TE Connectivity Advances Automated Wiring Harness Production in Next2OEM Project
TE Connectivity helped demonstrate that flexible cable harnesses can be handled and assembled automatically, a step toward cost-saving production for future vehicles.
10 companies
What Happened
TE Connectivity, a leader in connectors and sensors, contributed to the Next2OEM project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The project focused on end-to-end automation of wiring harness production, from manufacturing to vehicle installation. TE helped design components and mechanical interfaces for stable automated handling.
“In the Next2OEM project, we have consistently developed our connection technology from the perspective of the automated process chain – not only in terms of electrical performance, but with a clear focus on industrial robotic processing. The great interest from the market shows that automation-compatible wiring harness components are a decisive lever for future series processes.”
The project involved collaboration among 10 companies across the entire process chain. TE plans to transfer the results to series production for future vehicle platforms, though additional automation solutions are needed for complex wiring harnesses.
Why this matters
Automated wiring harness production can reduce manual labor costs and improve consistency, making vehicle manufacturing more efficient and supporting the shift to electric vehicles.
Terms in This Story
- Wiring harness
- An assembly of wires, cables, and connectors that transmit electrical power and signals in a vehicle or machine.
- OEM
- Original Equipment Manufacturer; a company that makes components for use in another company's final product.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.