Robotics & Automation News

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bmw

BMW installs 294 robots in major upgrade of factory in Germany

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BMW has taken a significant step forward in its automation strategy with the commissioning of an expanded body shop at its Regensburg vehicle plant in Neutraubling, Germany.

The upgrade involved installing a total of 294 industrial robots into the facility – a clear signal of the company’s continued investment in high-efficiency, digitally integrated car manufacturing.

Spanning 40,000 square meters, the newly inaugurated body shop is designed to support rising global demand for the BMW X1 and BMW X2 models. [Read more…] about BMW installs 294 robots in major upgrade of factory in Germany

Embotech implements new automated marshalling capabilities in BMW factories

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Embotech, a provider of autonomous driving solutions for logistics, is partnering with with Outsight, a LiDAR software solutions provider, and Hesai, a LiDAR hardware manufacturer, to deliver cutting-edge LiDAR technology and perception software for Embotech’s AVM technology deployed in BMW facilities and known internally at BMW as Automated Driving In-Plant (AFW).

Within this AVN solution, Outsight plays a key role with its advanced LiDAR software platform that tracks the vehicle and the surrounding obstacles within BMW’s production facilities, while Hesai supplies its industry-leading LiDAR sensors, renowned for their accuracy and reliability, which act as the “eyes” of the AVM system.

Initially implemented for the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series in Dingolfing, is now also in use for the MINI Countryman and other BMW models manufactured in Leipzig. [Read more…] about Embotech implements new automated marshalling capabilities in BMW factories

Common ground: Are mobile robots technologically the same as autonomous cars?

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For a long time, I’ve been wondering if an autonomous mobile robot – those small wheeled boxes you see moving shelf units and other items in warehouses – could be increased in size, then fitted with a car chassis and body, with a couple of seats inside, and marketed as a road-going, passenger-carrying autonomous vehicle. 

Yes, of course, some serious design refinements of the sketched out idea above would be required and a torrent of regulations would have to be navigated, but beyond that, the internal technologies would not need to change much because, fundamentally, they are the same. Right? Or not?

Actually, I don’t know. I’m not an engineer. But from what’s called a high-level perspective, both AMRs and autonomous vehicles are essentially the same thing or at least perform the same function – carry goods and people around autonomously. [Read more…] about Common ground: Are mobile robots technologically the same as autonomous cars?

BMW awarded CE certification for its iFactory autonomous car facility

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The BMW Group has been awarded the highly-prized CE certification for its automated driving “in-plant” – at Dingolfing, in Germany.

BMW is systematically advancing the digitalisation and automation of its production processes within the BMW iFactory framework.

Since 2022, the company has been testing “Automated Driving In-Plant” (AFW) for new vehicles at its largest European plant in Dingolfing. [Read more…] about BMW awarded CE certification for its iFactory autonomous car facility

Autopilots in cars. What does the future hold for us?

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In modern life, a car is one of the most necessary things in our life, because it gives a sense of freedom and choice, which is so necessary for a sense of personal security and importance.

Therefore, car manufacturers are constantly trying to surprise their customers by adding new functions and technologies to their cars. Thus, the autopilot system begins to flood the car market, making the life of drivers much easier.

Among the main players in the self-driving car market are such popular manufacturers as Tesla, Waymo, General Motors, Ford, and BMW. Each of them is actively working on the modernization and improvement of autopilot systems in order to meet the needs of consumers as efficiently as possible.

[Read more…] about Autopilots in cars. What does the future hold for us?

Maintenance Matters: Tips for Keeping Your Used BMW Running Smoothly in Philadelphia’s Varied Climate

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Owning a BMW is a commitment to precision engineering and unparalleled performance. With its diverse climate, Philadelphia poses unique challenges for car owners, especially those with high-end vehicles like BMWs.

The city’s weather can take a toll on your prized possessions, from scorching summers to icy winters. To ensure your used BMW continues to deliver optimal performance and retains its aesthetic appeal, it’s crucial to adopt a proactive approach to maintenance.

In this article, we’ll explore valuable tips to keep your used BMW running smoothly in Philadelphia’s varied climate, allowing you to enjoy the open road’s thrill without compromising comfort and safety. [Read more…] about Maintenance Matters: Tips for Keeping Your Used BMW Running Smoothly in Philadelphia’s Varied Climate

Figure to supply ‘general purpose’ humanoid robots to BMW Manufacturing

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Figure, a California-based company developing autonomous humanoid robots, has signed a commercial agreement with BMW Manufacturing to install general purpose robots in automotive manufacturing environments.

Figure says its humanoid robots enable the automation of difficult, unsafe, or tedious tasks throughout the manufacturing process, which in turn allows employees to focus on skills and processes that cannot be automated, as well as continuous improvement in production efficiency and safety.

Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of Figure, says: “Single-purpose robotics have saturated the commercial market for decades, but the potential of general purpose robotics is completely untapped. [Read more…] about Figure to supply ‘general purpose’ humanoid robots to BMW Manufacturing

BMW unveils first battery cell coating line at Leipzig factory

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BMW Group Plant Leipzig’s first cell coating line has gone into series operation as e-component production at the site continues to gain momentum.

By 2024 the two existing module assembly lines will be complemented by a third, as well as four more cell coating lines and two more high-voltage battery assembly lines. The four coating lines will enter series operation during the course of this year at roughly two-month intervals.

Markus Fallböhmer, head of battery production at the BMW Group, says: “From 2024 our plant here in Leipzig will be able to run the entire process chain for high-voltage battery production. [Read more…] about BMW unveils first battery cell coating line at Leipzig factory

BMW’s idealworks partners with Linde Material Handling

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Cutting-edge improvements in technology, such as autonomous mobile robots, have been and continue to be the driving force behind automation.

Not least due to their flexible range of applications, AMRs have increasingly been taking over transport tasks in intralogistics. By collaborating with Linde Material Handling, idealworks – a business unit of auto giant BMW – is gaining an important international sales and service partner.

Linde Material Handling, a Kion Group company, is a globally active manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse technology equipment as well as a provider of services and solutions for intralogistics. [Read more…] about BMW’s idealworks partners with Linde Material Handling