Komax actively develops and shapes technological change and invests in forward-looking innovations – for example, as a partner of the international research platform ARENA2036 in Stuttgart. Experts from science and business are working in interdisciplinary teams on a state-of-the-art campus. The goal is to achieve disruptive solutions and breakthrough innovations that can be transferred to industry. 

Komax is involved in ARENA2036 as part of the “Innovationsinitiative Leitungssatz” (wire harness innovation initiative – IILS) and contributes important core competencies in this area. In fact, as one of the most complex components, wire harnesses are playing an increasingly important role in the entire automotive industry, especially in areas like electromobility and autonomous driving. 

Christian Infanger, Director Product Group Harness Machine at Komax, tells us about the sub-project “Design Rules for Wire Harness Automation”.

What is the background to Komax’s involvement in IILS?

The electrical/electronic system plays a pivotal role in today’s vehicles. The wire harness is actually the single most expensive electrical-electronic part. However, the current strategy of manual production in countries with low labor costs is increasingly reaching its limits. A higher degree of automation is therefore imperative for ensuring reliable wire processing and stable supply chains.

What advantages does IILS offer over other bodies?

For us, IILS is a central platform for pre-competitive cooperation with important industry representatives as part of the sub-projects, and a means of jointly discussing various pathways to solutions. This is particularly important because boundary conditions are already defined in the vehicle concept development phase, and these have a direct impact on wire harness production. I’m particularly thinking of the location of control units and the selection of wire harness components, which can present unexpected challenges for subsequent automation.

What do you think of the cooperation as part of IILS so far?

We consider it very effective because it combines expertise from business and science at all stages of the value chain. In our view, this approach is indispensable for achieving significant progress in wire harness automation. We are therefore pleased to see a number of well-known international partners getting involved in order to find viable solutions that are recognized throughout the industry.

Your specific topic is designing wire harnesses that are suitable for automation.

Exactly. In an initial sub-project, we developed guidelines for designing wire harnesses with automation in mind. Important indicators for assessing automation capability include the number of different components, the complexity of processing and the actual structure of the wire harness. Our guidelines include both, a set of rules (with the ability to digitally evaluate compliance), and recommendations that are less binding. 

What do you and your team hope to achieve through this?

One of our stated goals is to project the effects of technology decisions on the wire harness as early as the vehicle concept development stage.

Why is this so important?

The manufacturing process of a wire harness is passing various disciplines from its development to its assembly in the vehicle. A holistic view of the entire value chain is therefore a key factor in enabling more efficient wire harness production. The various motivations and experiences should be incorporated into earlier project phases through closer coordination between the individual companies. This avoids barriers to automation and makes it economically more attractive. 

So where do you go from here?

Within this sub-project, we want to raise awareness of highly automated wire harness production. Experience from manufacturing is now integrated into the design and development process. This helps us to identify or prevent problems at an early stage. In addition, the guidelines are tested for their applicability to actual wire harnesses by means of plausibility checks. From there, we can estimate which aspects of automation can actually be achieved.

Thank you very much. We wish you every success!


> Go to project: https://www.arena2036.de/en/innovation-initiative-wire-harness