Abstract: The disclosed composite structure provides a reinforced thermoplastic polymer composite part with a high-quality surface finish. This may be used as a vehicle part or body panel, such as an interior vehicle part or exterior body panel. Additionally, the surface finish may be coloured, such that the surface does not need to be painted or wrapped to achieve a desired surface colour, and the surface may protect inner layers from UV radiation, either by virtue of the material of the surface itself, or the incorporation of a UV-absorbing additive. Specifically, the disclosed composite structure comprises a structural layer comprising reinforcing fibres, such as glass or carbon fibres, and a thermoplastic body polymer. The structure further comprises a surface layer providing a surface finish to the composite structure, the surface layer comprising a thermoplastic surface polymer substantially free from reinforcing fibres.

Abstract: A vehicle robotic production environment, in which the environment hosts robotic agents that are organised as groups of cells, each cell with no more than 10 robots. One group of robotic cells transforms fabric into vehicle composite panels and other parts, eliminating the need for steel panel pressing equipment. Other robotic cells assemble at least portions of a vehicle together from modular components, such as aluminium extrusions. Each cell is served by AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), eliminating the need for a costly moving production line. The robotic production environment can be implemented or installed in a factory that is less than 25,000 square meters in area, with a conventional flat concrete floor that has not been strengthened for a vehicle body panel stamping press. Conventional vehicle production plants are typically over 1M square meters in area, with specially strengthened concrete floors.