108 What metalworking process turns bars of steel into thin sheets? ROBOTS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Robots play a vital role in the modern automotive industry, transforming the way vehicles are designed and produced. Today, advanced robotic systems perform a wide variety of tasks with precision, speed, and consistency that humans alone could not achieve. Types and applications of robots Different types of robots are used across automotive plants. Articulated robots, with multiple joints, are common for welding and assembling car components, while SCARA robots are used for tasks requiring high-speed accuracy, such as installing small electronic parts. Painting robots guarantee an even coating on every surface, avoiding waste and health risks for human workers. More recently, collaborative robots (also called cobots) have been introduced to work side by side with people, assisting in flexible tasks like quality control or final assembly thanks to their being smaller, lighter, and easier to program. Cobot axle: albero di trasmissione coating: rivestimento even: uniforme to roll off: uscire to rust-proof: dare l'antiruggine to seal: sigillare 248 MECHANICS Automated assembly line To assemble cars, a modern car plant uses robots operating on automated assembly lines. The human operators working at the line have to check these computer-controlled machines and read the technical schematics. The assembly line is developed into workstations: when a station is finished with a car, it passes it on to the next. By having three stations, three cars can be operated on at the same time, each at a different stage of assembly. Starting with the floor, which is pressed from sheet steel , the car passes on to the next workstations, where parts and components are welded together, and the sealing operations can be carried out. The body of the car is then rust-proofed and painted by cartesian and 6-axis articulated robots. Finally, the engine, transmission, axles, suspension, seats, doors, windows and wheels are added before the completed car rolls off the production line. Advantages of robotics in the automotive industry Increased production efficiency as robots operate continuously without fatigue. Product quality becomes more consistent, with fewer defects. Worker safety is improved, since robots handle dangerous or repetitive tasks. Flexibility rises, as robots can be reprogrammed quickly for new car models.