AGCO promotes an event with the latest innovations in Industry 4.0 and the SENAI Mobile School

With the aim of showcasing the technological innovations of Industry 4.0 present in its factories, AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, promoted the Smart Factory Showcase between the 3rd and 7th of December, in Mogi das Cruzes (SP). The manufacturing plant houses the production lines for Valtra tractors, AGCO Power engines, electrical energy generators and the only emissions laboratory for the agricultural machinery industry in Brazil.

The event took place within AGCO's Continuous Improvement Week and presented the most modern manufacturing technologies, which not only guarantee cost improvements, but, most importantly, improve production efficiency and quality. The main highlight was the presence of the SENAI (National Industrial Learning Service) Industry 4.0 Mobile School, which brought demonstrations of the evolution of automation in the industry, as well as educational materials on the latest in connected manufacturing technologies.

"The Smart Factory Showcase shows how we are committed to the most modern manufacturing practices in the world, to continue to lead the global agricultural machinery market", says Alexandros Aravanis, director of continuous improvement AGCO South America. "By bringing renowned exhibitors of technology for Mogi das Cruzes, we highlight the strategic importance of developing and producing high-tech equipment and solutions for rural producers who feed the world", adds Ricardo Huhtala, manufacturing director at AGCO Mogi das Cruzes.

Companies such as AABB, Siemens, DHL and Sinova and other institutions such as Universidade Brás Cubas and ITA (Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica) were present at the Smart Factory Showcase. Students from these and other educational centers, and guests from several companies in the region were able to see the demonstrations at the event up close. "Welcoming students from some of the main technological education institutions in Brazil at our event gives us the opportunity to present AGCO to potential professionals in the training phase", says Manoel Filho, continuous improvement manager at AGCO.

Check out some of the technologies that were presented in Mogi de Cruzes:

Industry 4.0 Mobile School – Created by SENAI, the Escola Móvel Indústria 4.0 is a trailer that brings demonstrations of the evolution of automation in industry, as well as educational materials on the latest in connected manufacturing technologies.

Virtual Reality for Ergonomics – Result of the partnership between ITA and Siemens, the Virtual Reality system uses video capture to carry out a real-time analysis of the efforts and movements that the employee makes during the workday and the ergonomic consequences of these activities.

Exoskeletons – New in Brazilian factories, the equipment is attached to the operator's body, offering support and providing more comfortable and healthy positions during repetitive movements or those that require physical strength.

Google Glass – Augmented reality glasses that show the employee information, tasks and photos on the screen just above the field of vision, facilitating the execution of the operation. Currently, the devices are used by quality inspectors at AGCO plants in Mogi das Cruzes (SP), Canoas and Ibirubá (RS).

3D Printers – Already in operation at AGCO units in Canoas (RS), Mogi das Cruzes (SP) and Santa Rosa (RS), the equipment is used to quickly and accurately manufacture everything from prototypes of new components to templates that help in the production of new parts or products.

AGVs (Automatically Guided Vehicle, in English) - Robotic and self-driving platforms, which trace a programmed route to transport monoblocks through the factory. Before the use of this technology, assembly was done with easels fixed to the floor on "rails". With AGVs, employees carry out installations and checks while the component is automatically guided through the plant. The technology is also used in the logistics of supplying materials to production lines.

Cobots (collaborative robots) – Cobots, already being tested at the AGCO unit in Mogi das Cruzes (SP), can carry out their activities in the same environments as the operator, with due safety. The robots are easily programmable and can be guided manually, or taught to follow the path alone. In addition to having devices to limit force and power, the operating speed reduces when it senses the presence of a human around it, guaranteeing total safety for operators.

Virtual factory model and virtual simulation (Plant Simulation) – Through prior reading carried out with lasers, a 3D model of the factory is created on a computer, which guarantees accuracy of up to 6 millimeters. This way, those responsible can quickly scan and simulate future process designs, adapting the internal organization of production lines, whether to receive new products or optimize activities.