FANUC lands global robot deal with Volvo Cars

FANUC has signed a contract with Volvo Cars to supply industrial robots to the automotive manufacturer’s plants across the globe, including its new battery production facilities in Europe, Asia and America.

The first phase of the deal will see FANUC supply more than 700 robots to a planned new manufacturing site in Kosice, Slovakia, where Volvo Cars expects the first vehicles to roll off the production line in 2026. During the same phase, FANUC will also supply robots to sites in Ghent, Belgium, and Daqing, China.

“Volvo Cars was looking for a long-term partner in factory automation, and we are proud that we will now shape the future of the automotive industry together,” says Marco Ghirardello, President and CEO of FANUC Europe.

Volvo Cars plans to produce only electric vehicles from 2030 and achieve CO2 neutrality by 2040. Its new carbon-neutral Slovakian manufacturing facility will be the company’s first site to exclusively manufacture electric vehicles, and FANUC is delighted to be able to contribute to its sustainability credentials.

“The fact that our robots consume little energy, are extremely durable and enjoy unlimited maintenance makes us an attractive partner for companies that want to operate sustainably,” says Ralf Völlinger, General Manager Robot Business Division of FANUC Europe.