In April 2021, atlas Copco's high-end power tools, the Tensor IxB product line, was officially launched in the Chinese market. This is Atlas Copco's first generation of integrated control sensor-type wireless battery tools, eliminating the hardware of the controller, building the controller function into the tool itself, and bringing a new tightening assembly experience with a more flexible and efficient, intelligently connected and easy-to-operate product design, making tightening work more flexible.
Connectivity is making manufacturing digital, more flexible, and more sustainable, but it's a double-edged sword for automakers. Growing market demands, stricter sustainability regulations and emerging new technologies mean that automakers must "reinvent" their assembly processes. Reinventing production lines and moving controllers from one assembly line to another requires a lot of manpower. The line operator must release the controller from the rack, make physical movements, establish network branches by laying new cables, and then connect them to production. Basically having to stop the production line, or bear the cost of doing these jobs on the weekends, reshaping an assembly line can easily take many hours. Atlas Copco's Tensor IxB product line can be connected directly to production systems, remodeling production lines can be done almost "instantly", and automakers can easily collect and report the data they need.
Atlas Copco adheres to the development vision of "Smart Assembly, Data-Driven Future", and has been investing in cutting-edge technology and product change. "In terms of technical challenges and real-world scale, this is probably the most complex product development process we've ever encountered." Jonas Mann, Vice President of Tool and Assembly Systems R&D at Atlas Copco, said, "This is a complete program with different tools, a new software concept, a new connectivity model and a new battery platform. "The Tensor IxB product family disrupts the traditional way controllers work. And for those customers who still need wired connectivity, the controller will continue to be used for years to come, but this new technology is indeed groundbreaking. "This is a historic shift." Tim Mann, Global Product Manager for tensor IxB Series, said, "In a sense, we now have an option for our customers, which is equivalent to switching from a landline to a mobile phone. This is a new platform that will inevitably continue to grow in the future. ”
The Atlas Copco Tensor IxB product range includes two categories and a variety of tool accessories. The compact and lightweight ICB tool won the "Red Dot Design Award 2021", significantly improving the ergonomics of plant operators, smaller tightening reaction, adjustable operating position, more comfortable grip experience, and improving the quality of the tightening product. ITB products, which are characterized by high rotational speeds and longer cycle times, approximate the characteristics of cable tools, bring flexibility and intelligence. Wirelessly connect various tool accessories such as wireless sleeve selectors, wireless code scanning devices, digital I/O integrated terminals, and more. The Tensor IxB product range, which is effortlessly accessible even to components located in tight areas, is ideal for working in tight spaces, where battery usage further reduces overall energy consumption.
As part of the Atlas Copco Connected Assembly Platform, Tensor IxB uses the Power Focus virtual station concept, connecting the TT2 full line of tool management software with TN8 software for data collection and analysis, wireless positioning system, operator guidance, tightening quality assurance, etc. Atlas Copco Eco Assembly Systems provides customers with complete solutions to meet their needs.
The highly innovative design of tensor IxB series products, which reduces hardware equipment and total energy consumption, is very much in line with the concept of the smart factory, meets the needs of future production, brings customers a new tightening experience and value, and "continuous innovation for a sustainable future".
Atlas Copco Industrial Technology business area
Great ideas inspire innovation. In the Atlas Copco Industrial Technology business area, we work with our customers to transform industrial ideas into intelligent production assembly solutions and innovative industrial tools. Our passionate employees, expertise and services bring sustainable value to a wide range of industries.
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, atlas Copco Group has customers in 184 countries and employs around 40,000 people. In 2020, the company will generate approximately SEK 100 billion (EUR 10 billion).