Nissan North American Technical Center

Pioneering Automotive R&D with Programmable Motion Control

In 2004, Shenyang Weizhong Revolving Machinery Co., Ltd. achieved a global engineering first by delivering two 6-meter heavy-duty programmable turntables to the Nissan North American Technical Center in Detroit. Partnering with Smartstage Inc., Weizhong engineered the world’s first motion-control platforms specifically tailored for high-stakes automotive Research & Development.

These massive platforms, boasting a 20,000 kg (20-ton) load capacity, were designed to accommodate full-sized prototype vehicles and heavy testing equipment. The integration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) allowed Nissan’s engineers to automate rotations to precise, predetermined angles. This precision is critical for analyzing vehicle aerodynamics, structural aesthetics, and functional ergonomics from every possible degree without manual repositioning.

A distinctive feature of this project was the concrete top surface, engineered to integrate seamlessly with the technical center's industrial flooring. This provided a stable, vibration-free environment necessary for sensitive scanning and laser-measurement tools. By replacing manual processes with efficient, error-free automation, Weizhong’s technology significantly accelerated Nissan's prototyping cycles and enhanced design accuracy.

This landmark project solidified Weizhong’s reputation as a global innovator in industrial automation. By bridging heavy-duty mechanical engineering with advanced digital control, we continue to provide automotive giants with the tools needed to push the boundaries of vehicle design and innovation.

Industrial & R&D Turntable FAQ

Q: What is the maximum load capacity for Weizhong industrial turntables?

A: While the Nissan project required 20,000 kg, Weizhong can engineer heavy-duty rotating platforms capable of supporting up to 100 tons. Our reinforced substructures are custom-designed based on the specific PSI and static load requirements of your industrial or testing facility.

Q: How accurate is the PLC programmable positioning?

A: Our PLC-integrated systems offer high-precision angular accuracy (up to ±0.05 degrees). This allows for automated, repeatable testing sequences, which is essential for wind tunnel testing, 3D laser scanning, and photometric measurements in automotive R&D.

Q: Can the turntable surface be customized for industrial environments?

A: Yes. As seen in the Detroit project, we can provide integrated concrete finishes, heavy-duty steel plating, or recessed designs that allow your facility's existing flooring to be applied over the turntable structure for a seamless, flush installation.

Q: Does the system support integration with other R&D software?

A: Our control systems use open-architecture PLC protocols, making them compatible for integration with external testing software, measurement sensors, and remote monitoring systems via standard industrial communication interfaces.