Climate protection, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency have been all the rage, and not just since the "Fridays for Future" demonstrations. In order to meet the changing demands of consumers, the market and politicians, companies have to come up with something. The problem: current studies such as the "Global Top 100" report by the consultancy firm Corporate Knights see German providers lagging far behind other countries in terms of sustainability. According to the report, only four German companies are among the top 100 most sustainable corporations in the world. Companies from Denmark, France and Finland lead the way. The following comments discuss what is important when it comes to sustainable production.

Sustainability is no longer a niche topic, but should be comprehensively and strategically integrated into operational processes. This includes cost, energy and waste reduction as well as innovative strategies and solutions that promote green concepts and competitive strength. In addition, manufacturers should always act in a resource-conserving and flexible manner, focusing on safety and being able to react to fluctuating demand and increasing adaptability. Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role when it comes to acquiring and retaining new customers and tapping into new markets.

Sustainable through operational excellence

Reliable, safe and high-quality production is the key to operational excellence. Manufacturers need to predict problems in their production lines better than ever to avoid production stops or quality losses. In this context, artificial intelligence is a key technology that offers advanced solutions for predictive maintenance and now also for entire machines and production lines. Huge amounts of data must be analyzed using data analysis methods and powerful AI controllers at machine level ("at the edge") as well as smart sensors - in real time and exactly where the data is generated, i.e. in the machine or line. With the help of 'AI at the edge', machine operators are always informed about the current production status and future challenges so that production downtimes can be avoided as far as possible and companies can maintain and even improve their product quality. Artificial intelligence along the production chain with predictive maintenance and process control thus helps to improve production, extend the service life of machines and increase resource efficiency.

One example of what an international sustainability strategy can look like is provided by automation expert Omron. Founded in Japan in 1933, the company supports customers in various fields of application - from industrial automation and the production of electronic components to battery electrodes, battery cells and modules and healthcare. For Omron, sustainable manufacturing is linked to innovative technologies, particularly in connection with artificial intelligence. The portfolio also includes energy management for entire production lines and processes as well as exemplary solutions in the field of temperature control and motion control. This allows energy consumption to be reduced by up to 50 percent, for example.

Sustainability beyond the factory

According to Omron, environmental protection should be part of corporate responsibility. Based on this responsibility, the company developed its own ideas on environmental protection in May 2002 with "Green Omron 21". The aim of this vision is to contribute to the sustainable development of society and at the same time to maximize value creation as a company in the long term. A central aspect is factory automation, which is a critical element in the production of vehicles and in the food industry and its machines. In the area of energy management, the introduction of renewable energies is to be promoted and_{CO2 emissions} reduced. Together with partners, Omron wants to promote electrification, particularly in the area of mobility, for the benefit of a clean environment.

Take factory automation, for example: Omrons supports this area with its iAutomation! concept and a scalable platform for the factory of the future based on artificial intelligence. iAutomation! comprises solutions, devices and services for factory automation, including intelligent sensors, stationary and mobile robots, cobots, image processing technologies, safety and risk management services, AI controllers, control systems and drives. A key focus of this sustainability concept is the interaction and integrability of the various solutions, which go far beyond the possibilities of isolated automation approaches.

Take e-mobility, for example: battery cell production is an important business area that the company wants to shape with sustainable approaches. European suppliers want to set themselves apart from the big players from Asia in this area with better quality, more efficient production and optimized use of resources. Omron's goal is to save more than ten percent of excess material. As e-mobilization progresses, more and more advanced battery technologies need to be developed in order to increase the reliability, safety and operation of various vehicle types. In the widely used cylindrical cells, the active layers are wrapped around the inner electrode. In contrast, in pouch cells, the stacked layers are enclosed in a flexible outer shell, usually made of aluminum. Pouch batteries of this type meet some of the most important current requirements in industry and the automotive sector. For example, due to their flat and more flexible shape, they are easier to install in vehicles, offer a longer service life and are less susceptible to damage from electrical charging and discharging processes. At the same time, these batteries run more safely and consistently at lower and constant cell temperatures.

However, the production of pouch cells is also more complex and much more demanding than the production of cylindrical batteries. This in turn places special demands on the production approach and technology. In this regard, companies are increasingly focusing on production processes supported by artificial intelligence in order to optimize and strengthen machine efficiency and zero-defect production. Omron's iAutomation! concept combines artificial intelligence, sensors, control, safety and robotics in an automation platform to develop a comprehensive application solution that supports the reliable, sustainable and high-quality production of pouch batteries. Artificial intelligence meets all customer requirements in terms of product quality and efficiency. Production lines can be adapted to changing requirements much faster and more flexibly than before, which is essential as e-mobility is subject to constant change - batteries must take this development into account.

In addition, Omron supports its customers with independently functioning solutions for inspecting battery cells that are fully integrated into the line, as well as in electrode production and ultimately in the manufacture of battery modules. The company's automation solution also optimizes leak and vacuum measurement as well as end-to-end traceability over the lifetime of the cell in pouch battery production.

Henry Claussnitzer, Business Engagement Automotive, EMEA, Omron Europe / ag