Munich, Germany – The BMW Group is scaling up its Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW) technology to revolutionize production processes under its BMW iFACTORY framework. Following successful trials at its Dingolfing plant, AFW is moving into series operation and being introduced at the Leipzig plant, with further global rollouts planned.
The technology enables new BMW and MINI vehicles to navigate autonomously within production facilities, enhancing efficiency and logistics. Vehicles in Dingolfing now traverse more than a kilometer from assembly halls to the finishing area without drivers, guided by one of Europe’s largest LIDAR infrastructures.
A cloud-based system, equipped with advanced sensors and movement planners, directs the automated movements regardless of vehicle specifications.
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A Leap Forward in Production Automation
“Automated Driving In-Plant optimizes our production process and delivers significant efficiency gains for our logistics,” said Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production. “That is why we will be swiftly rolling out this technology throughout our production network.”
Dingolfing’s operations, which already include BMW 5 Series and 7 Series vehicles, will soon be matched by Leipzig, where AFW will cover around 90% of BMW and MINI models. Additional plants, including Regensburg and Oxford, are slated to adopt the system in 2025, with the new Debrecen facility in Hungary integrating the technology from its launch.
Expanding Capabilities and Future Applications
BMW plans to extend the use of AFW to outdoor distribution areas and testing zones, supported by in-house technology development. The system’s reliance on external infrastructure is expected to decrease as on-board vehicle technologies advance.
In collaboration with Embotech AG, a Swiss startup partnered through the BMW START-UP Garage initiative, BMW has been refining this cutting-edge approach. The group anticipates logging millions of test kilometers with the system over the next decade, continually advancing its capabilities.
“By setting new benchmarks in automation and digitalization, we are paving the way for future autonomous driving applications,” Nedeljković added.
This innovation aligns with BMW’s vision for an interconnected and highly automated production network, underscoring its commitment to leading the automotive industry in digital transformation.
Source: BMW Group Revolutionizes Production with Automated Driving for New Vehicles
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