CNH invests €21M in Modena simulation and logistics hub
CNH has inaugurated a €21 million advanced virtual simulation ecosystem and an automated AutoStore logistics warehouse at its San Matteo R&D hub in Modena, Italy. The new virtual simulation hub reduces development time by over 30%, while the automated logistics center ensures 24-hour parts availability for more than 1,200 dealers. This investment reinforces CNH's commitment to the Emilia-Romagna region and includes partnerships with the Università di Bologna and Unimore.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
CNH has inaugurated an advanced virtual simulation ecosystem and an automated AutoStore logistics warehouse at its San Matteo R&D hub in Modena, Italy, through a €21 million investment. This dual initiative accelerates product development and parts delivery across Europe by combining digital simulation with high-speed robotics. The investment aims to reduce development time, improve product quality, and ensure faster parts availability for customers in a challenging global market.
"In a challenging global market, speed and precision are critical. At San Matteo, we are combining advanced simulation with automated logistics to reduce development time, improve product quality, and ensure faster parts availability for our customers across Europe," said Markus Mueller, President, EMEA at CNH.
Virtual Intelligence Capabilities
The new simulation hub establishes a virtual-first methodology that identifies machine design anomalies early in the product lifecycle, quickening time-to-market by over 30%. Operating as an integrated digital twin, the ecosystem minimizes engineering risks, optimizes field validation, and reduces testing emissions across three technological pillars:
| Pillar | Description |
|---|---|
| Dynamic Simulator | A driver-in-the-loop system on an immersive 6-axis motion platform to test complex vehicle behavior prior to physical production. |
| Multi-Dyno Test Cell | A controlled environment validating advanced powertrain systems and electric hardware against virtual models. |
| Advanced Sensor Test Track | A high-repeatability benchmarking facility with full weather simulation to verify precision sensors and autonomous features. |
Physical Speed: Automated AutoStore Logistics
Complementing the virtual R&D hub is a state-of-the-art automated logistics center powered by an advanced AutoStore robotic retrieval system. This facility ensures parts availability within 24 hours for more than 1,200 dealers and workshops worldwide. The system delivers performance breakthroughs compared to traditional warehouses, including a reduction in retrieval time from 15 minutes to under 30 seconds, achieving up to 550 parts per hour.
Key Performance Metrics
| Metric | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Speed | Retrieval time reduced from 15 minutes to under 30 seconds; up to 550 parts per hour. |
| Efficiency | 70% higher storage density; 85% reduction in physical strain. |
| Sustainability | 93% annual energy savings vs previous system. |
Strategic Regional Impact
This milestone reinforces CNH's commitment to Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, known as the "Tractor Valley." To sustain this innovation pipeline, CNH drives open innovation through strategic academic and technical partnerships. These include a renewed 2026 framework agreement with the Università di Bologna and ongoing research collaborations with Unimore – Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia.
How will the 30% reduction in development time impact CNH's ability to compete in the rapidly evolving electric and autonomous agricultural machinery sectors?
Does CNH plan to replicate this integrated virtual and physical logistics model at its other R&D hubs globally?
What is the expected ROI timeline for the €21 million investment, particularly regarding the operational cost savings from the AutoStore system?
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