Nissan pushing for more robots at new 'intelligent' factory

Nissan's new eco-friendly Intelligent Factory has hardly any human workers

Like most automakers, Nissan is making big changes to reduce its carbon footprint. Specifically, the automaker plans to go carbon neutral by 2050. But aside from introducing electrified and battery-electric vehicles, Nissan also plans to lower emissions is by changing their production processes. One way of doing so is by establishing the Nissan Intelligent Factory.

What makes Nissan's new “Intelligent Factory” different from others is that there are hardly any human workers. Instead of people, robots do all of the work, from welding to the mounting of components. These robots also do the painting and even inspect the paintwork to ensure it is up to standards. The automaker says the finished product would be the same as if a human worker built the vehicle on the assembly line. Since it is automated, the chance of any human error occurring is also reduced.

According to Nissan, the robots deployed at the Intelligent Factory will have inherited the skills of Japanese “Takumi” master craftsmen. This will also them to manufacture next-generation Nissan vehicles of the highest quality. For the time being, however, the facility will produce the electric Ariya crossover. 

With the use of robots at the Nissan Intelligent Facility, the automaker says they will be able to “diversify work styles to make manufacturing plants where women and the elderly can work with greater ease”. At the same time, they will create an improved environment where a wide range of people can work comfortably.

Nissan's ultimate goal with the new facility is to reduce emissions, allowing them to become carbon neutral by 2050. The automaker aims to electrify all production equipment and switch to full use of renewable and or alternative energy sources at their plants across the globe.

“By rolling out the Nissan Intelligent Factory initiative globally, starting at the Tochigi Plant, we will more flexibly, efficiently, and effectively manufacture next-generation vehicles for a decarbonized society. We will also continue to drive innovation in manufacturing to enrich people's lives and to support Nissan's future growth,” said Hideyuki Sakamoto, Nissan executive vice president for manufacturing and supply chain management.