We started the day with a company visit to Aumovio. There, we learned about the technology behind products most people never think about. The company develops sensors, brake systems, chips, and software that help modern vehicles operate safely. Aumovio recently split from Continental AG, which completely transformed their assembly lines. Inside the facility, machines and robots completed the majority of tasks instead of humans. Aumovio claimed that robots do not get sick, take holidays, or have bad moods, which makes them more efficient for repetitive tasks.
In this case, automation also improved precision. Years ago, workers manually soldered individual boards by hand. This increased the chances of mistakes because human hands can be shaky and less consistent. Now, machines can solder around 200,000 pieces in an hour while maintaining incredible accuracy. Only about one in a million parts is considered insufficient. Seeing that level of precision made me realize how much engineering and quality control goes into everyday products that consumers rarely notice.
The visit raised questions for me about the future of automation. If robots continue to replace jobs that humans once performed, where will those workers go? Will they be able to find work in other places with their skillset if other companies are also incorporating more automation? While automation increases efficiency and quality in many cases, it also changes the role people play in manufacturing. The factory itself reflected this shift. It was one of the cleanest and most sterile facilities we visited. We wore booties and lab coats to reduce static electricity and protect the equipment. Machines also required constant maintenance because they operated 24/7.
Later, we walked through Regensburg which became my favorite city in Germany so far. For lunch, I grabbed a bratwurst with sauerkraut from a to-go stand. At the stand, I interacted with visitors from the United States, and even tried to help Chinese tourists place their order. The city felt lively and diverse despite its old history.
We had a guided tour through the town hall. There, I learned about the gatherings, music events, and meetings with emperors that took place in each room. However, the most shocking part of the building was not its age. It was the prison and confession chambers in the basement. I learned that criminals who committed petty crimes had to face public ridicule, while serious criminals were tortured until they confessed. After their confession, they were sentenced to death by beheading. It was unsettling to hear that some innocent people confessed simply because the pain was unbearable.
I ended my city tour with a trip to the cathedral. It was beautifully crafted with its towering structure and stained glass windows. Coming from the United States, which is such a young country, it is amazing to stand in places that are hundreds of years old.
When we visit Audi tomorrow, I am interested to see how much automation they’ve incorporated into their process, and how it compares to the other factories we’ve seen so far.
