Manufacturing automation is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The interconnection of machines, sensors, and systems through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), combined with the use of artificial intelligence, is opening up new possibilities in process control, predictive maintenance, and quality assurance.
Today, these technologies represent a key pillar of industrial production – increasing productivity, safety, and sustainability while enabling more efficient use of resources and reduced costs.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
At the core of modern automation lies the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This concept connects machines, sensors, and systems into a single, data-driven ecosystem. IIoT data provides real-time insight into equipment condition and production processes, enables predictive maintenance, reduces downtime, and optimises energy consumption.
Thanks to sensors, equipment continuously monitors parameters such as temperature, vibration, or electrical current, allowing deviations to be detected and addressed before they affect quality or productivity. The result is higher reliability, improved planning, and more efficient production management. Automotive Painting Partners (APP) applies these principles across several key areas of operation.
Robotic welding: precision and data combined
The robotisation of welding processes delivers not only higher precision and repeatability, but also the ability to monitor every production step in detail. At APP, we provide comprehensive robotic welding services and tailor-made solutions – from individual operations to complete welding of structural assemblies. We employ advanced robotic and automation technologies that ensure maximum efficiency, flexibility, and technical accuracy.
In cooperation with our subsidiary Engineering Automotive Partners (EAP), we design, build, and operate automated production lines and workstations – both for our own manufacturing and for external projects within the automotive industry.
The integration of sensors and control systems enables continuous monitoring of operational data, condition assessment, and predictive maintenance. This significantly reduces downtime and improves weld quality. Our main robotic line is equipped with the latest generation of Kawasaki welding robots for MIG/MAG arc welding, complemented by handling robots. Fronius welding power sources and Siemens control systems enable online monitoring and real-time communication.
Paint line modernisation: IIoT at the heart of production
Another major step in production digitalisation is the modernisation of the paint line system at our Nymburk facility, introducing IIoT elements directly into the core manufacturing process. Both of our cathodic electrocoating (E-coat) lines are capable of processing up to 10 million square metres of surface area per year, making them among the largest in the Czech Republic. The modernisation will enable comprehensive data collection and evaluation from production operations, allowing us to control processes with even greater precision, respond more rapidly to deviations, and optimise resource utilisation.
Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics
As the volume of production data grows, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning come into play. These technologies transform IIoT sensor data into actionable predictive models – for example, identifying potential equipment failures or optimising production parameters in real time. AI is also increasingly used in quality control, such as visual inspection of surface treatments.
At APP, AI is currently used primarily for long-term quality analysis and to support administrative processes, where it helps track trends, evaluate production data, and support more effective decision-making. In the future, we plan to expand the use of AI directly within production processes as well.
Automation for more efficient and sustainable manufacturing
Modern automation systems deliver higher productivity, energy savings, and more environmentally friendly operations. At the same time, they enhance safety by reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling operation in environments that are unsuitable or hazardous for human workers.
As part of Colegium Holding, which brings together technology companies specialising in industrial manufacturing and engineering, Automotive Painting Partners fully embraces these principles. By integrating development and production, we offer comprehensive solutions – from design and engineering through to the implementation of automated lines and workstations.
Technologies such as IIoT, artificial intelligence, and robotics are not just trends for APP – they represent a clear path towards more efficient, safer, and more sustainable manufacturing in the spirit of Industry 4.0.
