BMW has unveiled a groundbreaking autonomous truck equipped with light detecting and ranging (Lidar) sensors, designed to navigate through the Regensburg press plant at a steady speed of 4 km/h. The advanced 3D Lidar technology scans the environment to create a detailed 3D map, enabling precise autonomous movement within the facility.
BMW claims this system is unique, with no comparable solutions currently available worldwide.
“We see tremendous potential in the rollout of autonomous logistics solutions,” said Tobias Müller, press plant maintenance manager at BMW Group Plant Regensburg. “The emission-free electric vehicle will allow us to make manufacturing processes at our press plant even more efficient and more flexible, as well as reducing transport journeys and lead times. This will not only boost productivity, but also save energy and improve occupational safety for our employees.”
This autonomous platform truck represents the latest innovation in BMW’s connected iFactory strategy, which aims to revolutionize car production. Other initiatives under this strategy include the deployment of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to transport steel blanks and panels at the Swindon press facility in the UK and the use of a data cloud for managing autonomous logistics at the Landshut component plant.
The Regensburg plant processes approximately 1,100 tonnes of steel daily, producing 131,000 pressed parts across 113 different vehicle body components. This process generates around 80,000 tonnes of offcuts annually, which are recycled. A dedicated recycling press compacts these offcuts into 40x40cm steel cubes, which are then sent to the steel supplier for reprocessing into secondary steel. This recycling initiative has enabled BMW to reduce carbon emissions by two tonnes for every tonne of steel produced.
By integrating these advanced technologies and sustainable practices, BMW continues to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve safety within its manufacturing processes.
Related Topics:
