Siemens to work with Adidas on flexible manufacturing project

Through its so-called Speedfactory concept Adidas plans to use automation technology and flexible manufacturing technologies like robotics and 3D printing to enable localised and bespoke manufacturing of sports shoes: simplifying the supply chain and reducing the reliance on shipping.

The sportswear giant has already built a pilot plant in the Bavarian town of Ansbach and plans to begin production from the site later this year. It is also building a second facility in Atlanta in the US and ultimately plans to establish a global network of the nimble, new plants.

Siemens will be working with Adidas on the digitisation of the concept, and using its suite of so-called Digital Enterprise software tools to create a "digital twin" of the speedfactory which will allow the entire production process to be simulated, tested and optimised up front.

According to Siemens, merging the virtual and real worlds will help shorten the time to market, bring greater flexibility and provide improved manufacturing quality and efficiency.