Renault F1 team chooses Plataine IIoT optimization system

Renault F1 Team has announced that it will implement Plataine’s (Waltham, Mass., U.S.) artificial intelligence (AI)-based Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solution at its Enstone, U.K., manufacturing facility to automate its composites manufacturing processes. The new system is intended to improve on-time delivery, operations efficiency and full digital traceability. 

Renault uses composites to produce the chassis and gearbox of its single seater, but its tight racing schedule and innovation cycle cause the production plans to change frequently, requiring the team to produce new, customized parts on short notice.

Renault is deploying Plataine’s sensor network to ease this process by enabling real-time visibility and automated tracking of the company’s material assets. The system’s optimized material selection application manages real-time material tracking of time-sensitive composite prepregs, so the team can track how long materials have been out of the freezer and where they are. The company says this application ensures materials are being consumed optimally and the team can deliver parts for each race on time. All data along the material’s lifecycle — from raw material, through layup and curing, to finished part — is digitally and automatically logged to create a digital thread, ensuring every component can be traced through every stage of production.

The overall result, the company says, is the automation of repetitive manual processes, enhanced production flexibility and quality control.
 

 

“We see the software as a digital assistant — it constantly analyzes production data and offers our operators and managers alerts and smart recommendations in real-time. Our manufacturing process has become more efficient and flexible. This is crucial given the conditions we operate under — where there is literally no room for errors,” says Ian Pearce, head of production at Renault F1 Team Ltd.

“Producing F1 cars requires the highest levels of production agility and response to changes. Plataine is proud to support Renault F1 Team on their digital transformation journey, providing actionable insights and AI-based recommendations to production staff and managers, enabling Renault F1 Team to continuously shorten manufacturing cycles and improve its operations,” says Avner Ben-Bassat, president and CEO of Plataine.