As reported by Assembly Magazine in the article “Conveyor-Less Micro-Factories for Urban Car Production,” the traditional automotive manufacturing model is evolving toward mass individualization, where vehicles are increasingly tailored to specific customer preferences. This shift is particularly significant for autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs), which offer new opportunities for interior customization and space utilization.
However, the conventional high-volume, low-mix manufacturing process struggles to accommodate these individualized demands. To address this, a new model is emerging—urban micro-factories that relocate final vehicle assembly closer to end consumers. Unlike traditional large-scale factories that rely on conveyor-based production lines, these smaller, flexible facilities eliminate conveyors altogether in favor of autonomous transport technologies.
Companies like Arrival, e.GO Mobile, and Volkswagen’s Dresden Plant have pioneered this approach, leveraging automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other smart systems to move vehicles through the assembly process. Hyundai is also joining this trend with its upcoming Hyundai Mobility Global Innovation Center in Singapore, aiming to integrate people, nature, and technology into a sustainable urban manufacturing model.
One of the most innovative advancements in conveyor-less manufacturing is the Vehicle as a Conveyor (VaaC) concept. Instead of using traditional conveyors, the vehicle itself moves autonomously through the assembly line, guided by temporary sensor skids or onboard safety-sensor systems. This approach minimizes infrastructure costs and maximizes flexibility, allowing manufacturers to adjust production layouts with ease.
Beyond mobility, ergonomic positioning devices powered by the vehicle’s own wheels provide an efficient alternative to traditional lifting and tilting equipment, further enhancing adaptability in constrained urban spaces.
Looking ahead, this decentralized model could lead to point-of-sale factories, where vehicle assembly happens directly at dealerships. This would allow for greater customization, reduce logistics costs, and streamline the supply chain—offering customers a faster and more personalized buying experience.
The shift toward conveyor-less micro-factories marks a revolutionary change in automotive manufacturing. By prioritizing flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability, manufacturers are rethinking how and where vehicles are produced.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of Assembly Magazine.