Robotising, but how? Evidence from the automotive sector in South Africa

Abstract

PurposeThis paper focuses on understanding firm-level determinants of industrial robots' adoption and how these determinants result in heterogenous processes of robotisation across firms within the same sector. The paper presents results from in-depth case studies of final assemblers in the South African automotive sector.Design/methodology/approachThe research has been conducted through multiple case studies with a focus on final assemblers. During the case studies, as well as before and after it, data coming from in-depth semi-structured interviews were triangulated with secondary data available from the international database on industrial robots' adoption and documents provided by firms and institutions.FindingsThis paper identifies three firm-level determinants of robotisation – i.e. modularity of the production process, flexibility in the use of technology and stability in product design. The results also showed that firms' robotisation depend on each of these determinants as well as their interdependence. The authors introduce a framework to study interdependence between these technology–organisational choices, which reveals heterogenous patterns of technology deployment and related managerial implications.Originality/valueThis research introduces a new framework on factors driving industrial robotisation – a key digital production technology – and offers empirical evidence of the heterogenous deployment of this technology. The authors identify two main manufacturing approaches to robotisation in the automotive sector: one in which the firm designs a robotised process around a certain product design – i.e. the German/American way and one in which the firm designs its product based on certain robotised processes – i.e. the Japanese way. These findings are valuable for both industry, operational research and the scientific community as they reveal heterogeneity on the “how” of robotisation and implications for manufacturing technology management.

Use of robots in the automotive sector

“…But more research is needed, especially with regard to the connection between technical realities and product and production aspects of organizational process. Anzolin and Andreoni (2023) explore these shop floor-level elements in a study involving South African subsidiaries of international firms and also system integrator companies. In addition, the authors examine why adoption of automation can differ between firms from the same industry, even when similar products are made.…”

Significance of Industry 4.0 technologies in major work functions of manufacturing for sustainable development of small and medium‐sized enterprises

“…Streamline production activities, reduce lead times, and improve overall productivity (Anzolin & Andreoni, 2023;Bueno et al, 2020;Krzywdzinski & Jo, 2022;Mortimer, 2006;Syed et al, 2020;Wilson, 2010) 3D printing Enables on-demand production, reducing lead times, inventory costs, and waste (Bueno et al, 2020;Chi et al, 2022;Dilberoglu et al, 2017;Ferreira et al, 2023;Savsani et al, 2023) systematic planning, implementation, and monitoring of all activities to improve product quality or services, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction (Claver et al, 2003). I4.0 technologies can enhance customer satisfaction when integrated with QM principles such as Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and ISO Standards (Chiarini, 2020;Nicholas, 2016;Patyal & Maddulety, 2015).…”

“…This connectivity facilitates better communication between different departments involved in PPEC. The use of robots and autonomous vehicles on the shop floor can streamline production activities, reduce lead times, and improve overall productivity (Anzolin & Andreoni, 2023; Syed et al, 2020). These systems can be integrated into the PPEC process to optimize material flow, reduce human intervention, and promote reliable, effective production methods in smart manufacturing systems (Bueno et al, 2020).…”