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CNH Establishes Simulation Center and Automated Warehouse in Italy
CNH has invested €21 million in a virtual simulation ecosystem and an automated AutoStore logistics warehouse at its Modena R&D facility.
www.cnh.com
CNH has inaugurated an advanced virtual simulation ecosystem and an automated AutoStore™ logistics warehouse at its San Matteo R&D hub in Modena, Italy. The dual €21 million investment is structured to accelerate product development lifecycles through digital simulation while optimizing supply chain execution via high-speed robotics.
Virtual Intelligence and Digital Twin Architecture
The new simulation hub introduces a virtual-first methodology engineered to identify machine design anomalies early in the product lifecycle, decreasing overall time-to-market by over 30%. Operating as an integrated digital twin, this ecosystem is designed to minimize engineering risks, optimize field validation protocols, and reduce testing emissions across three specific technological pillars:
- Dynamic Simulator: A driver-in-the-loop testing system mounted on an immersive 6-axis motion platform to evaluate complex vehicle behavior prior to physical prototype production.
- Multi-Dyno Test Cell: A controlled environment configured to validate advanced powertrain systems and electric hardware against virtual models.
- Advanced Sensor Test Track: A high-repeatability benchmarking facility equipped with full weather simulation to verify the performance of precision sensors and autonomous operational features.
Automated AutoStore Logistics
Complementing the virtual R&D infrastructure is an automated logistics center powered by an AutoStore robotic retrieval system. The system manages components inventory to provide parts availability within 24 hours for more than 1,200 dealers and workshops worldwide.
The automated facility provides specific technical performance metrics compared to traditional warehouse configurations:
Complementing the virtual R&D infrastructure is an automated logistics center powered by an AutoStore robotic retrieval system. The system manages components inventory to provide parts availability within 24 hours for more than 1,200 dealers and workshops worldwide.
The automated facility provides specific technical performance metrics compared to traditional warehouse configurations:
- Speed: Retrieval time is lowered from 15 minutes to under 30 seconds, supporting a throughput of up to 550 parts per hour.
- Efficiency: Storage density is increased by 70%, accompanied by an 85% reduction in physical strain for operators.
- Sustainability: The installation achieves a 93% reduction in annual energy consumption compared to the previous system layout.
Regional Integration and Academic Partnerships
This facility upgrade anchors CNH’s presence within Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, an industrial cluster designated as "Tractor Valley." To sustain its engineering pipeline, CNH maintains open innovation initiatives through strategic academic and technical partnerships. These include a renewed 2026 framework agreement with the Università di Bologna alongside ongoing research collaborations with Unimore (Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia).
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
This facility upgrade anchors CNH’s presence within Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, an industrial cluster designated as "Tractor Valley." To sustain its engineering pipeline, CNH maintains open innovation initiatives through strategic academic and technical partnerships. These include a renewed 2026 framework agreement with the Università di Bologna alongside ongoing research collaborations with Unimore (Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia).
Edited by Romila DSilva, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.
