Advancements in Airbag Technology: PIA Automation’s Innovative Production Line
As global automotive safety regulations become more stringent and new energy vehicle configurations continue to evolve, airbags are undergoing a new wave of technological iteration. On June 11, Ningbo PIA Automation Holding Corp., a subsidiary of Joyson Holding, announced that it had secured an order from a prominent international Tier-1 automotive supplier for a driver airbag (DAB) assembly and testing line. This line represents China’s first fully automated production system utilizing a rotary-type folding mechanism.
The new production line is designed for the latest generation of airbag products, which feature updated materials and performance specifications. These advancements place higher demands on production processes and technical precision. One of the key innovations of the line is the adoption of a multi-station rotary folding system, replacing the traditional single-station flip-folding method. This upgrade enhances the accuracy and stability of the folding process while significantly improving assembly speed, leading to gains in efficiency and product quality.
In addition, the line is equipped with PIA Automation’s proprietary hot-air welding solution for airbag label attachment. The company has applied aerodynamic modeling in designing the welding fixtures to ensure rapid and uniform shaping of the products. A fuzzy-PID algorithm has been implemented for temperature control during the welding process, enhancing temperature precision and ensuring consistent weld quality.
With safety regulations becoming stricter and configuration upgrades becoming a key selling point for new energy vehicles, the global airbag market is expected to see growth in both volume and value. According to QYResearch, the global airbag market is projected to expand from USD 12.78 billion in 2024 to USD 14.46 billion by 2031.
PIA Automation is focused on increasing the share of standardized products in its portfolio and has developed a dedicated automation solution for airbag folding, supporting sizes from 1.2 to 3 meters. Standardized solutions offer advantages such as predictable production cycles, easier cost estimation, and fixed process flows. The company plans to further increase the proportion of standardized product sales to achieve a balance in quarterly revenue and profit distribution.
Overall, PIA Automation’s innovative production line represents a significant advancement in airbag technology, showcasing the company’s commitment to excellence and efficiency in meeting the evolving demands of the automotive industry.
