Exploring Finnish Manufacturing Excellence

Inspiring Company Tour at AGCO Power and ST-Koneistus

On Thursday, October 24^th, 2024, TECHBOOST representatives participated in the RoboKop project’s company tour to visit AGCO Power Oy and ST-Koneistus Oy. It was an inspiring event, offering a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals, learn about the latest technologies, and network within the Finnish manufacturing sector.

The tour began with an introduction to the Engineering Academy, where we gained valuable insights into the state of advanced manufacturing in Finland.

AGCO Power Oy

AGCO Power Oy, founded in 1940 and based in Linnavuori, Finland, specializes in the production of diesel engines for tractors. The company is a pioneer in leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques to produce high-quality engines for agricultural machinery.

During the visit, the RoboKop team was introduced to AGCO’s new manufacturing line, called StreamLINe. This innovative line streamlines the manufacturing process by integrating two previous production lines under one roof (One Roof was the initial name of this project, before changing to StreamLINe). More information about the project can be found here.

• Advanced Digital Tools and Smart Manufacturing: AGCO Power has embraced cutting-edge digital tools to support its manufacturing processes. These include digital twins, which allow virtual simulations of their assembly lines to optimize production and identify potential bottlenecks before they occur. The company also utilizes predictive maintenance powered by AI, ensuring machinery operates efficiently with minimal downtime.
• Sustainability Initiatives: A key focus of AGCO Power’s operations is sustainability. The company has implemented energy-efficient practices and is exploring the use of renewable energy sources in its facilities. Additionally, AGCO is innovating in producing cleaner engine technologies, reducing emissions from agricultural machinery. For example, the AGCO Power CORE™ Enginesseriesare designed for high efficiency and are compatible with renewable diesel, enabling up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The CORE75 model was awarded “Engine of the Year” at the Diesel Progress Summit Awards 2023 for its innovative design, superior performance, and ability to use renewable energy fuel.

• Work Safety: AGCO Power places great emphasis on work safety. Strict cleanliness protocols are observed, with forklifts restricted beyond certain areas and mobile robots routinely cleaned after external trips. Lean principles are also implemented, such as maintaining optimal lighting, reducing noise, and ensuring operators have easy access to the tools they need. All tool racks are capped at 160 cm to ensure visibility and reachability, promoting both safety and efficiency.
  
• Production Efficiency through Automation: AGCO’s focus on automation was also evident. The facility employs advanced automation systems for parts transportation, including automated storage, conveyor transfers, and mobile robots, which work in synchronization with human operators. These innovations have improved the production process, ensuring that raw materials are sorted and delivered without delay, thus boosting overall efficiency. In the production facilities, we were able to take a close look at the different forms of human-robot cooperation.

More about AGCO Power:
Website: https://www.agcopower.com/
See how AGCO Power is using robotics in their production: https://youtu.be/QMRQoEAnJRw?si=KQj8Lv2GS_7dGGiE

ST-Koneistus Oy

ST-Koneistus Oy, a smaller manufacturer located in Finland, focuses on the production of hydraulic manifolds. Despite its size, the company excels in precision manufacturing, specializing in small batch CNC parts production—typically ranging from as few as 2 pieces up to 100 pieces, with an average batch size of 10-50 pieces.

The visit highlighted ST-Koneistus’ capability to produce highly specialized components efficiently. Their small-batch production focus makes them an ideal choice for clients needing precise, low-volume manufacturing solutions.

• Flexibility in Manufacturing: As a subcontractor, ST-Koneistus has developed flexible machine setups that allow them to adapt quickly to client needs. This flexibility enables them to prototype new products continuously, keeping them at the forefront of manufacturing technology.
• Commitment to Technological Advancements: The company recently expanded its facilities to include a new area with automatic tool-changing stations, effectively doubling their production rate. Additionally, they are beginning to implement clean room standards to manufacture components with high specifications, further enhancing their capabilities and commitment to meeting industry demands.

More about ST-Koneistus
Website: https://www.st-koneistus.fi/en/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@st-koneistus712

Overall, the visit provided TECHBOOST and RoboKop students with valuable insights into how Finnish manufacturers, regardless of scale, are adopting automation, human-robot synchronization, and lean principles to stay competitive. Both AGCO Power and ST-Koneistus are great examples of innovation—whether it’s large-scale manufacturing efficiency or specialized small-batch production, they are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.

Stay tuned as TECHBOOST continues to support Finnish SMEs in adopting and advancing their use of new technologies, helping them to become more competitive in the global marketplace.

References

[1] https://businesstampere.com/agcos-multi-million-investment-created-the-worlds-most-modern-engine-factory-in-linnavuori-tampere-region-finland/

[2] https://www.agcopower.com/product/core75/

[3] Malik, Ali Ahmad & Bilberg, Arne. (2019). Developing a reference model for human–robot interaction. International Journal for Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM). 10.1007/s12008-019-00591-6.

[4] https://www.st-koneistus.fi/en/production-and-machinery/