Comau, a global leader in industrial automation, has deployed a cutting-edge welding system for Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive (BFDA), a joint venture between Daimler Trucks and China’s Foton Motor. The solution supports BFDA’s localized production of the Actros, a heavy-duty truck based on Mercedes-Benz’s global platform, marking a strategic move to strengthen Daimler’s footprint in China’s commercial vehicle market.
Fully Automated, Flexible Production for 50,000 Units Annually
The Comau-engineered welding line ensures 100% automation, enabling BFDA to manage complex model variations and production scalability. Designed to meet Daimler’s stringent Integra 6 manufacturing standards, the system handles critical components such as truck doors and instrument panel frameworks. With an annual capacity of 50,000 units, the solution is built to adapt to future production demands while maintaining precision and efficiency.
Smart Quality Control and Virtual Commissioning
Comau integrated proprietary technologies, including the RH-Clean automated cleaning system and a QUISS camera-based vision system, to guarantee flawless welding and gluing quality. The line also employs virtual commissioning, allowing BFDA to simulate and optimize operations before physical deployment. This approach reduces on-site setup time, labor costs, and potential risks, ensuring a smoother production launch.
Daimler-Foton Praises Comau’s Engineering Expertise
William Sparenberg, head of Mercedes-Benz Truck Factory, commended Comau’s role in enhancing product competitiveness, citing its design reliability and cost efficiency. Gaetano Cantalupo, Comau’s APAC cluster lead, highlighted the project’s significance in expanding the company’s automotive automation portfolio and reinforcing its partnership with global OEMs.
Strengthening China’s Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing
The collaboration underscores Daimler’s commitment to localizing premium truck production in China, leveraging Comau’s automation expertise to meet global quality benchmarks. As BFDA ramps up Actros manufacturing, the project sets a precedent for smart, scalable production in the heavy-duty vehicle sector, aligning with China’s push for advanced manufacturing technologies.
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