes — proven in the first plant, exactly replicated in the second. Documentation and operation remain consistent.

Integrated safety for welding

NEXOS.Protec enclosures combine protection against optical back-reflection, spatter and robot reach — modularly integrated into the cell, not retrofitted.

Scalable for the EV transition

From prototype cell to series line — same kit, different configuration levels. Investment protection with annually growing volumes.

How we work

From inquiry to running system in four steps

1

Analysis

Free initial discussion (30–60 min). We clarify the parts spectrum, cycle times, environmental conditions and integration into your existing IT/OT.

2

Concept

Component selection, layout, schedule, cost framework. On request with virtual commissioning in NEXOS.XR before manufacturing starts.

3

Quotation

Fixed-price or milestone contract, with clearly documented scope of delivery, acceptance criteria and maintenance options.

4

Implementation

Prefabrication in the workshop, on-site assembly, programming, acceptance per documented FAT/SAT. Optional: remote service via NEXOS.DSP.

Standards & Certifications

Relevant standards for the Automotive industry

These regulations are considered in our conception, implementation and documentation. Not every standard applies to every project — the specific selection is clarified in the project kick-off meeting.

IATF 16949Quality management standard for automotive suppliers — evidence of process-oriented QM and continuous improvement.
VDA 6.3Process audit — assessment of process maturity at suppliers by OEMs.
VDA 6.5Product audit — component-related evidence of conformity with customer requirements.
ISO 26262Functional safety for electrical/electronic systems in road vehicles (ASIL A to D).
TISAXTrusted Information Security Assessment Exchange — standard for information security in the automotive supply chain.
REACH & RoHSChemical and material restrictions — to be documented for all components and consumables.
Frequently asked

FAQ on automation in the Automotive industry

Can we replicate cells 1:1 between plants?
Yes. Standardized NEXOS cells are deliberately built so that layout, control, safety concept and documentation can be replicated without adaptation. What is accepted at plant A works identically at plant B — a prerequisite for harmonized series production.
How flexible is the cell during model or variant changes?
Recipes and programs are stored under version control. Tool changes and format adjustments are possible in minutes to hours — not days. For structural changes (new component type) we plan modularity into the cell concept from the outset.
Does NEXOS meet IATF 16949 supplier requirements?
We deliver automation cells, not series parts — so NEXOS itself is not directly subject to IATF 16949. Our cells are however documented in such a way that they can be integrated into IATF-certified production without additional effort (process capability, traceability, change management).
How do you integrate with our MES/ERP?
Standard interfaces to SAP, Siemens Opcenter, Hydra, Camstar and other MES/ERP systems are available. If you use a system that is not yet supported, we build the connection on a project basis — based on open standards (OPC UA, REST, MQTT).

Discuss your application?

Talk to us about your specific automation task in Automotive.

Get in touch All applications