Russia Launches Automated Wheel Assembly and Balancing Line

Russia’s automaker AvtoVAZ has introduced a new automated line for assembling and balancing wheels. The modern system feeds directly into the production conveyor, fitting wheels onto LADA Vesta and LADA Iskra vehicles. High production speed and built-in quality control systems are expected to support preparations for the launch of the new LADA Azimut crossover, Rostec’s press service told IT Russia.

When Tire and Rim Don’t Match

The new line can assemble a wide range of wheel sizes. In addition to the 15–17 inch diameters used on current models, the equipment can handle 18-inch wheels. This size will be used on LADA vehicles for the first time. A pilot batch of 18-inch wheels for the Azimut has already been produced and is being used to assemble and test prototype vehicles. Rostec said the line could process wheels up to 22 inches in diameter.

A key feature of the line is full automation combined with multi-stage quality control. Wheel assembly uses machine vision to automatically detect wheel size. Even lubricant application to the tire before mounting is automated, reducing the risk of damage. Tires are inflated using a rapid “blast” method with an automatic telescopic bell system.

Double-Checked Wheels

The system places particular emphasis on wheel balancing. Each wheel is checked twice – before and after balancing weights are installed. If deviations from required parameters are detected, the wheel is automatically removed from the production flow. No human intervention is required.

The use of fifth-generation robots and automatic reconfiguration within the line has increased productivity. A wheel is assembled every 12 seconds, about 1.5 times faster than the previous equipment.

Earlier, we reported that scientists at Saint Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation unveiled a modular industrial robot whose design can be adapted for a wide range of manufacturing tasks.