Audi Begins Using New Factory Automation Controllers, Claims Improved Productivity

Audi has introduced what it calls a revolutionary factory automation system using the world's first virtual programmable logic controllers, at its Böllinger Höfe body shop in South Germany. The solution, which leverages Audi’s Edge Cloud 4 Production (EC4P) platform, has an integrated “security function” developed especially by Siemens. Virtualisation software from Broadcom, including a completely new real-time industrial virtual switch, and industrial networking infrastructure from Cisco have also been used in the new facility. 

“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. We want to bring the local cloud for production to all plants and leverage advances in digital control systems in the process”, said Audi Board Member for Production, Gerd Walker, in a press statement.

Calling the new setup a “real-world laboratory for digital technologies”, Audi hopes to leverage real-time data to control and monitor production, making it quicker, more flexible and more efficient. Central management will allow Audi to easily roll out software updates to adjust features and functions at multiple locations. 

Using virtualised factory controllers instead of hardware-based programmable logic units allows the company to deploy a cloud-based solution, which it says is more agile, efficient and secure. Audi aims to expand this system to use it across multiple facilities, and eventually its entire global operations. 

The EC4P technology is currently being used to manufacture the body of an unspecified Lamborghini model at the Böllinger Höfe site’s Audi Sport production line. The company is already preparing to use the same technology for the new Audi A6 at its nearby Neckarsulm plant.