The Impact of Electric Vehicles on Industrial Automation Trends

Electric vehicle (EV) sales have risen significantly due to the global movement towards environment-friendly transportation. The automotive industry is going through a transformational period as more people and businesses adopt EVs, and this evolution is having a significant impact on industrial automation. The adoption of electric vehicles into daily life is altering not only how we travel but also how industrial manufacturing and automation technologies are developed.

EVs are automobiles that run entirely or mostly on electricity. Electric vehicles use little to no fossil fuels (petrol or diesel), have fewer moving parts to maintain, and have low operating costs. While some electric vehicles (EVs) use lead acid or nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries are now considered the industry standard for battery electric vehicles due to their longer lifespan, excellent energy retention, and self-discharge rate of only 5% per month.

Industrial automation uses robotics and computer software to enable autonomous systems to control equipment and procedures in various industries. Industrial automation was initially intended to increase productivity by extending workdays and lowering the costs of maintaining a sizable human workforce. These objectives have gradually changed and now place a stronger emphasis on raising quality and flexibility. For instance, compared to the manual error rate of 1–1.5%, automated machinery can install pistons into a car engine with an error rate of 0.00001%. Since robots can be programmed to perform a new task faster than humans can be trained to do it, automated manufacturing processes can be more adaptable. Robotic deployment in the most hazardous environments can make production lines safer for workers. The main drawbacks of industrial automation are the high initial cost of switching to automated production lines and the expense of training staff to operate the machinery. The potential societal impact of automation is another drawback. Many workers worry about job security because it may make their qualifications, education, and experience obsolete.

Modernizing the Automotive Industry

High levels of efficiency and precision are required to produce electric vehicles, which has prompted manufacturers to adopt new automation technologies. Industrial robots are now frequently seen assembling complex parts with unparalleled accuracy on factory floors. Automated assembly lines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry by maximizing efficiency by seamlessly integrating batteries, electric motors, and other necessary components. Components move through the assembly process with little human intervention, lowering the margin of error and significantly increasing production speed and quality. Innovative architectures and solutions for complex automation systems are increasingly needed to maximize efficiency and boost flexibility across multiple sectors (EV). Technologies with mechanics ranging from hydraulics to pneumatics, from electrical and electronic to information technology, are all included in modern automation. The car sector will put even more effort into automating processes and applying the most cutting-edge technologies for electric automobiles. With the development of new automation technologies, rendering, simulating, testing, and manufacturing EVs will become more accurate.  

Innovations in Battery Technology

Every electric vehicle’s battery is its brain. The need for strong, durable, and quick-charging batteries has sparked advancements in battery technology. To manufacture these cutting-edge energy storage systems, automation is essential. The consistency and dependability of batteries are improved by automated methods, which help boost manufacturing rates, making batteries more practical and economical. Because there are so many more parts needed to make an electric automobile, the cost of production is much greater than it is for a typical car. Batteries, motors, and other specialized parts that are not included in regular cars are needed for electric vehicles. Longer lead times for delivery result from the need to procure these components from vendors that may only have a small amount of production capability. However, since 2011, production costs for electric cars have decreased by about 50%, partly due to improvements in battery technology and manufacturing techniques. Process control instruments and nonmanufacturing technology are a couple of these developments. Control and automation boost the overall efficiency of batteries while also improving their dependability. By reducing the likelihood of errors, these automatic quality checks ensure that each battery used in an electric vehicle complies with high standards. Additionally, automation is crucial for cutting costs in the battery manufacturing process. Automated systems help make electric vehicles more affordable for consumers by automating the production process, reducing material waste, and maximizing energy use. Electric vehicles are now more affordable to a wider population due to this efficiency, which benefits manufacturers and end customers. We expect many more breakthroughs as battery tech and automation merge. These advancements will not only increase the performance and range of electric vehicles but will also hasten the global transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. Automation in battery production highlights its significance as a catalyst for the electric vehicle revolution, influencing how we power our mobility and laying the foundation for a more environmentally friendly future.

Increase in Purchases and Technological Advancements

The International Energy Agency (IEA) data suggesting that the worldwide electric car stock topped 10 million in 2020, marking a significant 43% rise from the previous year, highlights the considerable milestone the electric vehicle revolution has seen. This upsurge has been fueled by several important variables that have altered consumer purchasing behavior worldwide. Local rebates and incentives have been crucial in promoting sustainable transport options. The potential for significant fuel and maintenance cost savings over the course of the vehicle’s life has further encouraged people to switch to electric vehicles. Moreover, this change has altered the automotive scene thanks to the appeal of greater performance combined with environmental concerns. The industry’s constant innovation is a critical factor in promoting the use of electric vehicles. Both the manufacturing and purchase costs of electric cars have significantly decreased as technology advances and economies of scale are realized. This economic change is especially noticeable because electric vehicles, once costly and cost around $50,000 in 2011, are now much more accessible, with costs falling to under $30,000 today. Electric vehicles are now not just an ecologically responsible choice but also one that is economically feasible for a larger proportion of the public thanks to this substantial decrease in price. The future of mobility appears to be increasingly electric as these trends continue and advancements continue to boost cost and accessibility.

Impact on the Industrial Automation Job Market 

Following the wake of the electric vehicle revolution, the demand for industrial automation has increased dramatically, changing not only the labor market but also the fundamental nature of manufacturing. A rush of new job opportunities and the emergence of creative businesses in the automation industry is being driven by the strong demand for engineers, technicians, and computer scientists. At the same time, electric vehicles `are forcing manufacturers to reconsider their production methods. Today, factories are being built around robotics and automated technologies, departing from the use of manual labor in the past. In addition to streamlining production procedures, this change has led to the developing of more efficient and affordable electric automobiles. Industrial giants like Tesla and GM have made significant investments to improve their industrial automation capabilities because they recognize the critical role that automation plays in their manufacturing lines. These businesses have been able to significantly increase the accuracy, speed, and dependability of their manufacturing processes by utilizing automated technologies, which have allowed them to produce high-quality electric vehicles in large quantities.

Furthermore, workplace safety requirements have been transformed due to the incorporation of electric vehicles into production operations. Automated systems have significantly decreased the likelihood of accidents, assuring the safety of factory floor employees thanks to their inherent accuracy and dependability. The prevalence of electric vehicles is forcing manufacturers to invest in cutting-edge automated safety systems. These solutions not only protect the workforce but also prepare the way for a time in the future when technology not only promotes innovation and efficiency but also assures the safety of people driving the electric vehicle revolution.

Smart Manufacturing and IoT Integration

An entirely new era for the electric vehicle industry has begun due to the convergence of smart manufacturing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Electric automobiles, already symbols of smart technology, have incorporated IoT into their production procedures without issues. The concept of “smart manufacturing” combines IoT and industrial automation technologies to create an efficient and data-driven production environment. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is currently accelerating. Sensors and connected devices are widely used in manufacturing facilities in this interconnected world. These tools provide a thorough digital footprint by gathering real-time data on numerous parts of the production process. Manufacturers now have the opportunity to remotely monitor operations and acquire crucial insights into their processes thanks to this influx of data. Improving predictive maintenance is one of this data-driven approach’s key benefits. Manufacturers can forecast when equipment might malfunction or need maintenance by analyzing real-time data. With proactive interventions, downtime is reduced, and expensive problems are avoided thanks to this foresight. The continuous flow of data also enables producers to maximize overall effectiveness. Inefficiencies are found through data analysis, allowing for quick changes and improvements in the production workflow. The fusion of IoT and smart manufacturing transforms the production of electric vehicles and establishes new norms for the sector. Manufacturers can ensure streamlined processes, decreased downtime, and, ultimately, the production of high-quality, dependable electric vehicles by utilizing real-time data. This innovative strategy solidifies the electric car industry’s position at the forefront of technological growth while exemplifying innovation in production.

Ensuring Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a severe concern brought on by the industry’s rapid development of automated systems. Protecting sensitive information and ensuring the security of automated procedures are crucial as these systems grow more interconnected. Integrating sensors, IoT devices, and networked components has developed a complicated web of digital communication that is vulnerable to cyber threats. The risks posed by this greater connectedness are well-known to manufacturers in the electric vehicle industry. They are aware that a security lapse might affect the dependability of electric vehicles and compromise sensitive data and entire automated processes, halting manufacturing. The industrial automation sector has seen a spike in investments in effective cybersecurity solutions in response to these concerns. These investments cover a wide range of tactics, such as the use of complex encryption algorithms, ongoing surveillance for abnormal activity, and the creation of intrusion detection systems. Additionally, manufacturers are putting a lot of effort into fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among their staff, ensuring that workers are aware of potential dangers and are knowledgeable about the best practices for online security. The objective is strengthening the digital infrastructure so automated systems can withstand cyber threats. Manufacturers proactively prevent possible attacks by investing in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and building a security-conscious organizational culture. The integrity and effectiveness of the electric car sector are upheld by this proactive strategy, which also ensures the uninterrupted operation of automated systems. Cybersecurity aids in maintaining the system’s security so that it can function as planned. Digital systems that work correctly are intrinsically safer than their analog counterparts. The autonomous automobile environment makes use of the capabilities of digital processing to significantly improve the efficiency, completeness, and efficacy of digital communication between drivers, vehicles, and roadside objects. These components allow for simultaneous awareness of all vehicle conditions and immediate intentions, enabling the team to cooperate as a unit. All of that capability requires a secure digital system for it to work correctly. Vehicles of the present and the future must be reliable and safe. Automotive cybersecurity is one of the most essential and complex topics to handle today because of all these factors. In the absence of cybersecurity, there is no reliable vehicle. Trustworthiness is a prerequisite for autonomy. Maximum safety cannot be achieved without autonomy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on industrial automation signals a crucial period for the manufacturing and automotive sectors. The quick advancement of EV technology, from high-tech battery manufacturing to smart manufacturing integration, has changed how cars are made and transformed several industrial procedures. This transformation’s cornerstone, automation, has emerged as a force for efficiency, cost-cutting, and high-quality manufacture of electric automobiles. Engineers and technicians are in great demand due to the spike in EV demand, and large companies like Tesla and GM are investing extensively in industrial automation. A new era of smart manufacturing has begun with real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, and improved operational efficiencies thanks to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT). But when businesses adopt these innovations, the value of cybersecurity cannot be emphasized. To continue this progress securely, it is essential to safeguard sensitive data and make sure automated systems are secure. In addition to showcasing innovation, this symbiotic relationship between EVs and industrial automation highlights the industry’s dedication to sustainability, technical integration, and safety. As these tendencies develop, they open the door to a time when electric vehicles will not only be a means of transportation but also a symbol of the possibilities of technical innovation and human inventiveness. The transition to a greener, smarter, and more connected future is increasingly rapid, and it promises to alter the way we travel fundamentally, produce goods, and live.

This entry was posted on October 29th, 2023 and is filed under Education, Electrical, General, Technology. Both comments and pings are currently closed.