Summary
- New BMW and Mini models are being manufactured without human drivers behind the wheel
- Automated Driving In-Plant system is expanding to more BMW factories in Europe
- Finished vehicles are able to drive themselves on a predetermined course inside the factory
- Autonomous driving setup being used for models such as the i5, i7 sedans, and the new Mini Countryman
- System utilizes sensors, an environment model, and a movement planner to navigate through the factory autonomously
Article
BMW Group Expands Automated Driving In-Plant System to European Factories
The BMW Group is revolutionizing the automotive industry by implementing an Automated Driving In-Plant system at its factories in Europe. This innovative system allows brand-new BMW and Mini models to roll off the assembly lines without a human driver behind the wheel. Initially introduced as a pilot program at the Dingolfing factory in 2022, the system has since evolved and is now ready for series production duty. With this expansion, more BMW models, as well as the new Mini Countryman, will be driven autonomously around the factory.
Autonomous Driving Becomes Standard at BMW Factories
Thousands of BMW vehicles are now being assembled without drivers behind the wheel, thanks to the fully implemented Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) system. Starting at the Dingolfing factory, where the system was used on the latest i5 and i7 electric sedans, the autonomous driving setup is now being expanded to other factories in Europe. The Leipzig factory, for example, will see around 90% of its models driven autonomously off the assembly line. This cutting-edge technology will also be integrated into the Regensburg plant in Germany and the Oxford factory in the United Kingdom, with plans to introduce it at the new Hungarian factory in Debrecen.
BMW Pioneers Automation and Digitalization in Production
The main Dingolfing site showcases the capabilities of the Automated Driving In-Plant system, with freshly assembled cars driving a predefined route of over 0.62 miles without human intervention. Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, states that the BMW Group aims to log millions of test kilometers with this system over the next decade. This commitment to automation and digitalization sets a new benchmark for production processes and paves the way for future applications in autonomous driving technology.
Implications of Automated Driving In-Plant System for BMW
The Automated Driving In-Plant system utilizes a network of sensors and relies on an externally generated environment model and a movement planner. BMW boasts that this is the largest Lidar infrastructure in Europe, setting a precedent for advanced manufacturing processes in the automotive industry. The next phase of development will focus on expanding the system to other areas of production, such as testing zones and outdoor distribution areas, demonstrating BMW’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in manufacturing.
The Future of Autonomous Driving at BMW
As BMW continues to push the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, the Automated Driving In-Plant system represents a significant advancement in the automotive industry. By enabling vehicles to drive themselves on predefined courses within the factory, BMW is redefining the future of production processes. With plans to expand the system to more factories in Europe, the company is leading the way in automation and digitalization, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation in automotive manufacturing. The integration of autonomous driving technology into production processes demonstrates BMW’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.
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