High technology
When Swiss robots are revolutionizing the production of shoes we
The brand inaugurates an automated mini-purpose in Zurich. Its four robots can produce shoes in three minutes, but their capacity remains marginal compared to Asian factories.
The Lightspray model of On is not sewn in Vietnam, but made in Switzerland. It only weighs 170 grams.
DR
- The Swiss company we are now making racing shoes in Zurich using four high-tech robots.
- A special spray process replaces sewing of the upper part of the shoe.
- However, Swiss production represents only a fraction of ON’s overall production.
Onthe Swiss sports shoe company created fifteen years ago, announces its intention to “bring industrial production to Switzerland”. To achieve this, the company has just set up four high-tech robots in its main headquarters located in Zurich-Ouest.
Each day, an industrial workshop makes LightSpray sneakers there. This high-tech racing shoe stands out for its innovative manufacturing process: its surface is neither woven nor sewn, but created directly by spraying thanks to a unique technique. This technology was presented a year ago. However, according to managers, it is only now, after four years of development, that mass production can begin.
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“It is a Swiss innovation for the whole world,” said co -founder Caspar Coppetti on Tuesday evening, during the inauguration of the new installation. Hundreds of guests from the economic and political world were present. Roger Federer, co -owner and brand ambassador, was not there, however.
The new ON, installed in Zurich, includes four robots and two printing machines.
DR
Here is how the process works: a filament (Editor’s note: a kind of thin plastic cord in the shape of a wire) 1.5 km long is sprayed on the sole, which continues to be made in Vietnam. The manufacturing process, which includes around 200 steps in the traditional sewing process, thus becomes more efficient and only lasts three minutes per shoe, explains the manufacturer.
But even if the four new robots worked continuously, their production would remain minimal compared to the vast Vietnamese factories, where thousands of workers are currently assembling the shoes, sold at premium prices. In permanent operation, these robots would make a maximum of 960 pairs daily, or approximately 350,400 annual pairs.
Zurich robots do not work at night
With a price of 380 francs as so far, this would make an annual turnover of 133 million francs. This is a fraction of the 2.32 billion francs in turnover that the Swiss brand achieved last year worldwide. Questioned on this subject, the company does not wish to comment on this information: “We do not give any indications on concrete production volumes.”
But one thing is certain: these figures will not be reached anytime soon. Indeed, for the moment, robots do not work overnight.
It is specified that, in addition to Zurich, other automated production sites are currently in planning. Ideally, the shoes could be made directly where they are purchased, whether in Paris, New York, Tokyo or Seoul. However, the sports shoe company has not yet achieved this goal. The robotic production of shoes remains, for the time being, a niche sector.
Translated from German by Olivia Beuhat.
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