en.Wedoany.com Reported - Approximately 70 international automotive industry representatives recently gathered at the Joining Smart Technologies conference in Sattledt, Austria, to exchange views on sustainability, artificial intelligence, and body manufacturing technologies, addressing the current political and economic challenges facing the industry. During the conference, experts presented various solutions, demonstrating that the industry does not lack innovation capabilities and pathways to solutions.
Fronius CEO Elisabeth Engelbrechtsmüller-Strauß pointed out that knowledge exchange within the industry is crucial for driving innovation, and challenges can only be overcome through collaboration. The event was successful due to the diversity of participants, including competitors, representatives of alternative joining technologies, and professionals from other industries, which broadened perspectives.
Regarding artificial intelligence, Professor Thomas Gremsl from the University of Graz emphasized that technological opportunities must be accompanied by appropriate capabilities and a clear framework, and that developing AI requires interdisciplinary collaboration and consideration of ethical aspects. Dr. Florian Schlather from BMW AG added that AI cannot replace human knowledge and experience but can serve as a complement, with reliable data foundations and corporate readiness being key.
Ulrich Fischer from Lincoln Europe mentioned that procurement strategies need to be transformed, with suppliers expected to provide multi-dimensional value propositions, including business ethics, sustainability, and smart strategies with a holistic perspective. Thomas Rauser from TRUMPF delved into the circular economy, noting that companies should begin adjusting processes from product design and component standardization to address rising material costs.
Joining technology is particularly important in this context. Jürgen Bruckner from Fronius International pointed out that electricity is a key factor, and all processes must be utilized efficiently, including welding. Dr. David Schönmayr and Dr. Bernhard Freiseisen from Fronius International emphasized that addressing energy costs is a shared responsibility of the industry, requiring the determination of the added value that relevant measures bring to industrial customers. Daniel Rudolph from Audi AG stated that reducing costs and resource consumption are factors that solidify welding as a primary joining technology, with solutions for weld seam visualization and rework reduction being important.
Dr. Holger Fricke from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (Fraunhofer IFAM) in Bremen introduced adhesive bonding technology, which is key to electric vehicle manufacturing, noting that considering detachable adhesive joints from the design stage facilitates recycling. Olaf Gross and Philipp Hager from Lufthansa Technik proposed from a maintenance perspective that repair rather than replacement methods are less burdensome, and CMT technology can accelerate processes through low-temperature repair welding.
Peter Ivanov from Valtech stated that software is becoming an increasingly important part of vehicles, with manufacturing becoming more modular, requiring a common strategy to view the vehicle as a holistic ecosystem. Karl Radlmayr from KMR metalwise analyzed multi-material mixing and mega-castings, pointing out that multi-material combinations offer advantages in terms of repairability.
During the roundtable discussion, industry representatives expressed optimism about the future while acknowledging the need to jointly address challenges such as high energy costs, market conditions, the circular economy, and customer proximity.
