Tech Talk is a series of interviews that introduce you to some inspiring personalities within and outside of MD and the world of technology, innovation, and more.
In this edition, we met up with Oscar Vega, Project & Application Engineering Manager at MD ELEKTRONIK Group`s Plant in Mexico, to talk about how cable assembly will look like in the future and especially what impact automation and AI (Artificial Intelligence) will have.
Oscar, please tell us a bit about yourself, both personally and professionally
My name is Oscar Vega, I’m 32 years old, happily married and father of a little girl called Renata. I was born in Harbor City, California, but spent my formative years in Mexico in a city called Zacapu, located in the state of Michoacan. Beyond my family, my second greatest passion is to work as a Project & Application Engineering Manager at MD. In this position, I often work inter-departmentally to support the company and my colleagues across various areas. I am passionate about my work, which I find truly inspiring. I’m excited about the recent advancements in car design, particularly in the interiors. It’s exciting to see our industry moving toward a more innovative and sustainable future. As someone who loves intelligent car technologies, I’m eager to see what the future holds.
What role will automation and AI play in the manufacturing of future cable assemblies?
Automation and AI will transform the manufacturing of future cable assemblies by improving precision, efficiency, and quality. Automation will make production faster, reduce mistakes, and increase output. AI will enhance design and testing capabilities, predict maintenance needs, and ensure consistent quality. Humans will need to adapt to these changes and work alongside AI to maximize benefits.
However, it is important to remember that humans remain at the heart of this transformation, offering oversight, making crucial decisions and considering ethical implications. Together, automation, AI and human collaboration can create a safer, smarter and more sustainable future for the automotive industry accelerating production, lowering costs, and meeting the advanced demands of new technologies.
How does the integration of electronics into cable systems affect the design and functionality?
The integration of electronics into cable systems significantly enhances functionality and enables multiple complex tasks such as signal processing, data transmission and power management in a single assembly. By consolidating these functions, the need for multiple separate components is reduced, simplifying the overall design and increasing reliability by reducing potential points of failure.
In addition, embedded electronics improve the performance of these cables, especially in harsh environments. They enable real-time health monitoring, diagnostics and predictive maintenance, helping to maintain optimal performance and reduce downtime.
These benefits are critical in today’s vehicles. Sophisticated electronic systems for navigation, collision avoidance and automatic braking rely on integrated cable systems for seamless communication and efficient power management. The use of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques further enhances the durability and efficiency of these cable assemblies.
Looking to the future, advancements such as automotive Ethernet and the integration of the Internet of Things into vehicles will further enhance the capabilities of these systems, enabling faster data transfer and more connected, intelligent vehicle systems.
How are the QM standards evolving, and how can automotive suppliers prepare to meet these changes?
Quality management (QM) standards are becoming increasingly stringent and comprehensive, driven by the need for greater safety and reliability in the automotive industry. To meet these evolving standards, automotive cable suppliers can take several proactive steps.
First, staying informed is critical; suppliers should regularly update their knowledge of new QM standards and regulations to ensure compliance.
Investing in technology is another key strategy, involving the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and quality control systems to improve production processes.
Ongoing employee training is essential to ensure that all staff are aware of and able to comply with the latest standards. Improving testing procedures is important; suppliers should adopt more rigorous testing and inspection processes to ensure product quality.
Finally, working closely with OEMs helps suppliers understand and meet specific requirements and expectations, fostering a partnership that ensures alignment with the highest standards of quality and safety.
With increasing demand for complex assemblies, how can automotive suppliers ensure robust supply chain capabilities?
Ensuring robust supply chain capabilities in the face of increasing demand for complex assemblies is a major challenge for automotive cable suppliers. To address this, suppliers should focus on several key strategies. First, building strong relationships with reliable suppliers is essential to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery of components.
Diversifying the supplier base by sourcing from multiple suppliers can mitigate risk and prevent disruptions. Implementing advanced technology, such as real-time tracking software and efficient inventory management systems, improves overall supply chain visibility and efficiency.
Accurate demand forecasting is critical, as it allows suppliers to plan production and manage inventory levels effectively. Maintaining flexibility is also important, as it enables suppliers to respond quickly to changes or unexpected issues within the supply chain. By focusing on these strategies, automotive suppliers can effectively manage the complexity of their supply chains and meet the growing demands of the industry.
How important is collaboration between OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology providers in shaping the future of cable assembly?
From my perspective, collaboration between OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and technology providers is critical to shaping the future of cable assembly. As electric cars become more prevalent, automakers are adopting new technologies such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and AI, which require innovative approaches in our manufacturing world. This will require close collaboration between all parties to ensure that cable assembly meets the evolving needs of the automotive industry, ensuring a safe and successful future.
How is MD ELEKTRONIK contributing to the advancements in cable assembly technology, that we just talked about?
At MD, we are at the forefront of innovations in cable assembly technology. We’ve significantly increased automation in our production processes and are looking to integrate AI in the future, enhancing our ability to deliver superior solutions globally. We invest heavily in the development of our own production machinery and tooling, and ensure our products meet stringent automotive requirements through rigorous testing in our accredited in-house laboratories. We also ensure robust supply chains by developing local suppliers and expanding our analytical teams to anticipate changes in demand. Our close collaboration with OEMs, technology providers and suppliers alike enables us to shape our future within the automotive cable assembly industry.
Automation and AI Revolutionize Cable Assembly Manufacturing and Design
Automation and AI will revolutionize cable assembly manufacturing by improving precision, efficiency and quality, resulting in faster production, fewer defects and higher output. The integration of electronics into cable systems allows for more complex tasks, improving the functionality and reliability of solutions. Evolving quality management standards in the automotive industry require suppliers to stay informed, invest in advanced technologies, ensure rigorous testing and maintain close collaboration with OEMs. To meet the increasing demand for complex assemblies, suppliers must focus on strong supplier relationships, diversified sourcing, advanced technology implementation, accurate demand forecasting and maintaining flexibility.
MD ELEKTRONIK is leading the way in cable assembly technology by increasing automation, planning AI integration, investing in its own production machinery and working closely with OEMs, technology providers and suppliers.
High-performance, extremely reliable data connections are the backbone of tomorrow’s mobility. MD ELEKTRONIK is at the forefront of these technologies and leading the way with an international network of experts. Contact us now and find out more about the latest innovations!