Audi is working to improve the efficiency and flexibility of its factories by implementing new high-tech control systems for body-assembly machinery. More specifically, the automaker is deploying virtual programmable logic controllers. Codeveloped with partner firms Broadcom, Cisco, and Siemens, this new system will be tested in the body shop of four-ring brand’s Böllinger Höfe factory in Southwestern Germany, headquarters of the Audi Sport division and birthplace of the E-Tron GT all-electric luxury car.
New Logic Controllers Provide Numerous Benefits
Part of the Siemens Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) platform, those virtual programmable logic controllers are replacing hardware-based programmable logic controllers. OK, great. What the hell does that mean? Well, this shift provides a few benefits. The new technology enables adaptable, data-driven production, which should increase agility, efficiency, and security. Manufacturing flexibility should also be enhanced, and this system will help the factory stay current well into the future.
Additionally, vehicle production can be monitored in real time from just about anywhere. Updated software and new manufacturing capabilities can also be added to the factory and managed virtually.
Further explaining the what’s happening here, Cedrik Neike, CEO of digital industries and a member of the Siemens board of management said in a media release from Audi, “Controllers are the ‘brains’ of machines and factories. Now we are virtualizing these brains and bringing them to the cloud. This accelerates the digital transformation at Audi and increases agility, efficiency, and security in production.” The executive continued, “Together, we are taking automotive production to a new level and significantly strengthening competitiveness.”
Building Cars Is A Hugely Challenging Task
Building cars is no easy task. It typically costs billions and billions of dollars to introduce a new model, especially modern vehicles, which practically feature more computer code than a data center. With design and engineering it’s hard enough to meet safety, fuel economy, and quality standards while providing the styling and features customers want – figuring out how to efficiently assemble a car or truck so everything fits together properly and lasts for decades further complicates an already almost impossibly challenging process.
Still, Audi’s new manufacturing innovation should give the brand a big advantage. “We want to bring the local cloud for production to all plants and leverage advances in digital control systems in the process,” said Gerd Walker, Audi board member for production in the same press release. “The use of virtual programmable logic controllers in the body shop is an important productivity leap in our 360factory strategy for efficient and data-driven manufacturing.”
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