Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* held today the 10th annual edition of its Factory Booster Day at the Conner Center – aka Conner Avenue Assembly – in Detroit. This year’s event saw 80 invited participants showing more than 100 “solutions” aimed at transforming the future of industrial operations.
“Factory Booster Day is not just an event, it’s a reflection of our manufacturing culture and global collaboration,” said Tim Fallon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Stellantis Production Way. “By empowering our teams and partnering with startups and suppliers, we co-create smart solutions that drive quality, agility and sustainability across Stellantis.
“Together, we are building the future of manufacturing. Through an Open Challenge process, plant leaders invited suppliers and startups to pitch ideas for improving manufacturing processes, making Factory Booster Day a global showcase for practical, forward-thinking solutions delivered through both physical and virtual demonstrations,” said Fallon.
Of Interest and Importance? The 2025 Innovation Awards
The awarded projects included advancements in predictive maintenance, the use of virtual reality for retooling production lines, innovative monitoring of paint ovens, optimization of material thickness in Body-in-White, the development of a new ski hemming process for welding, and the design of quiet gears to enhance the customer experience in battery electric vehicles.
Predictive Maintenance in Paint Shops
“A highlight from the 2024 Factory Booster Day is the deployment of an AI-powered predictive maintenance system in North American paint shops, developed in collaboration with KCF Technologies. By leveraging real-time sensor data from critical assets—including pumps, fan units, and oven exhaust systems—the system identifies emerging issues and prioritizes maintenance needs, empowering teams to act proactively to minimize disruptions. This technology has already delivered measurable improvements in uptime, reliability and preventing costly breakdowns. This project underscores Stellantis’ commitment to harnessing advanced AI solutions for greater efficiency, cost savings, and operational excellence,” Stellantis said.
Artificial Intelligence Part Verification
“KEYENCE showed its IV4 smart-camera system with integrated AI that is now in operation at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson, performing 100 inspections per vehicle or over 50,000 inspections per day. The solution ensures every fastener is installed, delivering real-time feedback to operators through in-station displays and automated repair alerts.
“The IV4’s all-in-one design—featuring built-in lighting, lenses, and AI-powered functions such as triggering, object tracking, and inspection, drives adaptability, accuracy, and long-term stability on the line. In partnership, Stellantis developed an AI Agent Tracker to provide daily performance analytics post-deployment. This data-driven feedback loop enables precise camera tuning, supports continuous improvement and lays the foundation for broader rollout across trim, chassis and engine line applications.
VR Forklift Training Simulator
“Successfully implemented at the Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant, the Forklift Simulator was selected for Factory Booster Day 2025 as a standout example of Stellantis’ drive to integrate advanced technology into manufacturing. This virtual reality training solution immerses operators in realistic scenarios, allowing them to develop essential skills and muscle memory in a safe, controlled environment. This deployment supports Stellantis’ commitment to a safe work environment, empowering teams to proactively address risks and uphold the highest safety standards across operations,” Stellantis said.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Stellantis Factory Booster Day Held in Detroit
Stellantis (NYSE: STLA. STLAM.MI)* held today the 10th annual edition of its Factory Booster Day at the Conner Center – aka Conner Avenue Assembly – in Detroit. This year’s event saw 80 invited participants showing more than 100 “solutions” aimed at transforming the future of industrial operations.
“Factory Booster Day is not just an event, it’s a reflection of our manufacturing culture and global collaboration,” said Tim Fallon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Stellantis Production Way. “By empowering our teams and partnering with startups and suppliers, we co-create smart solutions that drive quality, agility and sustainability across Stellantis.
“Together, we are building the future of manufacturing. Through an Open Challenge process, plant leaders invited suppliers and startups to pitch ideas for improving manufacturing processes, making Factory Booster Day a global showcase for practical, forward-thinking solutions delivered through both physical and virtual demonstrations,” said Fallon.
Of Interest and Importance? The 2025 Innovation Awards
The awarded projects included advancements in predictive maintenance, the use of virtual reality for retooling production lines, innovative monitoring of paint ovens, optimization of material thickness in Body-in-White, the development of a new ski hemming process for welding, and the design of quiet gears to enhance the customer experience in battery electric vehicles.
Predictive Maintenance in Paint Shops
“A highlight from the 2024 Factory Booster Day is the deployment of an AI-powered predictive maintenance system in North American paint shops, developed in collaboration with KCF Technologies. By leveraging real-time sensor data from critical assets—including pumps, fan units, and oven exhaust systems—the system identifies emerging issues and prioritizes maintenance needs, empowering teams to act proactively to minimize disruptions. This technology has already delivered measurable improvements in uptime, reliability and preventing costly breakdowns. This project underscores Stellantis’ commitment to harnessing advanced AI solutions for greater efficiency, cost savings, and operational excellence,” Stellantis said.
Artificial Intelligence Part Verification
“KEYENCE showed its IV4 smart-camera system with integrated AI that is now in operation at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Jefferson, performing 100 inspections per vehicle or over 50,000 inspections per day. The solution ensures every fastener is installed, delivering real-time feedback to operators through in-station displays and automated repair alerts.
“The IV4’s all-in-one design—featuring built-in lighting, lenses, and AI-powered functions such as triggering, object tracking, and inspection, drives adaptability, accuracy, and long-term stability on the line. In partnership, Stellantis developed an AI Agent Tracker to provide daily performance analytics post-deployment. This data-driven feedback loop enables precise camera tuning, supports continuous improvement and lays the foundation for broader rollout across trim, chassis and engine line applications.
VR Forklift Training Simulator
“Successfully implemented at the Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant, the Forklift Simulator was selected for Factory Booster Day 2025 as a standout example of Stellantis’ drive to integrate advanced technology into manufacturing. This virtual reality training solution immerses operators in realistic scenarios, allowing them to develop essential skills and muscle memory in a safe, controlled environment. This deployment supports Stellantis’ commitment to a safe work environment, empowering teams to proactively address risks and uphold the highest safety standards across operations,” Stellantis said.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.