A Global Approach to Digital Manufacturing

The Importance of a Global Network for Innovation

Comau is teaming up with a global partnership network that allows us to constantly develop and expand our expertise in the industrial automation sector. This network includes multinational companies, SMEs, start-ups, universities and research centers. For example,Comau signed a cooperation agreement with Ericsson,with the intention of exploring the potential of advanced IoT solutions for industrial automation. This includes present and future 5G technologies, IoT platforms, Cloud and Big Data solutions, in order to create innovative services and increase the competitiveness and efficiency of smart manufacturing, maintenance and quality control.

Comau Approach

In regards to the future of digital manufacturing, Comau considers digitalization as an opportunity toward the technological evolution of factory automation that can also result in a better balance between its use and the contribution of humans, who remain the central and fundamental figures of the industrial process, according to Comau (“Rightsized Automation”). The consequence is a more efficient use of technologies and a better human contribution in the production process: industrial machines are only used when needed; operators and machines can be destined to carry out the tasks they can perform in the best way.

Thanks to the technological developments of the fourth industrial revolution, humans can now work close to machines in complete safety, improving plant productivity and the work conditions of the operators. Comau is facing the digital transformation through the fulfilment of its innovative concept of the factory, called HUMANufacturing. With Comau’s approach, humans remain the central and fundamental figures in the entire production process, in which they have new roles and carry out more rewarding tasks, with the support of enabling technologies.Comau’s objective is toeliminate the barriers causing limitations in the use of industrial automation solutions, making the use of digital products and technologies easier. We are responding to the evolution of the manufacturing industry by providing solutions, such as the exoskeleton MATE to reduce fatigue, improving job quality, the high payload collaborative robot AURA for the safety of those who work directly with robots, and the automated guided vehicle AGILE1500.

Paolo’s Perspective

As a leader in this transformative period, Paolo Avagliano, Head of Comau’s Digital Platform – NAFTA, believes that innovation and creating a vision in the company are key discussions that need to take place amongst the leadership team. When you create a vision for your colleagues, it creates a sense of unity, empowering and encouraging development. It is also important to set energizing goals to help promote accountability and deliver the proposed value proposition. A hiking and cycling enthusiast, I find myself to be driven bycuriosity and adventure, seeking to explore challenges both in and out of the office. This allows me to focus on the journey and be lean and agile to continuously adapt within a complex, transforming environment. Some advice I offer aspiring professionals looking to enter this career field is that it’s all about the mindset: explore new ideas and strive to be the best in class. It is imperative to be curious and constantly looking for new concepts and solutions. In doing so, do not be passive to the environment; you must evolve and transform with your surroundings because when you change with it, you become fully integrated into the ecosystem of the company.