Cellios & TE Connectivity unveil fully automated cable-harness production cell

TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors, and other partners presented a fully automated manufacturing cell for wire harnesses –starting from individual components all the way to the tested cable assembly – all within one integrated system. The live demo at the Cellio’s booth showed how previously manual manufacturing steps can now be implemented in a robot-guided, data-driven and traceable automated manner for the first time.

As a key development partner, TE contributes terminals, connectors and application tooling, and comprehensive expertise in the development of standardizable, automatable connector systems – the basis for process reliability and a high degree of automation.

“By using automated production cells, we will be able to place production closer to our customers, increase supply security, and create the basis for flexible, networked manufacturing processes right through to downstream assemblies,” says Stefan Glaser, TE director of product management.

In the wake of increasing electrification, more complex vehicle electrical systems and shorter development cycles in the automotive industry, automated cable harness production offers a decisive advantage in terms of productivity and quality. The solution enables fully data-supported traceability and can be flexibly adapted to different cable sets and OEM specifications, an important step toward networked, digitally controlled vehicle production.

The production cell was developed through a collaborative effort in robotics, sensor technology, and software integration. The focus is on system architecture, control logic, and modular component integration—the basis for variant capability and production-oriented implementation in wiring harness manufacturing.

During development, findings from the BMWK-funded Next2OEM research project were incorporated, driving further advancements in the solution’s design and performance. The innovation was recognized with a nomination for the productronica Innovation Award in the “Cables, Coils & Hybrids” category.

www.te.com