In 2023, LG’s manufacturing facility in Clarksville, TN, where it manufactures front- and top-load washing machines as well as dryers became a lighthouse factory.
Charles Lonergan, Director of Manufacturing at LG, said a lighthouse factory is recognized by the World Economic Forum for its role in shaping the future of manufacturing through the use of various technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and robots.
By implementing these technologies and automating various processes, manufacturers like LG can achieve improvements in safety, efficiency and productivity.
For example, Lonergan said robots are deployed for complex or hazardous operations in the Tennessee facility, such as heavy lifting and welding. “This maximizes safety and precision in our factory,” he said.
In this interview with Power & Motion, Lonergan discusses how the technologies employed in LG’s lighthouse factory help improve its manufacturing operations and the role 5G is playing in the automation of its processes.
About the Author
Sara Jensen
Executive Editor, Power & Motion
Sara Jensen is executive editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies.
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