Next2OEM Project: TE Connectivity Drives End-to-End Automation of Wiring Harness Production
TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors, was a key innovation partner in the now-completed Next2OEM project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) .
Project Scope:
The project addressed end-to-end automation of wiring systems along the entire value chain—from wiring harness production to installation in the vehicle. TE's input was particularly important in the early design of components and mechanical interfaces—a key requirement for stable, automated handling and integration into the overall process flow .
Key Insights:
The project demonstrated that even flexible components such as cable harnesses can be handled and assembled automatically using innovative design and process approaches. However, robust automation can only be achieved through the coordinated design of components, processes, and systems engineering—via clearly defined mechanical interfaces .
Real-World Transfer:
The results will be specifically transferred to series production processes for future vehicle platforms at TE. Findings will inform the further development of wiring harness components such as contacts and connectors to develop new products designed for automatic processing right from the start .
Stefan Glaser, TE product management director, stated: "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" .
