Common Control Platform for automotive manufacturers

Atlas Copco’s new Common Control Platform helps address these challenges by providing a unified, future-ready architecture. The value of a single interface enables manufacturers to operate multiple Atlas Copco technologies through a single control environment. For automotive OEMs managing hundreds of tools across a line, this translates into measurable gains in productivity, quality, and operational agility.

Fully compliant with the EU Machinery Regulations 2023/1230 which come into force in 2027, the platform provides a modular security framework that streamlines approvals and certifications.

The Common Control Platform has been developed to integrate Atlas Copco’s 8000 series of automated joining solutions and all applications:

•     Self-pierce riveting
•     HyRev fastening
•     Adhesive dispensing, potting and bonding 
•     Robot guidance
•     Metrology solutions, including laser vision inspection and quality assurance.

Built on a secure standardised interface and a unified HMI, the platform differentiates each technology’s specific features whilst sharing core architecture, whether in high-volume automotive production or the precision-driven assembly of power electronics components.

By consolidating disparate systems into one interface, the platform provides lower CAPEX through common hardware, eliminates traditional silos and enables faster commissioning, lowers TCO via simplified maintenance, and reduces training requirements.

The platform directly addresses core production challenges by enabling faster line integration through a unified control system that accelerates the deployment of new tools and line modifications while reducing training requirements. It also improves uptime by providing centralised monitoring that supports predictive maintenance and faster fault identification, helping to minimise costly downtime.

In addition, the platform enhances operational consistency through standardised control logic delivered via a common motherboard, ensuring stability across production stations and supporting quality assurance in high-volume automotive manufacturing environments.

Unified HMI

Utilising a web-based Human Machine Interface (HMI), the Common Control Platform provides users with a consistent experience across Atlas Copco joining technologies. The HMI features light and dark modes, offers intuitive navigation and requires no installation.  

As a unified interface, the platform reduces training time and  minimises user errors. By providing familiar and streamlined interface, the platform empowers operators to work more efficiently and confidently.

Link to data driven services

A Common Data Model provides a unified data structure which enables seamless integration with MES systems, data lakes or customer applications.  Atlas Copco’s ACDC Unify solution offers a single access point, application programming interface (API) and a normalised data model for all controllers.  This results in reduced engineering effort by avoiding integration errors and ensuring consistent, high-quality production data.  

By standardising and structuring data at source, the solution also creates a future ready foundation for advanced analytics, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications as part of the overall production environment.

Manufacturers benefit from simplified connectivity and the use of standard interfaces such as OPC UA and MQTT.  This solution provides a scalable foundation for traceability, monitoring and analytics, such as Atlas Copco’s ALTURE system.

Cybersecurity focus

Based on IEC 62443, the international series of standards for the cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), the platform provides a modular security framework that streamlines approvals and certifications:

• Complies with the EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 by 2027
• Supports the EU-wide NIS2 Directive (EU 2022/2555) for cybersecurity
• Supports the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) through a secure-by-design approach and a standardised software stack.

Overall, the platform delivers secure communication protocols across devices, with centralised access control and user management to reduce the surface for cyber threats.

This approach aligns with the broader shift toward secure-by-design industrial automation, helping OEMs protect both production continuity and sensitive manufacturing data.

Atlas Copco equipment already demonstrates conformity with these directives through CE and UKCA compliance processes, ensuring alignment with essential health and safety requirements. 

www.atlascopco.com