Aritex

Key factors in Aritex’s turnkey projects in the automotive and aeronautical sectors

analytics@nal3.com — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:33:10 +0000

When analysing a turnkey project once it has been completed, it is easy to focus on the results. However, much of its success will already have been determined long before this point: by how the strategy was defined, the implementation planned and key decisions taken from day one.

Working for major automotive and aeronautics OEMs has taught us that the difference between delivering a turnkey project and exceeding the customer’s expectations does not always lie in the technology used, but in the ability to innovate and the expertise applied to every decision.

What happens before, during and after a project has a decisive influence on the final outcome. Over the years, this accumulated knowledge has made experience a key criterion for decision-making, solution design and the execution of every project. This evolution explains much of the added value we provide today at Aritex.

Two sectors, two ways of understanding value

Although a great deal of knowledge can be transferred between the two fields, at Aritex, turnkey projects for the automotive sector and the aeronautical sector are not approached in the same way, because the specific needs of each customer are not the same.

In the automotive sector, the starting point is usually clearly defined. Both the customer and Aritex, as the integrator, have a clear understanding of the standards, technologies, level of automation and expected outcomes. In this context, the distinctive value lies not so much in reinventing the final solution as in executing it with precision, guaranteeing quality and ensuring that deadlines are met without fail.

In the aeronautics sector, however, engineering plays a greater role. Each project may require a different degree of technical development, a specific adaptation to the product, a different level of automation or a solution tailored to the realities of each plant. Here, the difference lies in the ability to understand what the customer really needs and translate that into a coherent technical solution.

This contrast has been a source of learning. Our experience in the automotive sector has provided discipline in execution, planning and control. Our first foray into the aeronautics sector, which began with our first project in 2001, has strengthened our ability to adapt, engage in technical dialogue and develop flexible solutions tailored to each specific case.

Turning Experience into Effective Practice

One of the key lessons learnt in managing the varying complexity of engineering projects in both the aeronautics and automotive sectors has been to understand that success depends not only on the design, but also on how the entire process is planned and coordinated.

In greenfield projects, where a production line is developed from scratch, the key lies in defining the process correctly from the outset and executing it in an organised manner. In brownfield projects, where an existing production line needs to be adapted or improved, another skill comes into play: studying what already exists, understanding the previous process and integrating the changes with the least possible impact.

These lessons continue to be very useful. They teach us to work pragmatically, to make decisions with the project as a whole in mind, and to value engineering not only for what it designs, but for its ability to make execution feasible.

Planning ceases to be just a phase and becomes an advantage

In the automotive sector, sound planning from the outset is key to our success. It is not just a question of organising tasks, but of building a realistic roadmap from the start, with a clear view of timelines, procurement, validations and commissioning.

This approach requires us to anticipate critical decisions, including long-lead items, design validations and project risks. With 65 years’ experience to draw on, we are certain that the better this preparatory work is carried out, the fewer subsequent corrections are required, the greater our ability to meet objectives, and the higher the level of customer satisfaction.

A recent example of this approach is Aritex’s involvement in projects associated with SEAT and Volkswagen’s Small BEV platform. Team coordination, detailed planning and the use of digital validation tools enabled us to successfully address different requirements at two separate plants, whilst maintaining a focus on the quality of execution and meeting deadlines.

The value of understanding customers

Whilst execution carries greater weight in the automotive sector, in aeronautics the key lies in defining the solution. Not because deadlines or costs are any less influential – the importance of these factors is always factored in and emphasised in our planning – but because the project demands a much higher level of alignment between requirements, design and validation.

At Aritex, we take a very clear approach in this regard: before deciding how to solve a problem, we must understand what the customer really expects. This includes their product, their plant or facility, their production rate, their budget, the way they work and their degree of industrial maturity.

Not all aeronautics production lines require the same degree of robotization. Not all draw on the same prior experience, nor can they be validated to the same standard in the early stages. This is why the value lies in adapting the available knowledge to each specific situation and proposing a solution that truly works within that context.

Innovation is not about taking risks systematically

In the aeronautics sector, too, the need to propose new solutions arises more frequently. However, at Aritex we do not view innovation as a blind gamble, but rather as a controlled evolution. When a solution has not been implemented previously with absolute certainty, the process requires prototypes, early testing and validation with the customer.

This approach allows us to move forward without compromising reliability. Innovation yields results when it is accompanied by learning, data and sufficient technical validation to reduce uncertainty before the final machine is produced.

Digital tools have changed the way success is achieved

Two decades ago, most decisions and adjustments were finalised during the commissioning phase. Today, digital tools make it possible to validate a large part of the project much earlier.

Advances in simulation, virtualisation and validation tools have transformed the way Aritex approaches turnkey projects.

Today, much of what used to be resolved on-site can be validated before manufacturing even begins. Offline robot simulation, virtual PLC validation and the development of digital production line environments make it possible to check interferences, cycle times and design decisions at a much earlier stage.

This has reduced reliance on on-site modifications and placed greater emphasis on preliminary engineering. It has also changed the criteria for success: solid commissioning does not depend on good improvisation at the last minute, but on validating everything thoroughly beforehand.

In the automotive sector, this point is particularly important. Even when the customer does not require specific virtual environments, investing in them streamlines subsequent implementation. In aeronautics, whilst it may not always be possible to validate everything to the same standard, any preliminary testing that brings the actual production line closer to expectations helps ensure a more robust commissioning process.

The team’s overall vision matters just as much as specialisation

At Aritex, we understand that for a project to move forward, departments need to work together. Engineering, procurement, production, assembly, programming, project management and customer relations are all part of an interrelated system, from the tender stage right through to final delivery.

This means that decisions cannot be made based solely on a narrow perspective. A drawing is not good simply because it is well drawn. A purchase is not good simply because it fits within budget. A solution is the right one when it helps the project to progress coherently, and this requires professionals with experience, flexibility, communication skills and a holistic view.

At Aritex, moreover, this need is amplified by the international scope of many projects. Working across different countries, offices, languages and cultures can be either an obstacle or an advantage. For us, it is an undeniable advantage, as it enables a smooth flow of information and a very close relationship with the customer. This diversity becomes a real asset in better understanding the context, gaining experience, being more open to different points of view, avoiding misunderstandings and streamlining the phases of the turnkey project.

The key factors that distinguish a standard delivery from a successful project

At Aritex, we highlight three fundamental elements in our turnkey projects:

1. Judicious planning from day one
A solid definition of the project from the outset allows us to anticipate risks, optimise timelines and ensure smooth execution, particularly in the automotive sector where each phase depends on the previous one.

2. Integrated teams with a holistic view of the project
Effective coordination between engineering, procurement, production, assembly and project management is key to ensuring that every decision contributes to the overall objective, rather than merely to a partial optimisation.

3. Ongoing engagement with the customer to get the solution right
Constant dialogue with the customer enables us to align expectations, validate technical decisions and ensure that the final solution truly meets their industrial needs, in both the automotive and aeronautics sectors.

At Aritex, turnkey projects are not seen as a closed product or a one-off delivery, but as a shared process. An approach first developed in the automotive sector and subsequently consolidated in aeronautics and other sectors, in which industrial expertise, technical judgement and close collaboration with the customer enable us to transform an industrial need into a reliable, efficient solution that is ready to deliver results from day one. And, at the same time, to turn every project into an opportunity to continue learning, improving and tackling new challenges with greater confidence.

La entrada Key factors in Aritex’s turnkey projects in the automotive and aeronautical sectors se publicó primero en Aritex.

From university to industry: the future of automotive engineering

analytics@nal3.com — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:30 +0000

In an industry as demanding as the automotive sector, innovation does not depend solely on technology. It also depends on people who are capable of turning an idea into a real solution, working as a team to tackle complex challenges and maintaining excellence even under pressure.

At ARITEX, we experience this reality every day. Industrial projects require the coordination of very different disciplines, the integration of technical knowledge and tackling challenges that rarely have a single solution. That is why we particularly value initiatives that enable future engineers to tackle real-world situations even before they have completed their academic training.

For the past three years, it has been our pleasure to provide support for e-Tech Racing, the Formula Student team at the Barcelona Est School of Engineering (Escola d’Enginyeria de Barcelona Est – EEBE-UPC). This experience has given us a close quarters insight into how some of the most sought-after skills in today’s engineering and automotive sectors are developed.

Much more than just designing a racing car

When people talk about Formula Student, it is easy to think of just competitive racing. However, behind every single-seater racing car lies a much more complex reality.

The students who form part of e-Tech Racing work in areas as diverse as electronics, battery management systems, simulation, aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, systems integration, artificial intelligence and autonomous driving. Throughout the season, they design, validate, manufacture, test and optimise components that must subsequently function as a single system.

Viewed from an industrial standpoint, the parallels are clear.

At ARITEX, we develop projects for car manufacturers that bring together disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation, simulation and software. Each area contributes a fundamental piece to the whole, but the success of the project depends on the ability to integrate them in a coordinated manner. This methodology forms part of our day-to-day work in industrial integration processes for the automotive sector.

The same applies at Formula Student.

A vehicle may incorporate extensive simulation work or an innovative electronic architecture, but if all the systems are not properly integrated, the end result will not meet expectations. Integration remains the true test of engineering.

When engineering becomes a vocation and a commitment

There is another aspect of this type of project that often goes unnoticed and which, in our view, is of immense value.

The members of e-Tech Racing juggle the development of the single-seater with lectures, academic work, work placements and exams. Even so, they devote a significant portion of their free time to the project. They take part in sessions covering manufacturing, validation, simulation, technical training and design reviews because they want to learn, improve and be part of a collective endeavour.

This reality reminds us that engineering is not built solely on technical know-how. It also requires curiosity, perseverance, commitment and a willingness to make sacrifices.

But there is an additional element that is particularly inspiring. Each student is responsible for a specific part of the project, although its ultimate success depends on how their work fits in with that of dozens of fellow students. The result does not belong to a single person; it belongs to the team.

In the professional world, exactly the same is true. The most complex challenges are rarely solved simply by applying what has been learnt from a textbook. They demand initiative, adaptability, a collaborative spirit and the willingness to keep on learning.

The value of building something together

Perhaps one of the most important lessons Formula Student offers is the realisation that individual success has a limited impact when working within complex systems.

An algorithm, an electronic circuit board, a structural component or a simulation only make sense when they form part of a system that functions correctly. This is a lesson that is difficult to learn in a classroom, but which is essential in any industrial setting.

Commissioning a production line requires constant coordination between specialists from different fields. Design, manufacturing, integration, programming, simulation, validation and quality are aspects that move forward in parallel and must remain aligned if the targets set for cost, deadline and performance are to be met.

That is why it is particularly valuable to see how these students learn, from such an early stage, a reality that will be commonplace in their professional future: the best results are not usually achieved individually, but collectively.

From simulation to reality

Another aspect that connects us most closely with projects such as e-Tech Racing is the importance placed on validation.

Throughout the season, the team works with advanced simulation tools, develops virtual models, validates electronic systems, carries out tests and analyses data before moving on to the physical manufacture and integration of components.

The automotive industry follows a very similar approach. At ARITEX, we use simulation and virtual validation to optimise processes, detect issues in advance and ensure that solutions work before their final implementation on the production line. In fact, engineering applied to the automotive sector demonstrates how simulation and virtual commissioning have become essential tools for reducing risks, optimising resources and improving the efficiency of industrial projects.

Technology is constantly evolving, but the principle remains the same: reducing uncertainty through knowledge, analysis and rigorous work.

An investment in the future of engineering

The automotive sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation driven by electrification, digitalisation, automation and new mobility technologies.

In this context, the industry needs professionals capable of moving effortlessly between different disciplines, understanding complex systems and working together in multidisciplinary environments.

That is why initiatives such as Formula Student have a value that goes above and beyond competition. They represent spaces where learning comes through experience, where mistakes become opportunities for improvement and where teamwork takes on a very real dimension.

After three years of supporting e-Tech Racing, we continue to admire the commitment, dedication and passion that its members bring to every challenge.

Because, beyond the vehicle they build each season, what truly matters are the people who emerge from it: the engineers who will, in the future, help to design, integrate and optimise the solutions that will drive our industry forward.

The future of the industry is built by people capable of turning ideas into reality. Seeing the commitment and dedication of e-Tech Racing, we have no doubt that this future is in safe hands. At ARITEX, we will continue to support initiatives that help train the professionals who will drive the automotive industry of tomorrow.

La entrada From university to industry: the future of automotive engineering se publicó primero en Aritex.

Digitalization and automation in SMEs: how Aritex is democratising Industry 4.0 through ATX Robotics (part 2)

analytics@nal3.com — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 06:00:48 +0000

In the first article in this series, we explained how Aritex brings its expertise in industrial automation to the market through ATX Robotics, focusing on delivering accessible digitalization and automation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. However, these companies often face cultural, economic and technological barriers that hinder the adoption of advanced solutions.

In this second part, we will delve deeper into the challenges of digitalization and automation in SMEs and how Aritex’s methodologies enable these companies to reach new levels of competitiveness. We will also share some specific trends that are already gaining relevance and will shape the roadmap for the future of SMEs in Industry 4.0 and 5.0.

Barriers to the adoption of automation in SMEs

One of the main challenges in implementing digitalization and automation in SMEs is the cultural change it entails. Resistance to change, especially when manual processes have been efficient for years, can generate fear among business-owners and employees. Added to that, many small businesses fear that investing in technology will not translate into a quick return on investment (ROI).

At Aritex, through our ATX Robotics division, we address these barriers by providing ongoing support throughout the automation and digitalization process. This support includes specialised training, assistance with the transition and adaptation of technologies to the specific needs of each company. As a result, SMEs feel confident and empowered to adopt new technologies without fear of the unexpected events.

The importance of automation for the competitiveness of SMEs

To compete with similar or even larger companies, SMEs need to adopt automation in a strategic manner. Industry 4.0 technologies are not just technical improvements, but a way to ensure that companies can become more competitive, efficient, and cost-effective. At Aritex, we see ATX Robotics as a key player in this process, offering automation solutions that allow SMEs to remain competitive in the global market without the high costs of tailor-made projects for large OEMs.

Despite the barriers SMEs face in adopting digitalization and automation, such as resistance to change and the large number of options available, the trust that companies have in the Aritex group brand, built up over its 60-plus year history, is passed on to ATX Robotics. Quality and prestige are combined with key concepts such as the scalability and flexibility of solutions. These factors are crucial in the decision-making process of SMEs, reducing uncertainty and instilling confidence when it comes to choosing us as suppliers and integrators of their digitalization and automation solutions. At ATX Robotics, we do not propose impossible projects. We think about the concrete reality of SMEs with modular products and digital systems that can be easily adapted to their operations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises that implement automation and digitalization solutions experience improvements in their productivity and their ability to innovate and adapt quickly to changing market demands. Therefore digitalization and automation translate into strategic investments and a long-term competitive advantage.

The future of digitalization and automation in SMEs

On the path to digitalization and automation, Aritex and ATX Robotics are in a great position to lead the change in the SME sector. With an approach based on Aritex’s accumulated experience in large-scale international projects, ATX Robotics is helping small and medium-sized enterprises to overcome the barriers to entry into Industry 4.0.

Although traditional welding processes are still the norm in many SMEs, the reality is that today they coexist with new solutions that offer greater precision, efficiency and control. In this context, ATX Robotics’ modular solutions and robotic cells are firmly at the heart of what we offer: compact, affordable systems designed to be easily integrated into any production environment.

When it comes to digitalization, the inclusion of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, holds the promise of further driving the evolution of automation solutions in SMEs. At Aritex, we believe that artificial intelligence in some form or other, whether applied in a simpler or more complex way, will reach in all plants in the very near future. We estimate that within 6 to 18 months, manufacturers of digitalized solutions for SMEs, such as CMMS or SAP systems, will already be developing at least one functionality related to artificial intelligence. These technologies promise to improve process efficiency with greater customisation and optimisation of production.

On the right track for the competitiveness of SMEs in Industry 4.0

Digitalization and automation in SMEs are not just a trend, but a necessity if they want to remain competitive in today’s market. Leading trade fairs, such as Advanced Factories, confirm this fact through the evolution of the solutions currently on display compared to those of previous editions. We have moved on from talking only about industrial robotics to digital transformation being part of the conversation when it comes to progress in the adoption of Industry 4.0.

Thanks to the experience accumulated by Aritex in large-scale projects and its ability to adapt this experience to SMEs, ATX Robotics is positioned as a leader in the democratisation of industrial automation. With the support of Aritex and the specialised approach of ATX Robotics, SMEs can make the leap towards automation and digitalization at their own pace without losing sight of their strategic and operational objectives. The key is understanding that automation is not a luxury reserved only for large corporations, but an accessible tool that can improve the competitiveness of any company, regardless of its size.

This article is part of a series on the digitalisation and automation of SMEs. In the first part, we explain how Aritex, through ATX Robotics, brings modular, scalable solutions tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

Read the first part on digitalisation and automation in SMEs.

La entrada Digitalization and automation in SMEs: how Aritex is democratising Industry 4.0 through ATX Robotics (part 2) se publicó primero en Aritex.

The value of customized engineering in Loxin’s automated solutions

analytics@nal3.com — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:00:23 +0000

Automated solutions are key to optimizing industrial processes and maximizing efficiency in industries such as aeronautics, the rail industry and many others. However, in these kinds of environments, the difference lies not merely in automation, but in how that automation is adapted to each specific case.

At Loxin, as part of the Aritex Group, this is precisely what we focus on: designing and developing systems that do not exist as standard products on the market. Customized engineering translates not only into tailor-made products, but also into a deep understanding of each customer’s unique needs. Furthermore, in many projects, we work in collaboration with other engineering teams at Aritex, combining our capabilities to tackle complex technical challenges.

What are Loxin’s customized automated solutions?

When we talk about an automated machine at Loxin, we are referring to a complete solution that integrates three key elements: the mobile platform, the robot and the end effector.

The key lies not only in each of these components, but in how we combine and adapt them to each process.

Unlike other manufacturers, every project we undertake is unique. We sometimes build on previous designs, but it is always necessary to adapt geometries, access points or functionalities. In practice, this involves designing a new solution or a significant evolution of an existing one.

Customization as a starting point

At Loxin, customization isn’t an added value: it’s the basis of our work.

Many of the projects we undertake:

have no standard solution available
require combining technologies that have not previously been used together
involve evaluating solutions that entail a certain level of technical uncertainty

At the same time, we also work in industries such as the rail industry, where the conditions are different, but where we apply knowledge developed in aeronautics to adapt proven solutions to new requirements.

The benefits of customization in automation

Customization is fundamental to Loxin’s offer. Projects often require a unique solution that cannot be found on the market. Working with tailored solutions allows us to offer clear advantages over standard solutions:

Full adaptation to the customer’s process: We design each solution taking into account materials, geometries, access points and specific tolerances.
Improved productivity and quality: Automation increases repeatability and reduces variability, particularly in critical processes.
Integration with existing industrial processes: Loxin’s machines are designed to integrate seamlessly into environments where customers cannot make major changes to their plant layout. To overcome this challenge, we design compact machines or mobile systems capable of manoeuvring within confined spaces.

Industries that benefit most from Loxin’s automated solutions

In the aeronautics industry, tailored automated solutions are essential due to the high demands for precision and quality in component manufacturing. Loxin has developed machines that enable the automation of processes such as drilling fuselages, a task that was previously carried out manually. These machines not only improve precision but also increase productivity and reduce the risk of human error.

The railway industry also benefits from our customized automated solutions, albeit with less stringent tolerance requirements. In this case, we have adapted the technologies used in the aeronautics industry to create solutions that automate processes in the manufacture of railway components, without compromising the quality of the end product.

The start of the engineering process

The development process for a customized automated machine begins long before the detailed design stage.

The first step is to analyse whether the proposed challenge is technically feasible. In this phase:

we review the customer’s requirements
we assess potential risks
we analyze whether we need to combine previously unused technologies

To this end, the Loxin and Aritex teams work in coordination, involving areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automation and software.

Based on this initial analysis, we define an initial proposal that allows us to specify the solution from a technical and operational perspective. In this phase, we establish the most appropriate machine concept for the process, estimate cycle times and outline the operating strategy, thereby laying the foundations for development of the project.

This approach is merely the starting point. From here, each project enters a technical development phase in which the design, integration and validation of the solution in a real-world environment are defined.

In a forthcoming article, we will examine how this process takes shape and what challenges are involved in taking a customized solution through to its implementation on site.

La entrada The value of customized engineering in Loxin’s automated solutions se publicó primero en Aritex.

Digital twins in manufacturing: from simulation to virtual commissioning

Maribel Jaramillo — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:02:27 +0000

Industry 4.0 has long recognised that the interconnection of systems and data analysis is key to creating smart, competitive factories. Using the ‘digital thread’ concept as the starting point, practically all major companies have made progress in digitalising their processes in order to remain competitive.

The next step is to consolidate the use of ‘digital twins’. Broadly speaking, this technology makes it possible to test any change to an asset (be it an entire production line or part of one, a robot, a welding cell or even a specific software system) using a digital replica, without the need to halt production.

By applying this technology, we can modify production lines or install new assets while minimising the risks associated with any new process and reducing development times. Consequently, the investment required is lower. And there are no unpleasant surprises after commissioning.

At Aritex, we use digital twins as an integral part of our industrial engineering projects, enabling us to validate each solution before implementation. In this article, we explain how to structure this process, which profiles are involved, and how to plan digital twin projects that ensure technical feasibility and a return on investment for your plant. And we emphasise the key phase: virtual commissioning.

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What is a digital twin and why should you think about using it?

Strictly speaking, a digital twin is an exact digital replica of a physical or virtual system, in real time.

As a validation tool, it allows modifications to the system or asset in question to be tested, combining historical data collected over time with the IIoT and digital virtualisation to provide a 360° view of a physical object throughout its lifecycle. The power of this tool lies in its predictive and testing capabilities.

In the words of Aritex’s automation and robotics engineering team, “the best thing about this technology is that virtual commissioning shortens on-site commissioning time and also allows you to test everything risk-free”.

Among the various advantages of working with digital twins, perhaps the most surprising is their ability to anticipate and simulate completely anomalous situations. “Normally, when collisions occur, it is because something happens that doesn’t usually happen, or because that situation hadn’t been considered,” say the engineers at Aritex. “The digital twin allows us to reproduce those kinds of scenarios and validate the system’s behaviour before commissioning.”

This makes it possible to test anti-collision systems between robots without jeopardising any asset and to verify that all safety standards are met without interfering with the actual installation.

The process: From programming to virtual commissioning

The definitive phase is virtual commissioning. In the industrial environment, a digital twin is not merely a replica, but a validation tool that enables us to anticipate the actual behaviour of an installation before commissioning.

Following the programming and 3D modelling phase, the digital twin is ready for virtual commissioning. This is the moment to validate the interaction between control systems, robotics, mechanics and processes in a virtual environment. If everything works perfectly, we can replicate the virtual system we have built so that it works in the real world. If, on the other hand, we discover that there are still problems at this stage, they are corrected before they impact the real project… without compromising a single asset.

Validation phase of a digital twin

Before problem-free commissioning can be achieved, a digital twin goes through several validation phases during which critical aspects of the system are verified. The aim is clear: to detect errors, fine-tune the process and minimise uncertainty as much as possible before work begins in the plant.

Construction of the digital model

A digital replica of the line is developed, incorporating mechanisms, actuators, sensors and the product flow. This foundation allows us to visualise and assess the expected performance of the installation from the outset.

This phase lays the foundation on which all subsequent decisions will be based.

Connecting the actual control logic

PLCs, robotics and native software are tested in an offline environment. This allows the behaviour of the control code to be validated without the risks or unforeseen issues associated with physical installation on-site.

This is where the first system integration errors usually arise.

Validation of the system interaction: Virtual commissioning

The virtual model and control logic are integrated in a real-time runtime environment. This phase is crucial for verifying work sequences, cycle times and safety protocols with absolute precision.

Detecting a fault at this stage helps to prevent plant stoppages, rework and unforeseen costs in subsequent phases.

Optimisation prior to commissioning

Early detection of errors makes it possible to drastically reduce project uncertainty. The end result is a much more streamlined physical installation and a highly reliable system from day one.

When the system arrives in the plant, it is already validated, and commissioning ceases to be a critical phase, becoming instead a controlled process.

Profiles involved in the integration of digital twins

The integration of a digital twin involves coordinating multiple disciplines within a single workflow. It is not just about technology, but about how different engineering disciplines work together to validate the system before commissioning:

Process / Ongoing Improvement Engineers: They identify bottlenecks, analyse cycle times and propose improvement scenarios to be validated in the virtual environment.
Automation and Robotics Engineers: Responsible for programming PLC logic and robot trajectories. Our team of engineers specialising in digital twins points out that “most customers have their own programming standards, which is why our engineers are certified for the majority of manufacturers”.
Data Scientists and IIoT Experts: They ensure that the vast amounts of data from plant sensors are fed into the digital twin correctly so that its simulations accurately reflect reality.
Operations and Maintenance Managers: They use the processed data to plan predictive maintenance stoppages and optimise OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

It is the coordination of these profiles that converts the digital twin from just an isolated simulation into a practical validation tool within the project.

Digital twins in sectors such as Aeronautics and the Automotive industry

Although digital twins can be applied in virtually any industrial environment, there are sectors where their impact is particularly critical. In industries with high technical complexity, minimal tolerances and substantial investment in assets—such as aeronautics and the automotive industry, where Aritex carries out a large proportion of its projects—validating every decision before implementing it is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Digital twins for the Aeronautics and Aerospace industry

In the aeronautics and aerospace industry, this has long been essential. When assembling a commercial aircraft fuselage, tolerances are measured in millimetres, and the materials (such as carbon fibre) are extremely expensive. Connecting CAD (Computer-Aided Design), Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems with advanced analytics systems provides a clear competitive advantage.

By using a digital twin, engineers can simulate how tools and robots will interact with aeronautical components, adjusting riveting or sealing paths to avoid collisions which, in a real-world environment, could result in millions of euros’ worth of damaged material. This makes it possible to validate these interactions with precision before working with real materials, avoiding errors that have a direct impact on costs, deadlines and quality.

Digital twins for the Automotive industry

In automotive plants, time to market is critical. When a manufacturer launches a new vehicle model, the assembly line has to be adapted or completely redesigned within very tight deadlines.

For this type of industry, having a partner like Aritex, which can integrate engineering, simulation, programming and commissioning within a single project, is key to meeting deadlines and minimising risks.

“Otherwise, any error in the earlier stages delays the programming and jeopardises the project’s completion times,” explains Aritex’s team of engineers.

A single, well-coordinated team works in a more streamlined way than multiple suppliers, each of whom is responsible for a different part of the project.

This means that when the plant is shut down to implement the lines, the project has already progressed to the point where all that remains is to download the new programming to the actual controllers (Virtual Commissioning), reducing the re-adjustment time from weeks to just a few days.

In both industries, the use of digital twins not only optimises project performance, but also reduces exposure to risk in phases where any error has a direct impact on costs and deadlines.

Digital twins boost competitiveness

Gone are the days of having to take risks in the plant, halt production or spend weeks making adjustments following any changes to a production line. This is now a thing of the past.

Today, digital twins allow you to anticipate how an installation will behave even before commissioning, validate complex processes and prevent errors that, in a real-world environment, would have a direct impact on time and costs.

The digital twin is a mature tool that prevents faults, saves hundreds of hours of on-site engineering and protects capital investments in industrial projects. It is, in short, a key system for Industry 4.0.

Because duplicating any asset in your plant using a digital twin multiplies your company’s competitiveness.

At Aritex, digital twins are integrated into projects as a key validation tool, ensuring that every installation operates as planned from day one.

Ready to lead the transformation in your company?

At Aritex, we work with you to create digital twins. From the consultancy phase to integration of the software and hardware.

La entrada Digital twins in manufacturing: from simulation to virtual commissioning se publicó primero en Aritex.

Designing and commissioning Aritex body-in-white assembly lines

analytics@nal3.com — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 06:00:16 +0000

One of the most important parts of the production process in the automotive sector is the body-in-white assembly line, a highly automated system that plays a key role in vehicle manufacturing. At Aritex, we specialise in designing, developing and installing this type of production line. The scope of our work spans from receiving the request for quotation (RFQ) to achieving the SOP (Start of Production), when the line reaches series production at the customer’s plant.

In this article, we explore how we approach each stage of the process, from initial analysis of the proposal to delivery of the end product, highlighting the close collaboration between the engineering and sales departments, which provide each other with feedback through a range of channels.

1. What is an RFQ and how does Aritex receive it?

The process of awarding contracts in the automotive industry does not follow the traditional business model. Rather than selling directly, companies need to be approved by the OEMs (original equipment manufacturer) to gain access to their RFQ platforms. This means that even before receiving any requests, Aritex can already guarantee that we are registered and approved to receive invitations to tender.

An RFQ is a formal request from the client (which in the case of car body assembly lines refers to an automotive manufacturer), asking suppliers to submit their technical and commercial proposals. Put like that, it sounds very simple, but it is in fact a long and complex process that involves staff from all departments to ensure a realistic, efficient and cost-effective solution for both the client and Aritex.

When an RFQ arrives at Aritex, the first thing to do is assess the lengthy documents provided by the client. This documentation includes product drawings, line specifications and technical process conditions, among other information. For this phase to be completed, anything from one month to a year can go by, from receipt of the RFQ to awarding of the contract, depending on the scope of work.

2. RFQ analysis: identifying technical and commercial requirements

Once we decide to draw up a proposal, the sales and engineering teams begin working together to analyse the technical specifications, the client’s requirements and the feasibility of the project.

At this stage, the sales team is responsible for managing relationships with clients and potential suppliers during the initial phase.

In turn, the engineering team assesses the initial design to identify any potential technical issues or risks. To resolve these issues, Aritex’s Key Account Managers (KAMs) and engineers document the concerns and hold dedicated meetings with the client’s technical staff to address them, request any missing information or, if the client has not submitted a closed RFQ, propose cost-saving improvements without compromising the efficiency of the new process.

Besides the technical and commercial analyses, the Procurement Department plays a key role at this stage. Their role involves identifying suppliers capable of meeting the project requirements, checking not only prices but also production capacity, certified quality and realistic lead times. This early assessment enables us to identify risks in the supply chain, propose viable alternatives and ensure that the proposal presented to the client is competitive and doable. Thanks to this work, accurate cost estimates are produced and subsequent deviations that could affect the project are avoided.

Developing a technical and commercial proposal based on an RFQ is clearly a dynamic process. This is where Aritex’s experience as a systems integrator is crucial. As experts in integrating a range of technologies, from welding to machine vision, our team can identify the most efficient and viable solutions for each project. We also look for potential savings or process improvements that can optimise both costs and production times.

3. Design process: validation and optimisation

When preparing a proposal for a client, one of the key steps is the conceptual design of the body-in-white assembly line, taking into account whether it is a completely new line or whether the project involves upgrading an existing one.

This process begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s specifications. Thanks to our extensive experience, Aritex also has a wealth of its own case studies of successful body-in-white assembly line projects, which are useful for both our sales and engineering teams.

From there on, several concepts for tooling, robots and workstations are evaluated to ensure that the entire process runs efficiently and that the cycle times meet the customer’s requirements. Cycle time is a crucial factor in manufacturing this type of production line. Each station must be designed to complete a task within a specific time frame, ensuring that the line operates at the speed and efficiency required by the customer, so that they all operate at the same pace and allow the output of a body to occur at constant intervals. This synchronization is key to ensuring the capacity, efficiency and stability of the process required by the customer.

Finally, a forward-thinking approach to designing a body-in-white assembly line is essential. We may be explaining all this in a very summarised form, but it it is important to note that it can typically take anywhere from two to four years from the initial RFQ to full commissioning of the production line. This involves discussions with the client on the flexibility required for working on different car models… that do not yet exist or are still under development at the time the production line is being designed.

At Aritex, we work closely with our clients to tailor the design to their needs and the specifications set out in the RFQ, whether by optimising the number of robots at a workstation or by proposing new technologies to improve efficiency.

4. The implementation phase: putting the design into practice

Once the RFQ has been awarded, Aritex receives a purchase order. That is when the implementation phase begins. At this stage, Aritex’s engineers are responsible for the mechanical, electrical and automation design phase. This includes installing robots, welding systems, vision cameras and the other equipment that make up the production line.

Alongside the technical integration, the Procurement Department, which has extensive experience in technically demanding body-in-white assembly line projects, coordinates delivery of all the critical components required for manufacture and assembly of the line. Their work is supported by a certified network of suppliers, who have been assessed in advance for quality, production capacity and reliability, and through continuous monitoring of deliveries.

The Procurement Department also checks that each component meets the technical specifications set by the engineering team, handling incidents and urgent matters where necessary. This coordination is essential to ensure that project deadlines are not affected, particularly in the case of complex manufactured items or off-the-shelf components whose delivery directly impacts workshop planning.

The production process also involves manufacturing tooling and assembly of the line components. As implementation progresses, functional tests are carried out to ensure that each system is operating correctly. The flexibility of all the departments involved in the project is a key factor at this stage, as the need for swift changes or adjustments may arise during implementation.

5. Commissioning and final acceptance

Commissioning and start-up of the line is the final step before the system goes into full production. We should point out that this is a process, as it consists of gradual stages: a comprehensive plan for the launch curve. This process involves commissioning the systems and carrying out functional tests to ensure that the line meets the customer’s quality standards. During this stage, factory acceptance tests are performed to verify that all systems are operational and functioning correctly.

The start-up is carried out in a staggered manner, which means that the line begins to operate in semi-automatic mode and, gradually, the processes are adjusted until the expected performance is achieved.

This ramp-up process is essential to ensure that the line operates without interruptions and with the quality necessary to meet the customer’s requirements.

Finally, the in-plant acceptance test is performed, which validates the correct operation of the system under real production conditions.

Once this phase is over and process stability is achieved, the line is ready for transfer to the customer and the start of series production (SOP).

These stages of pre-acceptance and final acceptance can last 3–6 months and can even last for a year.

6. The importance of coordination between engineering and sales teams

The success of a body-in-white production lines project depends on the quality of the design and execution, and on close collaboration between the sales and engineering teams. At Aritex, we firmly believe in our ability to act as a partner because we fulfil both criteria. Whilst the sales team manages relationships with clients and suppliers, and ensures that everyone’s expectations are in alignment, the engineering team focuses on technical feasibility, ensuring that the design and implementation are realistic and efficient.

What makes Aritex stand out is our ability to provide centralised integration of all the technologies you need. The experience gained from previous projects also enables us to anticipate potential problems and resolve them before they become a risk to the client.

Aritex: your partner in automating body-in-white production lines

We have compressed the details of this process into one short article, but believe us when we say that manufacturing a body-in-white assembly lines is a complex undertaking that requires collaboration across multiple disciplines. At Aritex, we have the experience, expertise and resources needed to provide bespoke solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency and flexibility.

Our ability to integrate advanced technologies, manage process automation and offer a comprehensive approach at every stage of the project positions us as a strategic partner for car manufacturers. The key to our success lies in our ability to adapt to our customers’ needs, ensuring that every production line meets the agreed technical, financial and time-related requirements.

La entrada Designing and commissioning Aritex body-in-white assembly lines se publicó primero en Aritex.

Aircraft tooling design: technical criteria, challenges and trends

analytics@nal3.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:00:30 +0000

There is a key moment in any aeronautical project that is crucial to talk about from an engineering perspective: the aircraft tooling design stage. This entails the development of the tooling, jigs, fixtures and moulds that make it possible to manufacture large-scale airframe components without errors, ensuring they fit together with extremely tight tolerances.

This article offers an overview of aircraft tooling design from the point of view of our specialists, in which we apply our industrial experience to understanding the key challenges that are involved.

Aircraft tooling design is not just a technical discipline: it’s a combination of total precision, method, experience and a long-term vision. Here we’ll explain how Aritex overcomes the main challenges in aircraft tooling design and what opportunities are being created as this process evolves.

What distinguishes aircraft tooling from other sectors?

Tooling is the element that enables a part to be assembled exactly as it was designed. The basic philosophy behind tooling is similar to the one used in the automotive sector: the starting point is a set of geometrical references, or datums, in which the part is positioned accordingly.

In aeronautics, this standard approach to positioning involves a radical shift in scale and responsibility. The large size and low individual rigidity of the components, combined with much tighter tolerances, mean that any deviation, no matter how slight, has a direct impact on the structural safety and aerodynamic performance of the aircraft. This means that tooling should be regarded as a way to ensure absolute geometric control rather than merely as a fixture for assembly.

The large size of aircraft parts imposes the need for maximum safety requirements and total precision. The purpose of tooling in the aeronautical industry is not therefore merely to keep the piece secure but to ensure that its geometry remains unchanged throughout the entire production process. This involves designing systems capable of monitoring deformations and displacements of the order of tenths of a millimetre in structures that are several metres in size, where any variation would compromise the overall result.

Another key feature of aircraft tooling design is the emphasis on automation. Automation in sectors such as the automotive industry is geared towards using large numbers of robots to achieve very short cycle times, but the priorities are very different in aeronautics. The focus there is on using automation to ensure ergonomic processes, process repeatability and safe handling of heavy loads, particularly in environments where mobile jigs or large components are used. This approach reflects the very nature of the sector: lower production volumes, greater operational complexity and extremely high standards of quality and precision.

Aritex’s 60+ years’ experience in industrial engineering means that our approach to aircraft tooling design meets the industry’s highest standards. For this reason, our starting point is not the tooling itself but the end result that the part needs to present once it is assembled.

This approach means that we define the tooling design after a thorough study of the tolerance chain. Thanks to this analysis we can anticipate how each benchmark, support and contact point influences the final geometry of the assembly, and design the tooling so that it acts as an active ally in meeting the geometric requirements specified by the customer, rather than as an additional source of variability.

Proper management of the tolerance chain is one of the key aspects of aircraft tooling, and one that requires a high level of technical expertise. That’s why we as strategic suppliers to OEMs in the aeronautical sector are constantly working with advanced technologies that ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability throughout the entire production process.

The big technical challenge: rigidity vs. deformation

One aspect that most surprises any first-time visitor to the world of aircraft tooling is the relation between the weights of the part and the tooling.

In practice, this requirement leads to weight ratios that may seem peculiar to an outsider, since tooling and fixtures weighing several tonnes are used to position relatively light parts. The reason is not the load, but the need to achieve levels of rigidity that minimise deformation under every process condition.

What matters most in aircraft tooling design (and why weight is not the main criterion)

The thinking behind tooling is not to design it just to bear a load, but rather to prevent deformations. A clear example of this is a wing: when it’s placed in the tooling and weight is added during the assembly process, any bending may change its position and put the entire aircraft design at risk.

The aim of the tooling design in this case is to ensure a deformation lower than two tenths of a millimetre. To make this happen, the tooling has to be extremely rigid.

The main criteria in aeronautics are rigidity and geometrical precision. In this context, design focuses not so much on structural strength, which is implicit when such levels of rigidity are achieved, as on the tooling’s ability to maintain a stable geometry under loads, additional weights and variable assembly conditions. This approach is one of the key factors that sets aircraft tooling apart from other industrial sectors.

Materials and technologies used in aircraft tooling

The choice of materials for aircraft tooling is not determined by cost or availability, but primarily by their structural performance, dimensional stability and compatibility with the work piece throughout the entire process. Each material is chosen according to how it helps to maintain the final geometry:

Steel: the most commonly used material. Tough, economical, easy to manufacture and very stable for aircraft tooling design. Standard structural steels are used because they are so reliable.
Aluminium: mainly used in areas of contact with the part, as it is a soft material that leaves no marks nor causes deformation.
Special materials: carbon fibre or Invar, an alloy consisting mainly of iron and nickel, are used when there are major temperature changes in assembly plants or the tooling has to enter curing ovens. During the curing of composite parts, the thermal expansion of the part and the tooling must be closely matched. For this reason, in such cases, the tooling is manufactured using the same materials as the part itself.

Innovation and new opportunities

Although aircraft tooling has existed since the early days of the sector, new opportunities have emerged in recent years.

Additive manufacturing in aircraft tooling

Additive manufacturing opens up the way to designing optimised geometries that would be infeasible or inefficient with conventional processes. Its true value in aircraft tooling lies in combining design freedom with hybrid processes, where final precision is ensured through selective machining of critical surfaces.

We explored these hybrid solutions in projects such as MOLDAM, a collaborative project financed by EIT Manufacturing in which Aritex participated as an engineering solutions integrator: we manufactured tooling using additive methods with wider tolerances and then machined other surfaces.

This opens up the way to:

Cost reductions
Time savings
Increased precision and greater freedom of design in tooling for small parts with a lot of curves or complexity

New optimised horizons with artificial intelligence

Generative AI is clearly a leading trend, and it is poised to play a transformative role in the aeronautical engineering industry. Although there are currently no tooling design projects that exclusively use this technology, there are expectations that advanced models may at some point be automatically designed from input data. The value of the engineering will then be in effectively defining the data, criteria and validations.

As was the case with the change from manual calculations to software, technology does not replace knowledge, it broadens it.

Collaboration with the customer and continuous improvement

Designing aircraft tooling is a collaborative effort and this is undoubtedly one of the major advantages of this process. The customer participates actively in the process from the outset, in key milestones such as the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) and the Critical Design Review (CDR).

Weekly online reviews enable tremendous improvements to be made in meeting customer expectations and early detection of deviations.

And the job isn’t over when the tooling is delivered. Regular recertification plans need to be defined, and Aritex makes sure that the geometrical references are maintained over time. Then we create maintenance plans that are integrated into the design, in order to resolve any incident as quickly as possible. These plans are not only a part of our contribution to aeronautics projects, they are an integral feature of any sector that Aritex is involved in.

When challenges and opportunities come together

One point that most concerns new aeronautics engineers is the extensive cycles of innovation, redesign and learning in the sector, which can be from 10 to 15 years. For example, one of the most challenging projects for Aritex was the production cell for the wing stringers in the Airbus A350, developed between 2008 and 2010. It was a challenge because there were no previous references in the sector at that time. Everything was uncharted territory.

The aim behind explaining this case is to highlight just how much we have learnt from this type of project: advanced simulation methods, complex assembly processes and a global vision that can then be transferred to other sectors. Despite being projects where the challenge was to create something from scratch, they also offered the opportunity to convert the solutions we created into benchmarks for the entire aeronautical sector.

So our advice to young engineers is clear: the capacity for constant learning is a definite competitive advantage for specialists in aircraft tooling.

Aritex and the future of aircraft tooling

One can see therefore that Aritex operates as a strategic provider for major manufacturers like Airbus. Our role is not only to complete projects out, but also about partnering evolution in the sector, providing engineering, innovation and reliability where mistakes are not an option.

Designing aircraft tooling will continue to be one of the invisible but essential elements in the sector. Actually, the future of aeronautics lies at the crossroad of precision, technology, and human ingenuity.

In an industry where there is no margin for error, real value lies not just in the tooling itself, but in the ability to view it as part of the entire production system.

La entrada Aircraft tooling design: technical criteria, challenges and trends se publicó primero en Aritex.

AI in manufacturing automation: integration into design, programming and implementation

Maribel Jaramillo — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:30:16 +0000

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in industry is not merely a question of evolution from traditional automation. We at Aritex have already embraced this profound paradigm shift, which is redefining the way we conceive, design and operate production systems.

Because AI integrated into manufacturing automation means that engineers no longer work solely with predictable, explicitly programmed systems, but with environments capable of learning, adapting and anticipating. And the work teams we’ve adapted to this new way of working are better equipped to harness the full potential of AI.

Key AI developments for industrial automation

AI is causing three key global transformations in industrial automation:

A move from deterministic to adaptive systems
Changes from explicit programming to implicit learning
Reaction is being left behind and anticipation is taking its place

This has direct implications for highly automated sectors such as the automotive industry, where Aritex has extensive experience: more flexible plants, a greater emphasis on data, and the rise of hybrid roles that combine industrial expertise, software and analytics.

An engineer’s vision drives AI

The emergence of AI opens up a world of possibilities for industrial engineers. To begin with, AI will radically transform their role. Over the next 10–15 years, professionals who wish to add value will do so by drawing on in-depth structural knowledge based on:

A solid grounding in industrial processes, which is essential for putting any model into context
Control and automation know-how, to understand how physical systems interact
Analytical skills, including statistics and the basics of machine learning
A systemic mindset: a key element for integrating multiple disciplines into complex environments

Aritex’s experience shows us that AI does not eliminate the need for engineering; on the contrary, it enhances its capabilities. But it will also sideline those who are unable to incorporate it into their work.

That is why we are exploring the integration of AI-based features into our digitalisation processes, while also identifying the most suitable applications for each specific case and configuring the tools to make the most of artificial intelligence.

Current applications of AI in manufacturing

To begin with, the integration of AI agents into any in-house system is already bringing about a clear improvement in process optimisation, as they can capture data from the MES, the CMMS (maintenance), the WMS (warehouse management), etc., and provide immediate responses based on a large volume of data.

The automotive industry is one specific sector where AI is already making a tangible impact. It is integrated at many levels in the production process

Quality control with machine vision

One of the most established applications is the use of computer vision systems based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These systems enable to:

Detect defects in car bodywork (scratches, porosity, paint defects)
Check weld quality
Check assemblies
Identify dimensional deviations

Unlike traditional systems based on fixed rules and strict lighting conditions, AI utilises models trained on thousands of images that can recognise complex patterns.

The results are plain to see:

Reduced false positives
Detection of defects that are invisible to the human eye
Greater adaptability to new models without having to redesign the system

This enables 100% in-line inspection without affecting production rates, a key milestone in high-throughput environments.

AI-powered predictive maintenance

Another key feature today is data-driven maintenance. By applying machine learning models to variables such as vibration, temperature, electricity consumption and fault logs, it is possible to predict:

Faults in electric motors
Bearing wear
Tool wear
Issues with welding robots

The approach to industrial asset maintenance has now shifted from corrective-preventive maintenance to predictive maintenance. How? By using a CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) that monitors the ‘vital signs’ of the asset involved and schedules the necessary intervention when indicators reveal a pattern suggesting that a failure is likely.

The impact is significant: reduced unplanned downtime, an optimised spare parts inventory and improved OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

Process optimisation with AI

AI enables real-time adjustment of parameters to maximise efficiency in welding and assembly. Unlike traditional control systems that react to deviations, data-driven models:

Analyse large volumes of historical data
Identify ideal operating conditions
Replicate patterns of maximum efficiency

For example, a system can automatically adjust the power and route during laser welding processes to offset variations in the sheet metal, resulting in higher quality and less waste.

The key here is not just to monitor, but to learn continuously from the process.

A prime example of the challenges we face at Aritex is quality control on painting and machining lines for parts in the aerospace industry. We have been implementing Augmented Reality solutions for years, as we explained in this article . These systems are now enhanced by AI capabilities.

Smart and collaborative robotics

Industrial robotics is also evolving towards more flexible systems. Nowadays robots can:

Adapt to geometric variations
Identify parts using machine vision
Work alongside operators in shared environments (cobots)

This marks a departure from traditional robotics, which is characterised by highly structured environments and rigid programming. Robots now adapt their behaviour in line with sensor data and context, enabling greater flexibility in production.

Planning and internal logistics

AI also plays a key role in optimising production flows:

Dynamic production sequencing
Intelligent buffer management
Real-time resource allocation
Optimisation of AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) fleets

In ‘just-in-sequence’ systems, where timing is critical, even minor errors can lead to significant inefficiencies. Machine learning algorithms enable these systems to be stabilised and improve their resilience.

Future prospects for AI in industry: towards the fully integrated smart factory

AI is not only optimising what already exists, it also has the potential to completely redefine the industrial life cycle.

AI-assisted industrial design

Current design processes rely on CAD/CAE tools and simulations that use approaches such as the finite element method (FEM). However, AI is introducing new capabilities:

Advanced generative design

The engineer defines constraints (loads, materials, costs) and the AI generates multiple optimised solutions, many of which are counterintuitive.

Design-manufacturing integration

Systems will be able to design parts whilst taking actual production constraints directly into account: tolerances, welding processes or line variability.

This will enable a truly automated approach to design for manufacturing (DFM).

Industrial automation

One of the most disruptive changes will take place in programming:

Automatic generation of PLC code from functional specifications
Automated logical verification
Programming robots using demonstration-based learning

Instead of programming step by step, the operator will be able to demonstrate a task, and the system will learn how to carry it out.

Advanced Autonomous Robotics

The next step will be robotics capable of understanding context:

Flexible handling of unstructured parts
Adaptation to model changes without reprogramming
Greater autonomy in dynamic environments

This will bring about truly flexible production, where changeover times are reduced and adaptability is increased.

Autonomous maintenance

Maintenance will evolve from prediction – where it currently stands – towards autonomy:

Automatic root-cause diagnosis
Intervention planning without human intervention
Automatic spare-parts management
Dynamic production reconfiguration

The system will not only detect problems, but also make operational decisions.

Digital twins and AI

The combined concept of a digital twin and AI represents one of the greatest opportunities:

Real-time simulation of thousands of scenarios
Continuous planning optimisation
Assessment of investments prior to implementation
Redesign plant layouts

This will enable us to anticipate bottlenecks and validate changes before actually implementing them, thereby reducing risks and costs.

Introduction of new product lines

AI will also transform the engineering phase:

Automatic layout design
Optimised equipment selection
Accurate ramp-up estimation
Early identification of risks

Experience will continue to be a key factor, but it will be complemented by models trained with data taken from many previous projects.

Engineers in the Age of AI

The integration of AI into manufacturing automation is not a passing trend, but a structural transformation of the industry. It is changing the way we design, programme and implement production systems.

This presents opportunities and challenges for engineers. The opportunity to work with more powerful tools, capable of solving complex problems and significantly improving efficiency. It also creates the challenge of adapting to an environment where data, software and artificial intelligence are just as important as mechanics or electronics.

In this new landscape, the real value will not lie in knowing how to program a machine, but in understanding how to integrate intelligent systems into a complete industrial process. At Aritex, we can advise you on how to integrate these AI-based systems.

Because the factory of the future won’t just be automated: it will be smart, adaptable and predictive. And the engineer who leads that change will be the one who understands that AI is not just another tool, but the heart of the new wave of automation.

Aritex, a partner in AI-driven industrial digitalisation

La entrada AI in manufacturing automation: integration into design, programming and implementation se publicó primero en Aritex.

An overview of our participation at Advanced Factories 2026

Maribel Jaramillo — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:11:43 +0000

Advanced Factories 2026 has once again proved to be one of the industry’s major meeting points, a space for sharing real-world experiences and discussing automation, robotics and digitalization from a practical perspective. For Aritex Group, this edition has been particularly significant due to the quality of the meetings, the discussions that took place and the opportunity to share our vision with companies, clients, competitors and institutions within the sector.

Over the three days of the fair, we were present both at our stand and in various forums and content spaces, where we participated actively by sharing real-life case studies, applied solutions and lessons learned from highly demanding industrial projects.

Real solutions and conversations with the industry

The Aritex Group stand established itself as a meeting point for companies from various sectors, technical professionals and industry leaders. Throughout the fair, we welcomed numerous visitors interested in solutions already in use in production plants, particularly in the fields of robotic welding and augmented reality applications for industrial processes.

Discussions centred on very specific challenges: how to improve process quality, how to increase efficiency without losing flexibility, and how to incorporate automation progressively and safely. This approach is fully in line with the way we support companies, from engineering right through to start-up.

Participation in talks and forums at the event

Our presence at Advanced Factories 2026 went beyond the exhibition stand, as we participated actively in the event’s programme of content, offering insights based on actual industry experience.

From automation to excellence in robotic welding

Workshop Arena · 5 May | 10:30 h

Darío Álvaro, robotics and welding expert at Aritex Group, gave a presentation focusing on the evolution of robotic welding towards more precise, flexible and productive solutions. During the session, approaches were presented that integrate technologies such as laser welding and self-supporting cells, with a focus on smart automation aimed at improving process quality, safety and efficiency in real industrial environments.

Automation and robotics: industrial experiences

Orange Empresas Auditorium · 5 May | 17:30 h

At the Robotics and Automation Forum, Unai Martínez, expert in automatic drilling and riveting machines for the aeronautics industry at Aritex Group (Loxin), participated together with Abraham Martínez, Head of Tooling & Robotics at Airbus Getafe Plant, one of our most prominent clients.

The session examined a real-life case study of automation in high-demand environments, demonstrating how robotics and advanced automation are already standard practice in some of the world’s most advanced factories, improving productivity, safety and sustainability.

Distributed intelligence for industrial control: Edge + Cloud

Orange Empresas Auditorium · 6 May | 11:30 h

Guillem Pérez, digitalization expert at Aritex Group, took part in a round table discussion focusing on hybrid Edge + Cloud architectures. During the discussion, a practical perspective was shared on distributed intelligence applied to the control and analysis of industrial processes, highlighting the importance of integrating digitalization as a natural part of the production process.

A meeting point for the industrial and institutional ecosystem

During Advanced Factories 2026, the Aritex Group stand was also a meeting place for the ecosystem encompassing the industry, associations and institutions. Over the course of the three-day fair, we welcomed representatives from various companies, clusters, industry associations and institutions, in an atmosphere characterised by the exchange of experiences and the identification of potential avenues for collaboration.

As part of this, we welcomed the company tour organised by AMEC’s Acelera Pyme, which included a brief presentation of our company and our value as an engineering group, followed by a Q&A session with the participants. The companies in attendance showed particular interest in our robotic welding solutions and in augmented reality applications for industrial processes. All participants were also given a joint tour catalogue, facilitating more direct and efficient follow-up contact between companies.

We also welcomed a visit from members of the Àmbit Living Spaces – Industrial Processes cluster, who are also interested in automation solutions applied to industrial processes, particularly in the fields of welding and digitalization.

The fair also provided an opportunity to maintain contact with representatives from various institutions. Amongst others, our visitors included the Government of Catalonia’s Minister of Business and Labour, Miquel Sàmper, accompanied by the Barcelona City Council Commissioner for Economic Promotion, Trade, and the Restaurant Industry, Nadia Quevedo; Pol Gibert, the Government of Catalonia’s general secretary of Business and Labour; and Carles Miranda, Industry 4.0 & Sustainability Manager of ACCIÓ, the Government of Catalonia’s agency for business growth. We also received a visit from Jordi Hereu, Spanish Minister of Industry and Tourism, to whom we presented the activity of Aritex Group as an engineering group and our proposal for global solutions for the industry.

In this context, and as part of the Industry 4.0 Congress, we also received visits from representatives of different autonomous regions that took part in the industrial regions forum, such as Covadonga Toca (Galician Institute of Economic Promotion – IGAPE), Jaime Martínez (Madrid Region), Mariano Muñoz (Regional Government of Castile and León), Iñigo Arruti and Mikel Irujo (Government of Navarre) and María del Mar Paños (Government of Aragon), a sign of the shared interest in promoting automation, digitalization and the competitiveness of the industrial fabric at a regional level.

This series of visits highlighted Advanced Factories’ role as a conducive environment for connecting technology, industry and institutions, and for continuing to promote initiatives that strengthen industrial competitiveness through automation and innovation.

Meeting of the sector ecosystem: AER Assembly

Coinciding with Advanced Factories 2026, the Spanish Association of Robotics and Automation (AER), of which Aritex Group is a member, held its general assembly. The meeting brought together numerous representatives from the sector and provided an opportunity to review the association’s activities over the past year, the progress made through its working groups, and the consolidation of partnerships with leading international associations in robotics and automation. The fact that the assembly was held as part of a trade fair that has already established itself as a benchmark event in Spain once again highlighted the importance of these forums for strengthening collaboration within the industry. This is a particularly significant moment for Aritex Group, as our CSO, Carlos Méndez, is currently the association’s chairman-elect, reinforcing our commitment to the development of the industry.

Our review of Advanced Factories 2026

Advanced Factories 2026 has confirmed the importance of continuing to invest in well-integrated automation that is connected to the process and focused on generating real value. For Aritex Group, this year’s event was an opportunity to share expertise, strengthen relationships and continue to position ourselves as a technology partner capable of supporting companies in highly demanding industrial projects.

An event that, once again, reinforces the importance of dialogue between industry, technology and institutions to move towards more efficient, flexible and connected manufacturing.

La entrada An overview of our participation at Advanced Factories 2026 se publicó primero en Aritex.

Digitalization and automation in SMEs: how Aritex is democratising Industry 4.0 through ATX Robotics (part 1)

analytics@nal3.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:09:43 +0000

After more than six decades leading automation projects for large OEMs, in 2020 Aritex decided to transfer its expertise to the SME sector through a new division called ATX Robotics. A project that came about after observing that many small and medium-sized enterprises needed to automate their processes, but traditional large-scale projects were too costly and complex for their size and resources.

With this objective in mind, ATX Robotics seeks to bring high-precision engineering to smaller, more practical implementations, maintaining the quality of large projects but with technical facilities that are adapted to the budget and needs of each SME. Since its creation, ATX Robotics has transferred Aritex’s experience in large-scale projects to implementations tailored to medium-sized companies. Thanks to its modular and scalable solutions—such as robotic welding cells, CNC loading modules, and digitalization systems—companies can reduce downtime, improve the precision of their processes, and optimise resources, all with installations that are completed in a short deadlines.

Today, ATX Robotics brings digitalization and automation to SMEs, proving that technology can be profitable and useful by boosting productivity from the very first weeks of implementation.

From complex projects to accessible and scalable solutions

One of the main differences between working with large OEMs and SMEs lies in the type of projects. At Aritex, turnkey projects for large companies are tailor-made to meet the demanding requirements of each client.

Instead, ATX Robotics offers solutions tailored to the scale and budget of small and medium-sized enterprises, with a lower level of customisation, but always focused on practicality and rapid implementation, all based on the expertise of the Aritex engineering team.

Each product is designed based on an analysis of companies’ real problems, such as quality variations, production delays or a lack of specialised personnel. With this experience, ATX Robotics creates solutions that address these challenges.

Process optimisation at a new pace

Because of the technical complexity and demanding validation processes of large OEMs, Aritex projects tend to be developed in long cycles, often lasting more than a year. In contrast, ATX Robotics’ solutions are designed to be implemented in shorter timeframes, making it easier for SMEs to implement improvements comparable to those of large companies in a much shorter period of time. These projects, although smaller in scale, allow this type of company to access technologies that were previously only available to large corporations.

Benefits for SMEs inherited from OEMs

Aritex’s experience in large-scale automation and digitalization projects has shaped ATX Robotics’ way of working, which benefits from consistent know-how built on success and learning. We are involved in every stage, from initial assessment and definition of requirements to training and delivery to the customer, with after-sales services.

Therefore, our experience of working on large-scale projects helps to simplify solutions for small factories and to democratise significant competitive advantages. With Aritex’s knowledge, ATX Robotics has been able to design an optimised range of solutions. On the automation side, welding cells and robotized modular systems. On the digitalization side, MoM systems and augmented reality solutions. A translation and adaptation of everything SMEs need to adjust to an ideal competitive scenario.

Digitalization and automation in SMEs: tangible advantages for daily work

Digitalization and automation in SMEs not only bring improvements in their competitiveness but also offers them a number of benefits that can be seen from the very first months of implementation. In particular, reduced downtime, improved product quality and greater process reliability are some of the immediate benefits that SMEs experience when adopting advanced technologies.

The automation of repetitive tasks and processes such as CNC loading or materials management allows SMEs to optimise resources and increase operational efficiency.

Every SME works at its own pace: some produce in short runs, others require continuous cycles. To respond to this diversity, at ATX Robotics we have developed a range of compact, flexible and highly configurable equipment capable of handling the most demanding welding tasks: the ATX-Weld systems, ready for integration into a welding line.

Several of our models are also re-deployable, meaning they can be moved between factories or relocated within the same production plant without losing robot programming or process accuracy.

They all share the same philosophy: maximum ease of use, rapid integration into any production environment and guaranteed industrial reliability.

With the implementation of modular systems — whether robotized or digital—, augmented reality solutions and consulting services, ATX Robotics helps SMEs increase the quality of their products, reduce rework and improve the maintenance of their facilities with a data-driven predictive approach, resulting in greater long-term profitability.

ATX Robotics, a strategic partner for the digitalization of SMEs

One of the most significant challenges of digitalization and automation for SMEs is the fear of change and the lack of knowledge about how to implement these technologies in their day-to-day operations. That is why, at ATX Robotics, we focus on supporting our clients with close involvement, training, and ongoing advice, facilitating a safe and sustainable transition to automated industry.

We eliminate this barrier by offering specialised training and support, ensuring that companies not only receive a technological solution, but also the tools necessary to implement it successfully. Our constant support throughout the implementation process — know-how we have learnt directly from Aritex — ensures that companies do not face unforeseen events or unexpected technical difficulties.

ATX Robotics’ support helps SMEs to overcome their fear of change and ensures that the transition to automation is as smooth as possible. It also offers a support service to resolve any issues that may arise during the implementation process.

ATX Robotics, backed by Aritex, is transforming the way SMEs access automation and digitalization. Thanks to modular, accessible solutions and ongoing support, small businesses can improve their competitiveness with ease.

Would you like to explore this topic further? In the second part, we examine the main barriers that still hinder the digitalisation and automation of SMEs, as well as the trends that will shape their transition towards Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0.

Continue reading the second part on digitalisation and automation in SMEs.

La entrada Digitalization and automation in SMEs: how Aritex is democratising Industry 4.0 through ATX Robotics (part 1) se publicó primero en Aritex.

Aritex

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