Rockwell Automation opens new electric vehicle innovation centre

June 28, 2019 – Rockwell Automation has opened a new 8,000 square-foot Electric Vehicle (EV) Innovation Center in San Jose, California.

The building, at 111 North Market Street, is located within Rockwell’s Information Solutions development facility. The centre will provide live manufacturing demonstrations, hands-on trials using new technology, and events showcasing collaboration with industry experts and Rockwell Automation partners.

Using augmented and virtual reality modeling, the EV Innovation Center provides automotive start-ups and established manufacturers an environment to learn new technologies and standards, enabling them to deliver electric vehicles to market faster.

Available at the site is Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk InnovationSuite, powered by PTC, an integrated solution that combines software from PTC and Rockwell Automation. Similarly, Eagle Technologies provides the battery pack assembly machine, and FANUC furnishes robot technologies, both integrated with Rockwell Automation technology.

Hirata, a turn-key assembly line builder, provides an assembly cell that demonstrates electric drive unit assembly and testing. Emulate 3D, Rockwell Automation’s simulation software, helps to prototype and test machines before they’re built. teamtechnik performs functional testing to confirm performance before building the drive into the electric vehicle.

“With growing global consumer demand, electric vehicle companies are challenged to meet aggressive production timelines,” says John Kacsur, vice-president, automotive and tire industries for Rockwell Automation. “We established the Electric Vehicle Innovation Center to expand their possibilities and get their products to consumers quickly and at the lowest possible cost, while operating more efficiently.”

Kacsur notes that the EV Center supports digitalization efforts not only for auto and tire customers but for customers in all industries. Customers are welcome to visit the EV Center and consult with industry experts.

By 2040, it’s expected that 54 per cent of new vehicle sales will be electric vehicles, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Batteries currently represent a third of the cost of an EV. As battery costs continue to fall, demand for EVs will rise, with up to 40 million new EV batteries needed annually to power new vehicles.