Covestro and Haier in Cosmoplat digital appliance laboratory

Qingdao, Shandong – Covestro and Haier have launched a joint laboratory designed to help them digitise refrigerator production. It is based on Haier's Cosmoplat concept.

The lab will develop 'digital solutions for using polyurethane in appliance production', according to the companies.

They add that fully-automated, smart-production depends on precise characterisation of polyurethane used in the refrigerators. The companies hope that the lab will enable this to characterisation to be significantly improved.

The lab will focus on finding new, useful ways of collecting data and analysing it. It will also monitor foam quality and process work flows to continuously improve processes. Eventually, the lab will help to improve quality and lower the costs of making refrigerators. Haier said that this has happened in other areas where the Cosmoplat concept has been used.

Ulrich Liman is global head of research and development at Covestro. He said the joint laboratory would bring together 'comprehensive experience with polyurethane and foam technologies, while Haier brings its expertise in industrial automation and analysis of large volumes of data.'

Haier said it hopes the new lab will lead to 'customised solutions for diversified polyurethane applications.'

The chinese appliance maker has around 15 Cosmoplat initiatives. These include business areas such as clothing, agriculture, air conditioning and washing machines. They are based around data capture, close interaction between users, manufacturers and suppliers.