2023 prius..Hybrid Reborn, interview w/chief engineer Satoki Oya

They actually have a screwing robot, which probably perfects the torque. I didn't see it in the BMW video.

 

It would the same in a Toyota factory. They use multi torque tools that do several passes automatically. They tighten to one set torque, then tighten to progressively tighter settings. The worker just needs to hold the trigger down until the toll reached the final fastener spec.

edit: took too long to post

That's exactly what the 'robot' is doing in the Toyota plant. The tech can be in a hand held tool.

PS: the snide response, how many BMWs have had their wheels fall off recently?

 

If you look closely, Toyota also has the hand-operated tool, but it is not doing what the robot is doing. The robot is clearly doing multipasses and taking its time, whereas the hand-operated tool is tightening in a single pass in a fraction of a second in both the BMW and Toyota videos. The BMW assembly line is also lacking the complexity, organization, and well-trained workers the Toyota line has.

 

Years ago, back when I still had cable, I was watching How it is Made. The subject product of the episode has been long forgotten, but do remember the tool the worker was using for installing fasteners. It looked just like any other impact wrench. When the trigger was pulled, it tightened down to a torque setting, briefly paused, then tightened down to the final torque spec. The worker just had to keep pressing the trigger.

This is old technology. The tool was likely one of the first. Maybe older than BMW's US factory. Maybe even tightening bolts on a '70s Corolla. Which would explain its bulk. If it ain't broke, why replace it? Of course, newer models will be smaller, lighter, and quicker. Perhaps the Toyota tool took its time to avoid uneven tightening from the wheel hanging free on the studs.

Comparing the two company process from the videos. In both, the worker lines up the wheel with the hub, and then the bolts or nuts are installed. That's it for the BMW. For Toyota, the worker then has to line up the nut tightening machine, so it can do its job. Which process costs more?

Amazing that you could tell all that from a 62 second video with no narration.

For the Mirai, the Toyota workers line up the wheel with a specialized hand jack, and use a power wrench, that must of come from the Japanese equivalent of Home Depot, to tighten the nuts individually. It must be shoddy work to your keen eye.

 

Take a closer look...

 

i actually like the smooth line of the windshield/hood on the prius more than the disconnected look on tesla

 

Then you'll love the Cybertruck's.

 

Plus, you can easily buy a Ferrari, but you can only get a Gen 5 Prius in your dreams. There will be more Ferrari units made in 2023 than Gen 5 Prius units.