INVESTORS IN MSK
at robots; we also use automatically guided
vehicles, big data analytics, and AI. Vitesco
Technologies FST is also aiming at reaching
the next stage of automation where robots will
be equipped with cameras, sensors and AI,
allowing them to make their own decisions.
I believe there are many reasons why
automation is important. First, it helps with
employee health and safety, as dangerous
tasks can be performed by robots. Secondly,
handing repetitive tasks over to robots
decreases the potential for errors. Finally, it
is very cost efficient, as robot prices have
dropped significantly due to the development
of this technology.
What advice would you give to production
companies looking for opportunities to
improve their competitiveness through
digital factories?
I believe that the first step is changing
the mindset of employees and showing
them that this is truly the path forward.
Next, it is important to understand the
degree of automation the company is
already at, where it wants to be, and
then we can construct a roadmap for its
goals. Additionally, organisation is key, for
example, we have a digitisation lead who
manages & co-ordinates all digitisation
projects at the factory. This role is central in
guiding digitisation efforts.
perhaps favor other alternatives, such as
hydrogen?
I think the future undoubtedly lies in
electric vehicles; and I am not alone in
this; various consultancies conducted
studies and predicted that by 2030, 60%
of newly produced vehicles will be fully
electric. Many countries, not only in the
EU but also China and the US, are making
a move towards electrification due to CO2
emission mitigation efforts. Hydrogen I can
imagine as a technology for commercial
vehicles, but passenger vehicles will be
battery-operated.
The automotive industry is undergoing
great change. Do you think the future
lies in electric vehicles or do you
Mr Krishnan, thank you for the interview.
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