Shandong Zhongke Advanced Technology Co has achieved breakthroughs in three core technologies - virtual debugging and digital twin technology, 3D vision combined with robotics, and a domestically produced welding line control system - for automotive welding production lines.

The virtual debugging and digital twin technology is one of Shandong Zhongke Advanced Technology Co's breakthroughs in core technologies. [Photo/Jinan Daily]

Founded in June 2019, the company focuses on advanced manufacturing, new energy, new materials, and artificial intelligence for technological research and industrialization.

Ji Zhonglong, the company's deputy general manager, said that the virtual debugging method is an application of digital twin technology in this field. It simulates the unintegrated production line in a computer system to test and immediately optimize any detected flaws. For potential risks, hypothetical collision tests can be conducted to ensure risk control.

Using new technology for installing and debugging welding production lines not only reduces on-site debugging time by more than half and reduces the number of engineers required, but also shortens the time needed to build the production line from one to two years to just four to five months.

The 3D vision combined with robotics technology allows one production line to produce various car models. [Photo/Jinan Daily]

Another breakthrough is the integration of 3D vision and robotics. "We have equipped robots with 'eyes'. For instance, after placing bins with different parts at workstations, the robots can accurately identify and select the parts," said Chen Ji, director of the company's technology department.

"We provided products for Geely's manufacturing base in Guiyang. One production line can produce nine major car models, including 27 minor models and over 50 different configurations," Chen added.

Moreover, the company's research team has replaced the original imported control system with an industrial control computer, achieving domestic substitution of the automotive welding production line control system. This reduces costs and alleviates supply pressure. The new system has already been applied and is expected to be further promoted.

With its advanced technology and reliable quality, the company has been listed as an approved supplier for automakers such as Geely, BYD, and Tesla, and has been included in the Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology's "intelligent manufacturing system solutions" supplier directory.