Embracing Innovation: Stellantis Revolutionizes Manufacturing on Factory Booster Day

Introduction: The Challenge of Modern Manufacturing

Manufacturing has undergone constant evolution, driven by the need for efficiency, quality, and sustainability. Stellantis, a leading global automaker, is at the forefront of this transformation. With an unwavering commitment to leveraging the talents of its workforce, Stellantis is focused on implementing innovative production processes to produce vehicles and components while minimizing environmental impact.

Factory Booster Day: A Hub for Innovation

Now in its ninth year, Stellantis’ annual Factory Booster Day is a significant event aimed at accelerating improvements in manufacturing. This initiative highlights the relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation within the company. By employing the Open Challenge process, Stellantis invites suppliers and startup companies to present their groundbreaking ideas to enhance production processes. This event serves as a global platform for the demonstration of innovative solutions, with both physical and virtual showcases contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas.

The 2024 Factory Booster Day, held on September 18 at the Mirafiori Complex in Turin, Italy, showcased 93 unique innovations. Since the initiative’s inception, Stellantis has evaluated over 300 proposals, signaling a proactive approach to strengthening its manufacturing capabilities.

Demonstrable Success: Achievements in Efficiency and Quality

Arnaud Deboeuf, Stellantis’ Chief Manufacturing Officer, emphasized the importance of collaboration with manufacturing partners. The results speak for themselves: since 2021, the implementation of innovative practices has led to an 11% reduction in transformation costs, a 23% decrease in energy consumption, and a 40% reduction in quality issues. This success demonstrates Stellantis’ commitment to both operational efficiency and product excellence—a combination that bolsters the company’s reputation for producing world-class vehicles.

Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technologies

The innovations stemming from previous Factory Booster Day events illustrate Stellantis’ dedication to integrating new technologies into its manufacturing practices:

1. Autodesk Construction Cloud: A cloud-based platform, Autodesk Construction Cloud supports comprehensive workflows from design to operations. By enabling real-time collaboration between Stellantis and its suppliers, this tool reduces “digital waste” and accelerates the validation process. After its initial implementation at the Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada, the platform has proven itself effective with notable cost savings.

2. AI-Enabled Robot Guidance: With technologies like GuideNow from the French startup Inbolt, Stellantis is integrating AI and 3D vision systems into robot operations. This innovation allows robots to adapt their movements in real-time, improving quality and reducing lead times in powertrain assembly. Presented at the 2021 Factory Booster Day, this technology exemplifies how AI can enhance human capabilities in manufacturing.

3. Autonomous Wheels by Wheel.me: Transforming standard carts into autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), the technology from the Norwegian startup Wheel.me ensures efficient movement of parts within factories. The wheels replace conventional casters, thus mitigating the need for costly track systems. This innovation adds flexibility to Stellantis’ operations, demonstrating that automation can be achieved with minimal disruption.

Alignment with Sustainability Goals: Dare Forward 2030

Stellantis is not merely focused on manufacturing efficiencies; the company is also committed to ambitious sustainability goals outlined in its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan. Key objectives of this plan include:

• Carbon Neutrality by 2038: Stellantis aims to become carbon net-zero across all scopes, intending to reduce its manufacturing carbon footprint by over 20% from 2021 levels.

• Cost Reduction Goals: Aiming for a 40% reduction in production costs by 2030, Stellantis is leveraging automation and digital solutions to achieve this target.

• Uncompromised Product Quality: By optimizing defect detection, Stellantis strives to achieve the highest standards of product quality, ensuring an unparalleled customer experience.

Conclusion: A Future Driven by Innovation

Stellantis epitomizes the spirit of innovation in the automotive industry, embracing new technologies and sustainable practices. The Factory Booster Day serves as a pivotal event for sharing ideas and solutions that can reshape the future of manufacturing. By fostering collaboration with suppliers and startup companies, Stellantis reinforces its commitment to high-quality production, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

As Stellantis continues its journey towards becoming a carbon-neutral mobility tech company, the role of innovative practices in enhancing operational performance will remain paramount. With a firm focus on collaboration and technology, Stellantis is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving automotive landscape. For more information on Stellantis and its mission, visit www.stellantis.com.